Travel to Belfast

Belfast City Hall

Back in June 2008, I decided to travel to Belfast for the day on RyanAir. At the time, the cost to fly there was less than a train ticket from Cambridge to London. I left early in the morning and came back the same night. Therefore, I only had a chance to get a brief introduction to the city. I had always been curious to see the city that built Titanic. Also, I had heard a lot about it when there were IRA terrorist bombings during the Troubles. It was surprising to see that there were still a lot of opposing political murals, and walls between Nationalist and Unionist areas.

I would like to go back to Belfast, especially to see the Titanic Museum and also some more of the other museums. This is a very brief guide based on my travel to Belfast.

Belfast shipyard
Belfast shipyard
Northern Ireland Parliament
Northern Ireland Parliament
Queen's University, Belfast
Queen’s University, Belfast

Highlights

Before you go

  • Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom
  • The official currency is British Pound Sterling
  • The Troubles (Irish: Na Trioblóidí) were conflicts between Nationalists and Unionists in Northern Ireland that lasted about 30 years from the late 1960s to 1998
  • Sadly there were a lot of terrorist bombings during the troubles and memorial plaques can be seen on some buildings
Albert Memorial Clock
Albert Memorial Clock
Crumlin Road Courthouse
Crumlin Road Courthouse ruins
Ulster Volunteer Force, Loyalist group
Ulster Volunteer Force, Loyalist group

Transport

Accommodation

  • Since I was only there for a day trip, I did not stay in any accommodation. However, I recommend checking a site such as Booking.com
Ulster Defence Association street art
Ulster Defence Association street art
View from the Belfast Wheel, sadly dismantled in 2010
View from the Belfast Wheel, sadly dismantled in 2010
Belfast political street art
Belfast political street art

FAQs

Q: Do I need a tour guide?

A: No, it is easy to get around the city without a guide. However, to hear more about the history and experiences during the Troubles, it would be interesting to have a guide.

Q: Do people speak English?

A: Yes, everyone speaks English

Q: Is it a walkable city?

A: Yes, in the main city centre is is walkable. However, I recommend the bus to see more of the sights around the city

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