Drawn by its vibrancy, warmth and charm, increasing numbers of visitors are coming from around the world to make Belfast one of the most popular city break destinations in Europe. The city is compact enough to walk around and has so many attractions that it's difficult to get round them all in one weekend, so here is a short synopsis of the Best of Belfast.
Music
The whole of Ireland has a thriving live music scene and Belfast is no exception, from traditional Irish, to Rock, Alternative punk and dance, Jazz and Blues, there is something for everyone every night of the week. The Limelight is probably one of the best places to see new talent before they break through into the big time. The famous Belfast band Snow Patrol had their first major gig here, as did many other now world renowned artists including Nirvana, Oasis and The Manic Street Preachers. Just around the corner on The Dublin Rd is Auntie Annie's bar, and most nights singer/songwriters get a chance to show their talents in the downstairs bar for free, while more established bands play upstairs. Pick up a copy of Alternative Ulster in any newsagents for up to date information of all venues and gigs or come in July for the Tennant's Vital festival, a four day long outdoor event featuring all the best bands of the moment such as The Killers, Kaiser Chiefs, Muse etc
In February, the recently developed 'Cathedral Quarter' plays host to the Nashville Songwriters Festival, celebrating the links with Nashville and Belfast, of which there are many, through a host of live gigs. Lovers of Bluegrass and Jazz come from all over the country to the event and return year after year. Regular Blues and Jazz nights are also run by many other bars including White's Tavern, The Spaniard and the Kitchen, all within the city centre.
For lovers of Classical music come to the St Patrick's day concert in the stunning Waterfront hall (17th March), or to the Belfast Festival at Queen's university in October where you can listen to the Ulster Orchestra or one of the many other visiting classical musicians. The festival is a celebration of the arts, which bring the finest performers in Theatre, literature, music song and dance from Ireland and all over the world to various venues all over Belfast.
Nothing beats the infectious rhythm of traditional Irish music in the comfort of a cozy bar with a few pints on the table. Many of the finest musicians can be found in Belfast, from the pubs in the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) quarter to full on festivals such as the Open House festival in October, you'll be able to find toe-tapping traditional music almost any night of the week. Pubs which feature the music regularly are The John Hewit, Kelly's Cellars, The Kitchen Bar and the Duke of York to name but a few.
Food and Drink
Whether you are looking for a gourmet meal, a cozy pub lunch, funky ethnic food or just a cappuccino and a sandwich Belfast has everything your heart could desire and more. The cities foodie pioneers are Paul Rankin (famous from Ready Steady Cook)whose excellent restaurant Cayenne is still one of the most popular in Belfast, and Michael Dean, whose restaurant Dean's hold a Michelin star. They have paved the way for the new generation of chefs who have changed the eating scene in Belfast in recent years. For modern European cuisine try Nicks Warehouse in the Cathedral Quarter. As the name suggests it is a converted warehouse that draws people for its vibrant atmosphere, wonderful food and exciting wine list, which Nick the proprietor personally selects. For something a bit different, try Zen which offers exciting Japanese fusion food in a fun atmosphere in an old converted linen mill. However the city centre, especially around the back of the City Hall and beyond is literally bursting with good quality restaurants.
The City Centre, the Cathedral Quarter, the University Quarter and the Waterfront have some of the best bars in Ireland. From trendy wine bars to traditional Irish pubs there is enough to satisfy even the pickiest customer. Jools Holland said of the bar scene in Belfast 'If you can't have fun in Belfast, you can't have fun anywhere.' Ask any of the bars to make you the new hip cocktail , which is an indicator of the black sense of humor in the city – the Belfast Car Bomb – a powerful mix of Guinness, Bailey's and Irish Whiskey. Take a walk around the pedestrian area of the Cathedral Quarter on any night of the week and do a bit of bar hopping. You will find friendly people, great music, excellent food – you may even stumble across a Tapas bar or two!!
Shopping
Belfast has all the major high street names you would expect to find in a European City such as Top Shop, M & S etc but it also has its own quirky mix of home grown shops. Spires shopping centre sells designer brands such as Hugo Boss, but you will also find one off pieces by little know Irish designers. Go to St George's market on a Friday or Saturday for the farmers market where the traders will try and tempt you with their home reared organic meats, freshly caught seafood, tempting pastries, home made breads etc etc. Most of the city's restaurateurs shop here for the weekend trade. You can sample anything before you buy and it is a treat for food lovers everywhere. Again, everything is within easy walking distance of the city centre.
Hotels
There are an excellent range of hotels in Belfast to suit any budget, from the 2 star Days Inn on the Dublin Rd (popular with English Stag and Hen nighters) to the newly built 5 star The Merchant located in the historical Cathedral Quarter or the 5 star Hilton with stunning views overlooking the city and waterfront. Right behind the city hall is Ten Sq, a four star boutique hotel, decorated in oriental style minimalist décor. They offer a range of packages for a special weekend away; from the Lovers Special, which includes 2 nights in a suite, champagne on arrival, a private massage for 2 in the comfort of your room and a scented Jacuzzi bath complete with rose petals and scented oils, to the Girlie Weekend, which includes wine on arrival and a personal visit to your room by the in-house beauty therapist who can do everything from total makeovers to manicures and pedicures to get you ready for a night on the tiles. The hotel also has a wonderful restaurant serving modern fusion cuisine and a trendy wine bar with a huge panoramic window, perfect to watch city life pass by outside.
Places of Interest
About a 15 minute stroll or five minute taxi ride in the direction of the sea is the newly developed Titanic Quarter, which is being revamped to the tune of billions of pounds. Since the decline of the shipyards this prime development landed has been languishing in the doldrums. The City authorities couldn't bear to sell it off merely for the building of new swanky apartments as they wanted it to be part of the heritage for all of the city and not just a moneyed few. The main attraction there is The Odyssey which comprises of a huge concert auditorium with capacity for 3000 people which attracts all the big names from around the world. Recent concerts have included Lionel Ritchie, Justin Timberlake and Snow Patrol to name but a few. The rest is made up of numerous bars, restaurants, night clubs, 10 pin bowling alley and 20 screen cinema. It's a great place to spend the evening if you have kids as all attractions are under one roof – a good place to escape the Irish rain.
Getting There
All major airlines fly from most UK destinations to Belfast City Airport from as little as 20 pounds return if you book well in advance, and you can travel from Malaga to Belfast International for as little as 50 euros return with Easyjet, Jet 2 and now Aerlingus. Teletickettravel.com also offer flight from Malaga during summer months only.
All of the above is by no way a definitive list; there are too many things to do o mention them all. There is a sense of expectation in Belfast, a definite excitement. It feels like the people there had been holding their breath for 40 years and have finally, collectively exhaled and are getting down to the serious business of life – enjoying themselves. Go now before they get over their new feeling of liberation and be part of the excitement.
Carrie Cruikshank
Useful Links
www.gotobelfast.com • www.belfast.net • www.lonelyplanet.com • www.easyjet.com • www.jet2.com • www.themerchanthotel.com • www.aerlingus.ie • www.tensquare.co.uk
