Holiday apartment in Belfast: Titanic history, museums and gardens

Belfast showcases its history in impressive museums, ships and historic buildings – and connects these places with gardens, markets and landscapes. Particularly striking is the Titanic Experience: the self-guided experience also includes a self-guided tour of the SS Nomadic and takes visitors through Belfast’s Titanic history, from the shipyard through launch, fitting-out and maiden voyage. Ten interactive galleries structure the visit. The SS Nomadic itself is the world’s last surviving White Star Line vessel. In addition, Titanic Belfast offers a guided outdoor Discovery Tour focusing on the designers and shipbuilders who brought Titanic to life.

History and culture

The Ulster Museum presents collections covering art, natural sciences and history. In the natural science galleries, you can see marine life, insects, plants, animals, birds and mammals, as well as Ireland’s only dinosaur bones. The Deep Time gallery tells the story in eleven episodes, from the formation of the planet to the beginning of the Ice Age.

The Crumlin Road Gaol offers another historical perspective. The prison was active from 1845 to 1996 and reopened as a visitor attraction after extensive renovation. The experience includes the underground tunnel to the courthouse, the prison wings, the condemned prisoner’s cell and the execution cell. At Belfast City Hall, a visitor exhibition covers Belfast’s industrial history – from the Titanic to the city’s music venues and theatres. Tours of the building include areas normally closed to the public, including the Grand Staircase and the Rotunda.

The city’s oldest library is also part of its cultural character: The Linen Hall was founded in 1788. Belfast Cathedral is known locally as St Anne’s; its nave was consecrated on 2 June 1904. Belfast’s Maritime Mile is also home to HMS Caroline, a restored First World War ship that has been converted into a museum and visitor attraction. Expert-led tours convey the history of the ship, its crew and their unexpected experiences. HMS Caroline is only a short walk from Titanic Belfast.

Nature

At the Botanic Gardens, plant history combines with landscaped grounds. The Tropical Ravine opened in 1889, and its plant collection is based on a plant list from 1904. Victoria amazonica, the giant water lily, was first cultivated in Ireland there in 1852. Belfast’s Palm House is one of the oldest examples of a curved iron-and-glass structure. The Botanic Gardens include tropical plants, a rose garden, an alpine garden, mature trees, sculptures and several walking paths.

Cave Hill Country Park combines archaeological sites, eco-trails, walking and orienteering routes, woodland, species-rich grassland and Belfast Castle. McArt’s Fort is an ancient ráth, or ancient fortification, located almost 368 metres above sea level. From its position 120 metres above the heart of Belfast, Belfast Castle offers impressive views. The estate includes landscaped gardens, mature mixed woodland and a woodland trail. The Millennium Maze provides entertainment for young children while also offering visitors a tranquil place.

Markets and science

The Friday market at St George’s Market dates back historically to 1604 and includes around 200 stalls selling fruit, vegetables, hot food, cakes and pastries, handicrafts and fresh fish. The Saturday market combines local, continental and speciality foods with handmade crafts and live music from local musicians. W5 offers hands-on science with more than 250 interactive exhibits across eight zones, as well as live science shows held daily.

Location pages in the theme section: Belfast, Magherafelt, Newry, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey, Moyle, Coleraine, Craigavon.

For the higher-level travel overview: Northern Ireland.