OUR Spotlight On column rounds up the best things to see and do in top holiday destinations – and shines a light on some lesser-known spots too.
This week we’re spotlighting Belfast – the Northern Irish capital bursting with charm, heritage and plenty of good craic!
Travel Writer Jenna Stevens recently spent a weekend in the city centre, and is wondering why she didn’t visit sooner.
She said: “Belfast wasn’t on my bucket list, but after going I can’t believe I overlooked it. I’m convinced it’ll be the next go-to city for weekend breaks.
“Flights only cost £15 with Ryanair, and they’re so quick you barely have time to have a drink and stretch your legs before you’re landing again.
“The city’s got some amazing architecture, like the grand city hall and cathedral that watches over the city with its signature spire poking out.
“The food scene in Belfast is criminally underrated too – local pubs served up some of the best seafood I’ve ever had.
“The Afternoon Tea at the Grand Central Hotel was miles better than The Shard.
“It had loads of unique tea flavours such as lemon smoothie, and plenty of well-stuffed sandwiches to go round.
“Plus, the Causeway Coast is breath-taking and under an hour’s drive from Belfast.
“It’s worth extending your trip, hiring a car and driving up the entire coast to see dramatic cliffs and Game of Thrones filming locations – not just a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway.
Must see and do
Head to McConnell’s Whiskey Distillery for a tour that blends history, culture and some fantastic local flavours.
Housed in the former Crumlin Road Gaol, the £25 experience begins with a welcome drink and a guided tasting of three spirits.
You’ll get to walk over the eerie markings of old prison cells, whilst seeing how whiskey is crafted from grain to glass.
The most memorable part of my visit, however, was the black cab tour.
Our cab driver, Billy, gave us a comprehensive overview of the city’s history, and drove us through a series of murals and past the Peace Walls.
It’s an excellent way to learn more about the city through the eyes of a local.
Else, take a stroll through the Cathedral Quarter, where cobbled streets buzz with street art and live music.
Hidden gem
Belfast lies partly in County Antrim, home to the stunning Causeway Coast.
In an hour’s drive you can discover the breath-taking coastline: from the dramatic rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede to the sweeping sands of White Park Bay.
Head to Glenariff Forest Park for panoramic landscapes and an enchanting waterfall walk.
You can even book a tour with a forest guide, who will tell you all about the area and its wildlife.
And if hiking’s not your thing, you can simply sit in the park’s cafe with a cup of tea to soak up the emerald green landscape.
Best view
For a striking view that makes you think, visit Titanic Belfast.
From here, you can look out over the historic slipways and docks where the liner was built and launched – a backdrop that transports you back in time.
After taking in the sheer scale of the ship from the slipway markings, the attraction itself becomes even more meaningful.
Here you can even step aboard the SS Nomadic – the White Star Line ship that ferried passengers to the Titanic itself.
The walk through takes a couple of hours, and is fascinating, immersive and deeply moving.
Rated restaurant
Mourne Seafood Bar is renowned for its ultra-fresh, locally sourced fish.
From seafood casserole to creamy mussels with crusty bread, the menu champions seasonal flavours.
Casual, welcoming and full of maritime charm, it’s the go-to spot for seafood lovers in Belfast.
If seafood’s not your thing, I recommend heading to Amelia Hall for delicious and generous portions of creamy pasta and freshly made pizza.
Best bar
Ask anyone in Belfast and they’ll say it’s hard to find a bad pint – and they’re right.
But the name that continually crops up the most amongst locals is Kelly’s Cellars.
One of the oldest pubs in Belfast, the low-beamed interior is warm and welcoming, alive with chatter and perfectly-poured pints.
Hotel pick
The Grand Central is Belfast’s showstopper hotel.
Once hosting icons from Churchill to the Beatles, today it continues to impress the modern guest with sleek rooms and city views.
Head to The Observatory, Ireland’s tallest bar, for cocktails or afternoon tea with the skyline shimmering below.
Classic Rooms at the Grand Central start from £220 per night, including breakfast. See www.hastingshotels.com/grand-central.
Northern Ireland is part of the common travel area, meaning there are no travel restrictions for British travellers.
For more information visit: Ireland.com/northernireland.