ESSENTIAL CITY GUIDES
Europe’s leading publisher of locally produced city
guides
Free Download
Features
Wakey Wakey! It's Summer Sundays
*Changes in fares from our June-July 2009 issue: Freedom of N Ireland 7 Day bus and rail ticket (£55). Sunday Rambler ticket for Ulsterbus (£8/£4)Before we begin, we need your help. Scroll down to view our Poll asking for your favourite things to see and do in the city. Either agree with our suggestions, or make one of your own. Cushty.
For too long the sight of bemused tourists walking aimlessly through the city on a Sunday morning, wondering how to fill their time before that flight home, has formed a somewhat shameful aspect of our streetscape.
We are, after all, pitching with the big players when it comes to luring people here for a citybreak or longer. Which is why we applaud the folk behind the new Summer Sundays campaign who’ve pulled together a programme of cultural and comedic events for your enlightenment and delight.
If you're in Belfast on Mon 13 July, prepare yourself for NI’s annual Twelfth of July Parades. Thousands of marching men, women and bands fill the streets with their distinct sights and sounds at this massive, and emotive, event. Get the lowdown on NI’s Public Holiday at The Twelfth and the Orange Order.
Another national holiday, July 4th, also resonates here in NI. And you can get On The Presidential Trail to discover which US Presidents can claim Ulster-Scots descent, why Bangor played a part in the Normandy Landings and how a local newspaper got the world scoop on American Independence.
Finally, as summer shares its big yellow ball of
wonderfuness, now’s the time to explore beyond the
city. We’re talking mountains, coastlines, cities and
tours all ready to wow at every turn. Go get ‘em at NI Highlights & Hidden Gems where Derry, Armagh and Lisburn head up the city selection. While Fermanagh, the Mournes, Causeway Coastal Route, Sperrins and bespoke Tours just keep that wonderful scenery rolling.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS WORTHY OF YOUR PATRONAGE:
Titanic Top Ten reveals new tours taking you to the truth of the legend.
Belfast’s Murals showcases wall art featuring some legendary figures. Titanic, football legend George Best and Chronicles of Narnia author CS Lewis await your cameras at large-scale open-air canvases across the city.
Download Belfast City Council's guides:
More Time Guide to Belfast 5-late here
72 Hours in Belfast here
Hard Hat Tours here
Belfast Art Guide here
Belfast Loves Shopping Guide here
OUR Belfast HIGHLIGHTS
-
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
Stroll through this outdoor collection of lovingly-restored 18th century buildings and let the costumed guides bring history to life. The transport section houses an impressive collection of ste
Read on -
Hilton Templepatrick Hotel & Country Club
This sprawling 88 hectare estate is located five miles from the International Airport, close enough for convenience yet surrounded by rolling green fields. Step inside the grand foyer and you're
Read on -
Swantons Gourmet Foods
Located on the sophisticated Lisburn Road, this wonderful fine food emporium serves gourmet-class breakfasts and lunches in its intimate black and red cafe space. And, not only can you dine in s
Read on -
Emerald House
Relaxing earthy tones dominate this North Belfast Victorian home which retains many original features including a huge cast iron fireplace in the dining room. Berlin-born owner Silke is a t
Read on -
World Of Owls
Get up close to these fabulous birds of prey at this great conservation and education centre set in the 430 acre Randalstown Forest just outside Antrim. World of Owls' dedicated team of award
Read on -
Hilton Belfast
This centrally-located 12-storey hotel is a relatively recent red-brick addition to the city skyline. Outside it's imposing but inside the atmosphere is much more refined. Natural
Read on
Latest Belfast Comments
Great restaurant, really nice atmosphere and good food and wine selection. Would certainly recommend![...]
Your hed's a marlie. Your head is a big marble, empty,(Belfast)Your a big scunner. You are like a big herring gull gobbling everything in a disgusting way, disgusting manners or person(Larne)I'll break your windies. I will break your windows[...]
I and a work friend have dined at this restaurant for many years, and always found the staff most helpful, and they do remember your previous visits, even to the very table you choose to sit. I only recently was extremely ill, and the staff were ex[...]
Not consistant quality, I've had some good coffee here and some truely terrible, food not bad but over priced, all in all a decent enough place but not the best in Belfast. Ground @ Waterstone's is the best in the city at the minute.[...]
The cemetery is open every Sunday @ 3 for a guided tour £4[...]
Holly.. I had hoped to read a constructive and intelligent first review of this restaurant here. sadly that seems a little beyond you. Everyone is entitled to their own ethics, but save it for when its appropriate please.[...]
I nicknamed the sculpture a few years back "nuala with the hula" and asked a tour guide friend to spread the word.Gerard Doyle[...]
Coupan (as in bake), or clinker (amazing)?[...]
Oooh what about melter? That's 'beezer' so it is![...]
Love it!!![...]
Best Gallery in Ireland!!!!![...]
I booked my son's 10th birthday party here and they had a fantastic time!!- they cant wait to go back- plus its very reasonable in price too. The ony problem is- not enough time!!!!Excellent for kids.SineadBelfast[...]
Had some really good nights here and the staff are so aoccommodating and friendly.Everywhere clean.Food lovely- great value for money!!A must as part of your night out!!CampbellBangor[...]
Have recently enjoyed a fantastic lunch with the family in TGI'S.The service was very good and relaxed atmosphere. Food is good and milkshakes are outstanding (according to the kids).Toilets are spotless (a good sign in any restaurant)JohnBangor[...]
missed out scundered and ragein[...]