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Go West
A few issues back, we launched a campaign to find the perfect, insult-free way to describe people from Belfast. There are Dubliners, Glaswegians, Berliners... even Scousers, but no regularly-used moniker for this city’s inhabitants. The call went out, the names were hurled and, after much probing and digesting, the final decision has been made. And the winner is... Belfastians.Yes, it may be a bit of a mouthful, but it takes a big word to encapsulate citizens from the city that spawned Titanic, the Belfast Giants, Gulliver’s Travels and big yellow cranes Samson and Goliath. Talk about pitching above your weight. Typical Belfastians.
Speaking of Titanic, the big ship’s Belfast birth is celebrated in the annual Titanic Made in Belfast Festival from 3-11 April. To get you in the mood, check out our Titanic in Belfast feature for the lowdown on this iconic, ill-fated vessel.
Another global icon, St. Patrick, is celebrated in the town where he is reputedly buried. Find out all about Downpatrick’s big Festival - and not Dowpatrick as we have erroneously typed on our cover... oops, sorry St. Pat, we'll make it up with super-good behaviour. And find out how you can go a saintly shade of green by foot and rail.
NI Highlights and Hidden Gems is our regular rundown of all that’s great about these six counties. And if you fancy exploring the historic Walled City of Derry, haste ye here where you’ll find all sorts of info to prompt the journey West. Whatever you do, enjoy your NI sojourn, and share your experiences with us at belfast@inyourpocket.com.
And finally, take five minutes to complete our Reader Survey and you could win a sutcase full of global gifts.
Cover pic: The West Belfast Taxi Association has been shuttling passengers in and out of town from West and North Belfast for many decades, providing invaluable public transport through good times and bad. See the city through the drivers' eyes on a Taxi Trax Tour starting from their shiny new city centre HQ.
OUR Belfast HIGHLIGHTS
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Coiste Political Tours
These indepth tours give the Republican viewpoint as trained guides from the political ex-prisoner community take tourists on an in-depth journey of their area.The Tours began in 2003 as a social eco
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Linen Hall Library
Founded in 1788, Belfast's oldest library is a focal point for the city's cultural community. Join the saints and scholars as they leaf through the books or simply enjoy those fantastic vie
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W5
NI's only science and discovery centre has over 160 interactive exhibits across several spacious levels, and a changing programme of workshops and events. Its location in the Odyssey Pavilion af
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Hostelling International Giant's Causeway and Derry City Two Day Tour
If you fancy exploring the glorious north coast and historic Derry City without rushing it in a day, Hostelling International Northern Ireland has come up with a nifty two-day tour that includes an o
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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 style,
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Express by Holiday Inn
This may be Holiday Inn without the frills but, with free breakfast and car parking thrown in for good measure, the price is hard to beat. Some rooms have fine views of Cavehill, and Chambers re
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Latest Belfast Comments
We arrived at Citilodge on the way back from great digs in Donegal and felt downhearted by the atmosphere. The staff were friendly but the overall feel was shabby. Granted it was St Paddy's day and the streets were noisy with drunk students, but the[...]
If you want to trace your family tree, the best place to start is PRONI - the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. Find its listing by searching for 'PRONI' on our website.[...]
i was recently at eddie irvines myself and i really dont know what "Ray" is complaining about.. i thought the facilities at eddie irvines were fantastic and the karting was well worth a go.. i enjoyed every minute of being there and the staff treate[...]
In working on my family geneology, I have acquired a biblr dated July 1928 to Bro Geo H. Dobson. Any help would be appreciated in finding any geneology on this family member.Please send to lovethatfiddle@yahoo.com.....USA[...]
Its belfastards, and you all know it is.[...]
I have been twice with wife and baby. (18 months). Daughter ate some prawn crackers, chicken balls and a corn on the cob. Then had some pudding, and we were not charged for her on either occassion. I was well impressed. Food great, loads of choice, [...]
Hi there. Contact the club directly on 0044 28 9064 0700. Good luck. Editor[...]
The friendliest place in Belfast, whether for an early morning coffee or a great lunch. The craic is mighty![...]
do you still have a member calledian miller;[...]
I took a coiste tour with 20 other Basques. It was fantastic. These tour guides should be proud of their journey. They even had a tour provided by a Basque Political Ex-prisoner. We had no problem arranging this tour at all. One telephone call and a[...]
The Coiste tour was fantastic. These guides were well informed of their history and really have been part of the struggle and are now part of the peace process. It was a privalege to have been on the falls road with Coiste ex-prisoners.[...]
Hi Rebecca - I suggest you get in contact with the Chinese Welfare Association (details above) who I am sure will be able to point you in the right direction. Cheers. Ed[...]
I am sorry i did not get to enjoy the festivities as i was celebrating with my own Asian friends and associates, i am very interested in the Chinese culture in particular and am teaching myself Mandarin Chinese. I would like to know how i can help t[...]
I went to the masked ball on New Year's Eve and enjoyed some excellent live entertainment. Following the bands came the DJ with groovy, funky tunes, though deteriorated towards the end of the night! Great crowd, great vibe, a fabulous night in all[...]
in reply to the comment above i have been to giraffe several times and would just like to say that it is a restaurant not a coffee shop! it is a place to go if your hungry not if you want to sit and take advantage of free refills whilst you pass you[...]