We’ve moved north from Dublin today to explore Northern Ireland. (While not part of the Republic of Ireland, the tourism board markets to the whole of the island.) The capital city is Belfast, a once-powerful shipbuilding and industrial centre. In fact, Belfast was, at on point, the leader in shipbuilding across Europe. It remains an industry leader, although its shifted from maritime trade to the aerospace industry.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland makes up about one-sixth of the entire island’s area, with an area of approximately 5,500 square miles. The population is right around 2 million (2017); only about 400,000 people live in Belfast. Northern Ireland was founded in 1921 when the island of Ireland was partitioned. From 1921 until 1998, the country (or province, or region) was rocked by troubles and protests. During the thirty years of Troubles, over 3,500 people died. Incidents ranged from car bombs to riots, many of which were pinned on the IRA (which at the time was dormant). You can read more about this time period here!
Today, the city of Belfast is a popular stop on Irish road trips, as is the rugged northern coast. Shows like HBO’s Game of Thrones have made this part of the country extremely en vogue, since the hit series films at places like Armoy, Ballintoy, and Shillanavogy Valley.
Belfast
Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital city, was settled in the Bronze Age, but remained a small town until the 17th century. In the 18th and 19th century, Belfast blossomed as an industrial capital. The city produced linen, ships, tobacco, and engineering; at one time it was larger than Dublin. It has always been the industry capital of Ireland.
Titanic was manufactured here, and it was at the Harland and Wolff shipyard where it was put in the water for the first time. Today, the shipyard is home to the Titanic Museum. The cranes still exist. There are also plans for redevelopment of this entire area, so expect to see quite a bit more here in the next few years!
What to do in Northern Ireland
Tours of the Game of Thrones filming locations are one of the top activities in Northern Ireland. The day trips typically leave from Belfast in the morning and return to the city in the evening. Multi-day trips leave from Dublin or Belfast and stop for a night or two along the Kingsroad. Other destinations in Northern Ireland include the walled city of Derry, County Fermanagh, and the Causeway Coast.
In Belfast, the most popular attraction (as of 2017) is the new Titanic Museum. Located at the former shipyard, the museum opened in 2012 and in its first five years welcomed over four million visitors!
Other popular things to do in Belfast include a street art tour, the Ulster Museum, traditional music (and following in the footsteps of some of Northern Ireland’s famous musicians), and exploring the Belfast Botanic Gardens. The city is divided into four quarters; don’t miss out on the Cathedral Quarter, which is the city’s hippest district.
Luxury in Northern Ireland?
Why, yes, there is! One of my phenomenal Virtuoso partner hotels is perfectly situated for day trips to Game of Thrones locations, golf outings, or a day in Belfast. It’s also a wellness property, which is ideal for anyone who wishes to relax and enjoy a spa treatment or exquisite meal. There are other four star properties around, including a grand hotel in Belfast. If you’re staying in Ireland and wish to do a day trip, one of my favourite places is in County Laois, a short drive from Belfast and the northern coast.
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