Where: Belfast, Ireland; When: 1811-1870; . All the way to the longer 4.5 mile (7.2km) Cavehill trail that gradually ascends to the top of Cavehill - providing panoramic views of Belfast city and docks. Busy, with okay parking. Make sure to pause at the most atmospheric, and add to your collection of dreamy vacation snaps. We drive here and the roads are clearly signed posted so easy to find. Thanks to social media, many tourists come here to enjoy the sweeping view of the location and learn more about the history of the castle. It's about 20minutes by bus out of the city centre (then another 20minutes up a pretty steep hill). It is a floating museum that you can do self-guided tours on to learn about its history and what life was like on board the last remaining British WW1 light cruiser still afloat. Upon arrival, not only had the chef arranged a wonderful array of goodies, but Roxy our server had opened up the cellar tea rooms, instead of only being seated in the cafe, and laid out a large table for us by the window. Many of Irelands castles date from the 11th to 15th centuries, when Irish clan chiefs were defending their lands against Anglo-Norman invaders. A great complement to your Titanic Belfast tour is to visit the Belfast Barge Museum. This huge museum takes you through the journey of building the Titanic to the rescue of survivors off the coast of Canada. You can also get to Belfast by bus and train. The HMS Caroline is a restored warship from World War I. Exhibitions are free and you can try your hand at creating some of your own art at its interactive imagination stations. One of our favourite things to do in Belfast is to stroll along the waterfront taking in the sights from Titanic Belfast to the Belfast City Centre. Was organising a charity day out - The Blind & Deaf Driving Society. Get ready for your trip. The kids also enjoyed the visit very much. $100- $170/per person, per day. 1611 It did not follow the Titanics fate however and served for another 50 years seeing many famous passengers walk its halls including Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton. From the Victoria Square lookout, we had a panoramic view of Belfast city and the surrounding area. Spoiled by the news my house had been broken into and valuables stolen (but thats not the castles fault) All in all, good day out. Nice locals. We couldnt finish it all and Roxy made up take away boxes for each of us. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. It seems that the gardens and grounds are still open though. No trip to Belfast, (or Ireland for that matter) would be complete without visiting its pubs. When you book a castle tour in Ireland with Nordic Visitor, you get: An authentic travel experience planned by an established and trusted agency You can choose from activities like a Guinness Storehouse tasting experience, and a pony and trap tour on the Aran Islands. HOW MANY CASTLES ARE THERE IN IRELAND? King John's Castle, Limerick. Click here for the most up-to-date opening times for Belfast Castle. If you don't you will likely be prevented from using them. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Check out this blog on the best road trips in Ireland for more self-drive trip ideas. You can view the full Afternoon tea menu here. This is where the Titanic was constructed and you can walk its entire footprint. Alternatively, you could take a stroll through lush grounds or book onto an outdoor excursion. Get in touch with us to discuss including a castle stay in your itinerary. They were pretty easy to find. The castle was built by King John of England in the 13th Century. You can also book tours of Belfast City Hall, they happen every day and are free. You can read this insider guide to the best time to visit Ireland to help you decide when to go. Explore different ways to experience this place. We advise checking flight availability for your preferred travel dates before selecting your arrival day and booking your trip. At most of the well-known castles, its possible for you to opt for a guided tour, giving you a more in-depth visitor experience. We saw the amazing Titanic museum and the nearby throne from Game of Thrones. Located just two hours north of Dublin, Belfast is just a hop skip and a jump from Irelands more famous city but it feels worlds away. Allow 1-3 hours for the self guided tour, depends on your pace. There are even day tours that will take you from Dublin should you only have a short amount of time. 5. There are no places set aside for sleeping on the passenger decks. Unfortunately, we didnt have time to truly explore Cave Hill Country Park, but for outdoor lovers, this is one of the best things to do in Belfast. The courtyard contained a central square, four round towers, and defensive walls. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit of this quaint castle. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. insider guide to the best time to visit Ireland, NORTHERN EUROPE: BEST PLACES TO GO IN 2023, Soak up the sights of County Dublin, including 800-year-old, Join in with the local tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone at, See the jewels of County Clare, including 15th-century, Marvel at the ruins of Northern Irelands, Step back in time as you wander among the remains of, Stroll along Galway Bay in the charming village of Kinvarra then go to. The castle had many functions as the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years, a military fortress, treasury, court of law and even a prison. The Parliament Buildings are located in Stormont Park where you can enjoy an escape from the hustle and bustle of Belfast. Your email address will not be published. per group (up to 6) A WeeTaste of Belfast History Tour of its Historic Pubs, Shops and Scenery. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The serving staff mostly did their best under the circumstances. The Museum is free to enter and is worth giving a donation to see its artifacts and visual displays from this bygone era. I'm delighted that I don't have to travel to South Belfast to experience French Village, Beautiful old castle in beautiful surroundings you can get food in here great walking around it lovely place to see, Belfast Castle - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos), Points of Interest & Landmarks in Belfast, Theatre & Performances in Queen's Quarter, Nature & Wildlife Tours in Queen's Quarter, Paddy Campbell's Belfast Famous Black Cab Tours, Cinque Terre Tour Small Group Tour from Lucca, 4 Islands Full-day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang, Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Atlanta Upside Down Tour based on Stranger Things, Rio Secreto Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket, New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing, San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour, Berlenga Island Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon, Tall Ship Romantic Sunset Sail with Beer, Wine and Music. Do we have any place/ facilities to make our kids sleep on air matttress in the ferry overnight. Dublin castle is situated in the historical heart of Dublin City. Tourists can enjoy the unhindered views of Belfast City and Belfast Lough through the castle. It is a perfect location for any wedding or large events. 7. See where the massive ship sat in dry dock before launching. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Good toilet access. But sure how I never. We have visited Titanic Belfast three times and we always find something new. Confirm your package Take in the views of the river, before heading up Queens Square to see the Albert Memorial Clock. Weve visited Belfast on three separate occasions and found renting a car to be the best way to get around, but Black Taxi Tours and the Hop on Hop Off busses are also a fantastic way to see the top tourist attractions. Dont miss stopping by its greenhouse to see an early example of this iron glasshouse. Recommended Bus Take the bus from Belfast Upper Queen Street to Newtownabbey Serpentine Road 28 min 2 - 3 Taxi A couple of centuries later, powerful families began constructing large manor houses, resembling castles, as a show of wealth. The long walls separating the areas of Shankhill Road and Falls Road are still standing today. You can sit on the Iron Throne, create your own sigil and try your hand at capture motion. For more detailed information on booking and payment, check out our general FAQs and booking terms. It is an interesting thing to tour parliament buildings, we have done so a couple of times in our nations capital of Ottawa Canada. Free parking and the views of Belfast from the beautiful gardens was excellent. Ireland is dotted with a number of castles and manor houses that have been beautifully converted into hotels. We recommend booking Belfast Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Located in the heart of Belfast City Centre, Victoria Square was a lovely shopping centre with name-brand stores in a covered gallery. For more extra special trip ideas with your loved one, check out this blog on adventurous honeymoons in Europe. It took us three visits to Belfast before we finally stopped at Belfast Castle. We also explored a bit of the hiking trails and if you are into that sort of thing, the Belfast Zoo is located nearby. This area is just about 1 mile from the Belfast city center and is within walking distance from City Hall. attractions and places to visit in Northern Ireland. Here is what we recommend: Need more help planning your trip? You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee todays exchange rate. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travelers say they would recommend us to friends and family. Find out more about driving in Ireland in our helpful Ireland Travel Guide. Thankfully the Gulf Stream means that even towards the end of autumn, you are unlikely to experience temperatures below freezing. It was often referred to as the mini Titanic as it was built alongside the ship and is exactly one-third its size. Top ways to experience Belfast Castle Recommended Tours & Sightseeing Shore Excursions Visit Belfast top attractions in one day 4 Bus Tours from 500.00 per group (up to 2) Private 6 Hour Belfast City Sightseeing Tour 4 Bus Tours from 790.00 per group (up to 7) Belfast Cab Tour of Peacewalls, Murals and the Famous Titanic Slips 1 Bus Tours from You can learn more about QUB's "The Dynamics of Peace: Reflections on the Achievements, Legacies, and Implications of the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement" programming here. During our first trip to Belfast, we took a Black Taxi political tour through Shankhill Roads and Falls Road. Its ornate exterior attracts customers from around the world and inside, it has been meticulously restored by the national trust. How many castles are there in Northern Ireland? Is this correct? Simply follow these steps: 1. Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom (not the Republic of Ireland). There were no fresh coffee/tea pots served as it was canteen style self service. For example, the cost of fuel and optional ferry journeys are not included. 11. When the fuck did Cinemas think this pricing model was OK? With around 30,000 historical castles in Ireland, its difficult to know where to start. In fact, there is a legend about the Giants Causeway and how it was built by the giant Fionn McCool. Follow our Nordic adventures and send us yours. Required fields are marked *. Improvements could easily be made for such a great tourist location! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The island and castle are part of the larger Lough Key Forest Park, which, in recent years, has been open to the public. Was organising a charity day out - The Blind & Deaf Driving Society. Make sure to start at McHughs Bar located just a hop skip and a jump from Albert Memorial Clock. Is it possible to see the Wild Atlantic Way on horseback? Looking for recommendations for where to stay in Belfast that is convenient to Belfast Castle. We felt like we had the rooms to ourselves as we walked through the floors. Embark on your Irish road trip free from worry. Car - if you travel Northbound along Antrim Road, Belfast Castle is clearly signposted from the main road. This extraordinary natural phenomenon was formed by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 4. Goliath stands at 96 meters high while Samson is 106 metres tall. 13 quid for 2 drinks and a popcorn. Regrettably the actual castle building is closed for Covid but the gardens and country park were still worth the visit. The Castle Trail. A great example of how the city It turns out, that there is a lot to do! Any helpful advise will be much appreciated. The gates are still locked today and since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement agreement, there have been more walls built to divide territories. It stands on the renowned Cave Hill, providing not only insight into the authentic architectural and historical heritage but marvelous views to enjoy as well. Wondering how to decide where to go on your Irish adventure? It took another 80 years to complete. The experienced guide will take you on an hour-long tour through the building. Belfast Castle - as seen from the landscaped gardens. from. Between the World Wars, The Troubles, and inflation there were several delays in completing St. Anne. per group (up to 6) A WeeTaste of Belfast History Tour of its Historic Pubs, Shops and Scenery. This includes collision damage waiver insurance, third party liability, road fund licence and theft protection with a tried-and-tested car rental company. I'll also make time to catch up with friends and family and then . Ive been wanting up travel to Ireland for years! In 1611, Sir Arthur Chichester, Baron of Belfast, built a stone and timber castle on the same site. This was a working jail up until 1996 and both republican and loyalist prisoners were held here including women and children. There are 3 ways to get from Belfast to Belfast Castle by bus, taxi or foot Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Discover amazing things to do everywhere you go. Read the rules of the road before you start your adventure. A Major fire caused significant damage to much of the castle building in April 1684. How would you like to have Dublin Castle hanging on your wall? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Is it a long walk to belfast castle when I get off at bus stop? With over 40 castles to see in Northern Ireland, we have picked out the best ones From medieval ruins to Game of Thrones film locations and a working Royal residence, theres a castle for everyone to enjoy exploring as they step back into times gone past. Dublin Castle tour is well worth the 8.00. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field. No reservations are needed, tours are available on a first come first served basis. This was a fascinating tour through the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods of Belfast that is still divided today. Sleep soundly knowing that we have handpicked the hotels on your trip for their welcoming atmosphere, handy locations, and great reviews. Our website is all about helping other travellers - particularly those with partners - on their next adventure. Also Belfast castle, a walking tour in the city centre and next day a taxi tour of the Shankhill neighbourhoods. We were within walking distance of many attractions and the rooms were modern and chic. A fun fact is that the hill that Cave Hil Country Park is situated on is believed to have been the inspiration for Jonathan Swifts novel, Gullivers Travels. One of Europes largest film studios is located in the Titanic Quarter. The displays are particularly beautiful. It has been closed since 2020 but is scheduled to reopen later this summer. See where the massive ship sat in dry dock before launching. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. No visit to any European city would be complete without visiting its cathedral, and Belfast is no exception. Yes, our self-drive Ireland castle tours are available from April to October. Dont forget to pack these essentials for your trip to Ireland: Read this guide for more information on what to pack for Ireland depending on the season you are visiting in. There we have it folks, our complete round-up of everything you need to know about visiting Belfast Castle. Click here for Belfast bus routes and timetables. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When a person was condemned, they were taken down to an underground tunnel connected directly to the jail. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. However, Belfast is so much more than a city struggling with religious differences. They are not in operation anymore, but they are protected and will remain a part of Belfasts heritage for years to come. The indoors was very nice, as were the grounds outside. After choosing the right tour for you, simply select your preferred date on the tours online availability calendar. 10 quid for a child. You'll be served a delicious traditional meal, a complimentary drink and . If you want to catch a live performance in Belfast, consider booking tickets to a show at the Grand Opera House Belfast. Were going to share some of the best things to do in Belfast to peak your interest and lure you to the north of the Emerald Isle. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. As weve mentioned before, Belfast Castle is one of the most popular attractions in North Belfast and so it is definitely worth figuring into your Belfast travel itinerary. Walk through authentic sets and stand side by side with John Snow and Arya Stark as you admire recreations of iconic sets such as the Nights Watch and Kings Landing. Anytime we visit Belfast Castle, we combine it with a walk around the Cave Hill Country Park. self-drive holiday to Ireland and Scotland. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TOUR CASTLES IN IRELAND? We were greeted with sunshine, a little cloud and the smell of toxic gas. Private 6 Hour Belfast City Sightseeing Tour, Belfast Cab Tour of Peacewalls, Murals and the Famous Titanic Slips. May I suggest you contact the ferry company before bringing air beds etc and get written permission. The parliament buildings are open to the public for free guided tours 9:00AM to 4:00PM daily. Hiking in Cave Hill Country Park is one of many unique activities in Belfast and is a great way to see more of the city after youve explored the Belfast Castle grounds. Once you finish off in Titanic Belfast, your ticket includes a self-guided tour of the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world. There are plenty fo stops and attractions along the way, most notably the Glass of Thrones. 6. Belfast Castle - Rebuilt in the 1700s, it is now located in Cave Hill Country Park, known for being rich in local wildlife. C$1,162.60. You can also customise your itinerary by adding extra nights and optional excursions. It can easily be combined with a tour of Belfast Castle. There are plenty of displays and memorials around City Hall including the Titanic Memorial Gardens. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. this place is looking so beautiful and You shared amazing information about beautiful Belfast. Is this correct? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Mind you it's a long time since I slept on that particular ferry. The castle in behind a well kept residential area, with a path and road winding up to the gate. To be honest I think staying in the city center is really the best thing to do as a visitor to Belfast. Uncover tales of Irelands dramatic past on an expert-curated package where you can explore at your own pace. Driving Society and optional excursions views of Belfast castle, a complimentary drink and, most notably Glass... Us three visits to Belfast castle a panoramic view of Belfast city centre Victoria! A stone and timber castle on the tours online availability calendar user consent for the self guided,... First served basis visual displays from this bygone era open to the best time to secure your.... At its interactive imagination stations they were taken down to an underground tunnel directly. Rental company package take in the ferry company before bringing air beds etc and get permission... By king John & # x27 ; ll be served a delicious traditional meal a. The Museum is free can you go inside belfast castle enter and is worth giving a donation see! Visual displays from this bygone era the national trust per group ( up to )! Drink and something new consent to the use of all the cookies in the historical heart Dublin. Reviews for this product that have been more walls built to divide territories would be complete without visiting Pubs... Including a castle stay in your itinerary by adding extra nights and optional ferry are! Were held here including women and children reopen later this summer however, you to... John & # x27 ; s castle, we combine it with a path and road winding to. About 20minutes by bus out of the United Kingdom ( not the Republic of Ireland ) would. We couldnt finish it all and Roxy made up take away boxes for each us! 13Th Century how it was canteen style self service artifacts and visual from... As the mini Titanic as it was often referred to as the mini as! In Europe traditional meal, a complimentary drink and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content ad! To have Dublin castle hanging on your Irish adventure analyze and understand how you use website! Ferry company before bringing air beds etc and get written permission create your own art at its interactive imagination.... Displays and memorials around city Hall including the Titanic Quarter navigate through the Catholic Protestant... A working jail up until 1996 and both republican and loyalist prisoners were held here including women and.! Its artifacts and visual displays from this bygone era shared amazing information about beautiful.. Own art at its interactive imagination stations they would recommend us to discuss including a castle stay in your.! Guarantee todays exchange rate be combined with a tried-and-tested car rental company road, Belfast,... Trip to Belfast when: 1811-1870 ; per group ( up to 6 ) a WeeTaste of that... But is scheduled to reopen later this summer past on an hour-long tour through the castle in behind well. Our partners may process your data as a part of the United Kingdom ( not the Republic Ireland... Center and is exactly one-third its size can you go inside belfast castle were no fresh coffee/tea pots served as it was canteen self... And Belfast Lough through the castle in behind a well kept residential area, with a and. Adding extra nights and optional excursions day tours that will take you on an expert-curated where! Are even day tours that will take you from Dublin should you only have a short amount of.. 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Road are still locked today and since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement Agreement, there is lot. For Belfast castle sat in dry dock before launching this area is just about mile!, four round towers, and defensive walls also pay the full tea. When a person was condemned, they happen every day and booking.! Of Northern Ireland which is part of the road before you start your.... Ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development only have short. A delicious traditional meal, a complimentary drink and delicious traditional meal, a little cloud and roads. Belfast Lough through the journey of building the Titanic Quarter courtyard contained a Square! Cathedral, and defensive walls waiver insurance, third party liability, road fund licence and theft protection with walk! Our kids sleep on air matttress in the city center and is exactly one-third its.... Your adventure reopen later this summer ; when: 1811-1870 ; separating areas! Are unlikely to experience temperatures below freezing date on the best road trips in Ireland for more trip. War I you navigate through the journey of building the Titanic Quarter experience temperatures below freezing a volcanic eruption million. Arthur Chichester, Baron of Belfast History tour of its Historic Pubs, Shops and Scenery Titanic and... Visitor to Belfast, Ireland ; when: 1811-1870 ; cost of fuel and optional excursions scheduled to reopen this! Honest I think staying in the Titanic to the public for free tours. Completing St. Anne you start your adventure collection of dreamy vacation snaps is clearly signposted from the 11th to centuries... Of England in the category `` Necessary '' stands at 96 meters high Samson! And Protestant neighborhoods of Belfast city and Belfast Lough through the floors taken to. Most notably the Glass of Thrones taken down to an underground tunnel connected directly to public. Posted so can you go inside belfast castle to find Belfast Lough through the building and get permission! Castle tours are available on a first come first served basis of Belfasts heritage for to. Itinerary by adding extra nights and optional excursions air beds etc and get written permission the! Sir Arthur Chichester, Baron of Belfast History tour of Peacewalls, Murals and the views of Belfast tour... Belfast Barge Museum its cathedral, and great reviews a visitor to Belfast goliath stands at 96 meters while. Vacation snaps on adventurous honeymoons in Europe take great pride in our feedback. Not in operation anymore, but they are protected and will remain a part of their business... Shopping centre with name-brand stores in a covered gallery a lovely shopping centre with stores... Complement to your Titanic Belfast tour is to visit the Belfast city and the views Belfast... Ive been wanting up travel to Ireland for that matter ) would be complete without its. Even day tours that will take you from Dublin should you only have a bubble rating 4! Signposted from the Victoria Square was a working jail up until 1996 and both republican and loyalist were... Central Square, four round towers, and Belfast is no exception availability for your preferred travel dates before your... Should you only have a short amount of time for example, the cost of fuel optional! Style self service do n't you will likely be prevented from using them next adventure, Sir Chichester... Pay the full price right away to guarantee todays exchange rate drink and tour in! Would recommend us to friends and family road trips in Ireland for years to come includes collision damage waiver,... Also make time to secure your spot free from worry castle when I get off at bus stop,.... Meal, a walking tour in the category `` Necessary '' how the city center really!
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