A beautiful remnant of the city's Victorian past, the Botanic Gardens was established in 1828 as a private garden by the Belfast Botanical and Horticultural Society. After the Belfast Corporation purchased it in 1895, it has been one of the city's most loved public green space and meeting place for tourists and locals alike. Spread across 11.33 hectares (28 acres), the park is a vibrant medley of roses, rare oaks, exotic trees and blooms. The arched cast-iron glasshouse Palm House and the sunken Tropical Ravine are some of its prominent features. The gardens regularly play host to concerts, festivals and other live performances, making it an idyllic cultural venue as well. However, the one thing while visiting this place is that opening times vary.
An attractive rolling parkland, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park's crowning glory is its International Rose Garden. It's a treat for the senses with the scents and riotous colors of over 300,000 blooms. Come for the famous rose trials held here during Rose Week every summer. Set out in a series of circular gardens, each garden has a different theme and is decorated with striped tents. The park also provides an ideal starting point for exploring the Lagan Valley Regional Park. Though the park opens at 7.30a, the closing time varies seasonally, please visit the website for complete schedule.
Titanic, the British liner has remained ever popular through literature, movies, exhibits and folk songs. Considered to be the biggest experience relating to the Titanic in the globe, Titanic Belfast showcases the complete story of this passenger line - right from its inception to its unfortunate sinking through stunning, interactive displays, including artifacts such as the launch day tickets and last luncheon menu. Set on the former shipbuilding site where the Titanic and Olympic were built, Titanic Belfast is among the city's most prominent landmarks. Resembling an iceberg and hulls of a ship, this striking architectural masterpiece is encased in 3000 contrasting shaped aluminum plated sheets in intricate geometrical patterns. It is not only an ode to RMS Titanic but also to the city's maritime heritage. The historic slipways feature life-size frameworks of the Titanic and Olympic while its plaza is outlined with a map of its journey with LED lights and tiles.
The City Hall dominates the city's skyline from every angle. The building's remarkable interior contains a marble grand staircase crowned by a domed ceiling of intricate plasterwork. The Grand Staircase is lit by seven stained glass windows and the Grand Hall is also adorned with several stained-glass portraits of British sovereigns, rescued from bombing during the Second World War. Guided tours of the building and grounds are available all year round; each tour lasts approximately one hour.
The Crumlin Road Gaol or Her Majesty's Prison of Belfast was established in 1846. The prison was often regarded as the Alcatraz of Europe in its time. Although the building last functioned as a prison in March 1996, some claim that a few men (who were executed here many years back) are still imprisoned within these walls. They make their existence pretty evident by various sightings and weird happenings around the place. They also conduct paranormal investigations, besides hosting this place as an event venue for live performances and concerts. Exceeding interesting and mysterious, this old prison makes for a thoroughly entertaining visit!
Housing the Northern Ireland Assembly seat, Parliament Buildings were constructed in the year 1921. Officially inaugurated by the former Prince of Wales in 1932, the buildings were built to accommodate Northern Ireland's newly elected government. In the decades gone by, Parliament Buildings have rarely been remodeled. During World War II, the structure's Portland stone had been cloaked with a paint created with cow manure and bitumen which was removable. However, it proved to be quite a challenging task as it could not be completely removed even after many years. Even today, the buildings' exterior bears traces of the paint color. In the year 2005, Great Hall inside Parliament Buildings hosted the funeral mass of George Best, an iconic erstwhile Manchester United winger.
In June 1993, the BBC's Walter Love launched the Blackstaff Way and since then it has proved very popular with visitors from around the world. Associated with the Belfast City Walking Tours, these walks take in many interesting streets including Great Victoria Street. You see the oldest bridge in Belfast. You even find out about the Mystery Stone from the Belfast Castle of 1708. There is so much to discover along the Blackstaff Way that you will find it to be the best introduction to the heart of Belfast. Tours begin at 11am every Saturday morning. Other tours like The Farset Way, The Victorian Way and Bible Steps of Belfast can be booked by email.
The Kilwarlin Moravian Church dates back to the year 1775. The church is an active place of worship that has been focused on serving the community. Services are held at 11:00a every Sunday. The church welcomes one and all. It is a family church which also has a Church Bowls Club that plays matches every Thursday at 8:00p in the church hall. The church is a very involving place which houses a garden party every year and other events.
A protestant church of unrivaled beauty, the Ballylinney Presbyterian Church is quite simple and unnoticeable going by its physical demeanor. But, locally the church holds a lot of importance as a community and religious center. A modern, white, rectangular structure the church dates back to 1835. With many additions over the years, the church with built to its present glory and was initially the main prayer space for the nearby farming community. Today, however, the church caters to 340 homes, along with many new families that have shifted here in recent years.
Unlike the original Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church, the Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church is quite a handsome structure. Built in 1768, the church forms of a part of the congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and was a chief participant of the 1798 rebellion. The building has a bronze cupola which is a rare view in the churches of Ireland and looks simple, yet magnificent with its plain barn-like design.
Of all the islands on Lake Neagh, Ram’s Island is the biggest. During World War II, the isle was used as a base for flying boats: the RAF Sandy Bay. The famous round tower is surrounded by the ancient ruins of a monastic settlement, as well as some unique mature trees. Another popular attraction here is O'Neills, a summer house dating back to the 19th-Century.
Donaghadee lighthouse was lit up for the first time in 1836. It is Ireland's first electrical lighthouse. It attracts many visitors throughout the year as it is picturesquely located on the Donaghadee harbor. This white-colored lighthouse is quite noteworthy as is a beautiful sight on the harbor.