December is a busy time to be in Belfast as many hotels host Christmas events and the city has been transformed with lights and markets. The cold in the air and the rainier weather tend to be compensated by an abundance of mulled wine and good spirits. In addition, there things to do in Belfast are many indoor concerts and events to keep everyone inside cozy. January is one of the rainiest and coldest months in Belfast, but there are some great deals that can be found on the property, as the cooler weather and post-Christmas calm keep the crowds away.
More than a century ago, the infamous and unfortunate ocean liner Titanic was built on this spot. There are guided tours around the ramp and the giant dry dock, which was once the heart of Harland & Wolff’s shipyards. The building, which is shaped like a star to represent the White Star Line logo, houses a number of fascinating artifacts related to the ship, including letters, brochures and menus. The Belfast Botanic Gardens has tropical plants, giant bird feeders, a rose garden, an alpine garden, mature trees, flower beds and sculptures.
Take a tour of the former prison at the Crumlin Road Jail Visitor Attraction, climb aboard HMS Caroline to experience maritime battles in the First World War, or one with nature at the Belfast Zoological Gardens. You’ll find a variety of memorable things to do in Belfast, so its popularity continues to rise. In recent years, Belfast has become a major Irish destination, with new restaurants, hotels and attractions attracting more tourists to northern Ireland’s capital than ever before. Christmas is also a good time to visit Belfast when the city lights up the city centre and hosts a festive market at city hall. Lewis Square is the EastSide Visitor Centre, a great place to stop and learn about the attractions and things to do in East Belfast, including self-guided walking and walking tours. The center also has a cafeteria called JACK Coffee Bar that offers locally produced food, produce and artwork.
This word heritage site is a place of incredible natural beauty and the locals love it as much as the visitors. Plus, it’s near the small town of Bushmills, famous for its whisky, so you can visit the distillery after a morning enjoying nature at its best. It is clear that Belfast has had phenomenal success in attracting visitors to the city through the history of the Titanic and, of course, the Game of Thrones phenomenon.
The public can visit the parliament buildings for most of the year, from Monday to Friday. Tours include stops to learn about the history and architecture of the buildings and to see the Great Hall, Senate House, and House of Assembly. The public may also participate in Assembly debates and committee meetings.