local attractions: things to do near belfast airport
If you have a stop over at belfast airport and don't want to spend it in a belfast airport lounge or a belfast airport hotel, you might consider spending some time at one of the local attractions - the things to do near to belfast airport.
Because both of the airports are close to the city, things to do close to belfast airport include anything in Belfast. We have included outline details on the top things to do near belfast airport below (in alphabetical order), with more details on separate pages, including how far they are from the airport and how you would get there. Click on the name of the attraction to find out more:
Belfast Annual Events: details of annual events held in Belfast.
Belfast Botanic Gardens: opened in 1827, the Gardens boast a Palm House that predates the more famous one at Kew, and which houses some very interesting tropical plants. There is also a Victorian Tropical Glen, also known as 'the fernery', and gardens of roses and herbaceous borders established almost 100 years ago.
Belfast Castle: one of the cities outstanding and historically significant buildings. Belfast Castle is on a prominent site, 400 feet above sea level, on the slopes of Cave Hill.
Belfast City Hall: a remarkable Neoclassical monument to empire that would not look out of place in Calcutta. The interior is crammed with marble and colonnades. The main dome, which has a whispering gallery, is 173 feet high.
Belfast Entertainment: there are so many new pubs and clubs around Belfast that the only problem is choice!
Belfast Golf: click on the link for details of the best belfast golf courses.
Belfast Historic Attractions: There are historic attractions in belfast to suit all tastes, including historical tours around the city, the cathedral quarter, University and Castle to name just a few.
Belfast Hotels: if you don't want to stay at an airport hotel, most guides seem to recommend a handful of belfast hotels, including the Malmaison, Hilton and Stormont hotels.
Belfast Nightclubs: from Bob's to Thompson Garage, a quick quide to Belfast's Nightclubs
Belfast Pubs and Bars: there is a good selection of pubs and bars in belfast, from the traditional to the more modern. Click on the link to find out about those recently recommended to us.
Belfast Restaurants: The quality of eating in Belfast has taken a quantum leap in recent years, and new restaurants seem to pop up daily. Click on the link to find out about those recently recommended to us.
Belfast Shopping: Belfast is a shopper's paradise. There are shops for designer-label-lovers, a fantastic choice of shopping malls and even a market or two.
Belfast Sightseeing: to see the city, take a trip with Belfast Safaris (028 9022 2925 or online at www.belfastsafaris.com). Entertaining and informative, tours are led by knowledgeable guides who take you off the main tourist trail and introduce you to the social history of the city. Tours, which cost from £8, can be tailor-made large , but itineraries can include political elements including Crumlin Road jail.
Belfast Sports: where to watch football, Hurling, Gaelic, Camogie or Horse Racing in or around Belfast.
Belfast Travel: find information on Belfast travel services.
Belfast Zoo: regarded as one of the best in Europe; a must for all those interested in exotic and local animals.
Divis and the Black Mountain: the famous backdrop to the city of Belfast, Divis and the Black Mountain, were opened as a park by the National Trust in July 2005. In addition to great views over Belfast and much of Northern Ireland, the mountains are home to numerous species of birds and wildlife, there are archaeological sites, varied flora and forna, plus it is a hill-walkers favourite.
Ulster Museum: in the Botanic Gardens in the heart of Belfast's University Quarter is the Ulster Museum, which takes you on a tour of Irish history, from the age of the dinosaur through to the first prehistoric peoples and later settlers.
W5 - or 'whowhatwherewhywhen' - a science discovery center for adults and children where you can do everything from explore the weather to build bridges and robots.
