Belfast has become a vibrant and exciting city. Recent years have brought vast change to the city and it is fast becoming a popular destination. In 2007 Lonely Planet’s Blue List put Belfast in the world’s top 10 destinations to visit. The city has something for everyone from shopping, to historical interest to partying in the many pubs and clubs.
Tara Lodge provides a great base from which to visit Belfast. We offer comfortable, luxurious accommodation with a locally sourced, home cooked breakfast that sets you up for a day’s sightseeing or shopping. Private car parking means you can bring the car and venture further afield for a day’s tour to the Giant’s Causeway or the Mourne Mountains.
Things to see and do
There is so much to see and do in Belfast from music tours, free walking tours to visiting the Belfast Zoo. Here are some of our recommended things to do.
Belfast City Hall Our City Hall has just re-opened in October 2009 after a £11million refurbishment. Built in 1898 the City Halls classical Renaissance design is a lasting memorial to Belfast’s success, endurance and continues to be a source of great civic pride for many. Free public tours Mon-Fri 11am, 2pm, 3pm Sat 2pm, 3pm
Ulster Museum Also just re-opened in October 2009 after a £17million refurbishment. Both educational and inspiring, it is a great way to while away an afternoon. Free Entry.
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum Get a train just 3 minutes away from Tara Lodge direct to the Folk Museum. Step back in time and uncover living history from 100 years ago. £4.00-£7.50.
Belfast Zoo Belfast Zoo is located in North Belfast and is approximately a 15 minute drive away and is easily accessible via car or bus. The Zoo's 55 acre site is home to more than 1,200 animals and 140 species and carries out important conservation work and takes part in European and international breeding programmes which help to ensure the survival of many species under threat. £6.90
Free Walking Tours These free tours start every day at 11.00am (Sunday 12noon) from the City Hall. The three hour walking tour through Belfast covers all the main city centre sights and there are plenty of stories on offer to entertain.
Bus & Taxi Tours Probably the best way to get an overview of both the city of Belfast and the history of Belfast. You can hop on and hop off the bus tour if you want to spend more time in one place. The benefit of the taxi tour is the personalised guided tour.
Afternoon Tea at the Merchant Hotel Available in The Great Room Restaurant in the Grade A listed building which houses one of Belfast’s most luxurious 5* Hotels - The Merchant – the Afternoon Tea package is available from £19.50 per person. Afternoon Tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries, and of course a selection of fine tea. The Great Room Restaurant interior emanates opulence and grandeur and houses Ireland’s largest chandelier, commissioned specifically for the Merchant Hotel.
Shopping Belfast offers a great range of shops from high street stores to locally owned craft shops. Victoria Square, opened in March 2008, offers a huge selection of stores. For a shopping experience with a difference the Lisburn Road offers a boutique style with many individual and unique shops.
Various churches and cathedrals Belfast has many interesting churches and cathedrals including St. Anne’s Cathedral, St Peter’s Cathedral, St Malachy’s (recently restored) and Great Victoria Street Presbyterian Church.
Historical Interest The Titanic Quarter, with an excellent walking tour, the Linen Hall Library, Queens University and Public Records Office of Northern Ireland (great for researching family history) offer great sources of information to the history enthusiasts and the casual learner alike.