Belfast

[jean9]

Has anyone on the board ever been to Belfast?

I'm thinking about where I can go during the schools Easter holidays in April, and although I had thought of going to the States (possibly back to New York and San Francisco) it's horrendously expensive.   So, seeing as I have a fascination with all things Titanic (as in the ship) I thought of Belfast, as you do.  Of course this April 14/15th sees the 100th year commemoration of the sinking so lots of Titanic related things happening in Belfast including the brand-spanking-new Museum as shown in the Belfast Tourism advert on TV.  The holidays work out that I could actually be there on the 14th and 15th April so would be fascinating.

Just wondered if anyone had been and what there thoughts on Belfast are.

[Douggie]

I've always wanted to go to Ireland (North and South) but as yet I haven't got around to it so I'm slightly jealous Jean!

[Mike of CAS]

A friend of mine said its not wise to drive around areas unknown. Though it was southern Ireland he was in a Northern Ireland numberplated car, and was nearly petrol bombed.

nice people.

[Aston Cross]

I was in Belfast about five years ago.  It's a nice city, but there are still some parts of it that you should steer clear of.  Where I stayed was just off the Falls Road and it was OK, but I was a bit wary near Shankill Road.  I'd recommend staying near the City Centre.

I'd recommend an open-top bus tour.  You get to see all sides of Belfast, the good and the bad, and the more historical parts such as the docks.  If I recall correctly, it takes you near Stormont too.  I don't know if you fancied an independent visit, but Stormont isn't too far from the airport.

[jean9]

Falls Road and Shankill Road, now there are some names which bring back memories for all the wrong reasons.  The hotel I'm staying in is in the Queen's Quarter, not far from Queen's University so well away from there.  Anyway after a long day sightseeing, and as I'm travelling alone, I doubt I'll be venturing out much after dark!

Thanks for the ideas Aston, an open-top bus tour sounds like a good idea as my time is fairly limited so it would be nice to get an overall idea of the city.  I'm there for 6 nights, so 5 clear days so I'm going to have to be selective as to what I visit.  Top of my list is anything Titanic related such as the new Titanic museum that's opening on 31st March plus they also do a Titanic walk taking in all places connected to the ship.  Also want to visit the waterfront and the different quarters.  So much to see, so little time.