Belfast: From the Rugged Coastlines to the Troubled History

I visited Belfast in late December 2015 and it was a city that stayed with me.  Growing up with an Irish family, I was aware from a young age of the troubles dominating the North so I was really intrigued to see how the city stood post-ceasefire.  But here's the thing about Belfast, and so many other places I've visited that bear the scars of old wars/violence; yes the people still have wounds from the troubled pasts, and the city itself still left reeling from past events, but the city and people are still standing, growing, offering us travellers not just a sense of exploring and adventure, but a wealth of learning and a sense of history that some of us will never truly understand.  That is Belfast. Yes the troubles played a large part in the shaping of modern day Belfast, but it is so much more than that.  And below, you will see exactly why this is the case as I detail the best places to explore in Belfast.

HM Prison Crumlin Road
There are literally no words in the English language which will detail just how creepy this jail is.  The only Victorian era jail left in Northern Ireland, Crumlin Road Gaol will sure give you chills. Take a guided walking tour and you'll be given an insight into what prisoner life was like here.  Time it for sundown and you'll add an extra sense of gloom to the proceedings.  Just watch out for the tunnel that runs underneath the jail which is said to be haunted - either the crafty jail folk turned the air con right up when I was there, or that place really is haunted!  Either way, don't go alone...

Titanic Belfast
Make sure you allot a few hours to checking out the Titanic Museum situated in the aptly named Titanic Quarter of the city.  I won't lie, I wasn't expecting much of the museum but was completely taken by surprise by just how good it is!  Explore the shipyard, decks, and history of the Titanic on an interactive journey, the likes of which I've never seen in a museum.  Although note: tickets are pricey if you're not a student.

Shankill Road/Falls Road

No trip to Belfast would be the same without taking a walk through the centre of the Troubles; Shankill Road (the Protestant area) and Falls Road (the Catholic area).  The wall murals situated in both areas are a true work of art and categorization of this historic period of time, with the massive barriered gate areas dividing both sections (which remain to this day) serving as a reminder of the separation that took place in the city.

The Belfast Christmas Markets

Okay, this one will only happen in December, but damn, those Belfast Christmas markets are goooooood!  The whole city lights up in all its glittery, wintery wonderland spectacular and it is a sight to see.  Especially after a few mulled ciders in one of the market bars...

Commercial Ct
I have to admit, myself and my friend Karen (my partner in crime on this trip) stumbled across this one.  Walking past we saw crowds upon crowds of people standing on the cobbled street outside the bars having drinks.  It's the place to be for a few tipples before (and after) dinner. And somehow, in the middle of winter, it wasn't even that cold!

The Causeway Coast

If you have a spare day, please allot it to a day trip to The Causeway Coast.  We took a bus tour which drove us around the coast and it was a brilliant day trip.  You'll find a mixture of whiskey distillerys, little seaside towns, castles and as I've pictured below, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the main event itself: The Giant's Causeway.  If you can time the Giant's Causeway for sundown, you will be in for a treat like no other.  I actually got a little bit emotional watching the sunset over the causeway, but the whiskey tasting from the distillery might have had something to do with that right enough.

And those are a few of the many reasons why Belfast should be on your 2017 adventure list!

Leanne x