Belfast One Day Itinerary: A Detailed Guide For Your Next Getaway to Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland70 Comments

Last Updated on the 4th of December, 2025

Nestled on the banks of the River Lagan, Belfast, the thriving capital of Northern Ireland, is a place that should be on every traveller’s wish list.

The city is famed as the birthplace of the legendary RMS Titanic and for having been the filming location for the acclaimed TV and movie production Game of Thrones.

With an abundance of cosy pubs and a wealth of art and cultural experiences to discover, Belfast has all the ingredients for an unforgettable trip, even if you only have a day to explore its wonders.

All you have to do is wisely choose which Belfast city attractions you want to experience the most and spend the maximum time in the place of your preference.

Read More: Belfast Bucket List: The 10 Best Things To Do In The City

On the right, you can see a mural by Smug painted in 2016 on High Street Court, Belfast

Suggested Plan for 1 Day in Belfast

With only 24 hours in Belfast, we would suggest that you see the following attractions at a minimum:

  • Black City Taxi Tour to see the murals
  • Titanic Belfast & the Docklands
  • Cathedral Quarter & the Cathedral
  • Belfast City Hall & the Donegall Square

Read More: Your Guide To Visiting One of Belfast’s Most Popular Tourist Attractions – Titanic Belfast

Interior at the Queen’s University in Belfast

Places To Include In Your Belfast One-Day Itinerary

To plan a one-day itinerary in Belfast, prioritize key attractions like the Titanic Quarter and Belfast City Hall, and consider a guided tour for a seamless experience.

  • If you’re interested in learning more about Belfast’s history, devote more time to exploring the city centre.
  • If ships and maritime history are more your thing, spend more time at the Titanic Quarter.
  • If you want to experience culture and art, visit the Cathedral Quarter.

I’ve added one outlier as well, which is a bit further out: the Botanical Garden (including the Ulster Museum) and the Queen’s University.

I hope this Belfast itinerary comes in handy for you. I know there’s too much listed here to see in one day, but hopefully, it helps you make some choices. The best way to see Belfast, though, is to stay for more than one day.

Read More: A Short Guide On How To Visit Belfast Castle In Northern Ireland

Watching a sunset over River Lagan in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Morning (9:00 am to 1:00 pm): Belfast City Hall and Black Taxi Tour

Wake up in one of the hotels across Belfast city centre, have a hearty breakfast and get ready to explore!

In the morning, you can cover the cluster of relatively nearby sights.

Start with Belfast City Hall, followed by a short walk along Donegall Square to see the sights of the Grand Opera House with its historic and opulent auditorium, and the most famous pub in Belfast – Crown Liquor Saloon, before embarking on an Original Belfast black taxi tour.

Read More: Your Guide to Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple in Northern Ireland

The Grand Opera House is Northern Ireland’s most iconic theatre

Belfast City Hall (09:30 am to 10:30 am)

The magnificent building – located in Donegall Square – is Belfast’s most impressive landmark, and it’s a fantastic introduction to the city.

You can enjoy the grand building’s exterior and visit the museum inside City Hall. There are regular tours of the hallowed halls, all for free. The tour usually lasts for 1 hour, and you can just turn up and register at reception.

The monumental building complex has the Titanic Memorial Garden on its eastern wing, where the 1512 victims of the shipwreck are commemorated on bronze plates. 

  • Address: Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS, United Kingdom
  • Hours: Weekdays: 09:30 am to 5:00 pm | Weekends: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm 
  • Entry: Free

Read More: Northern Ireland Travel Guide: 9 Amazing Things to See and Do in Derry

Belfast City Hall is home to the city council

Original Belfast Black Taxi Tour (11:00 am to 01:00 pm)

While the Troubles are submitted to the history books, people and places in Belfast City still ponder the tragedy of that period.

There is no better way to gain insight into Belfast’s historical conflict than by going on a black cab tour, which is usually led by a local who lived and worked during the Troubles.

The black taxi tour would entail an opportunity to immerse yourself in modern history without stepping into a museum.

You’ll be driven right into the heart of the Troubles and learn excruciating detail about how Protestants and Catholics went from being friends and neighbours to hostile enemies in almost no time.

The world-famous Bobby Sands Mural in Belfast

You’ll get a chance to catch a glimpse of the haunting murals that bear remembrance of those who battled and perished during the Troubles.

A memorable stop lies along Shankill and Falls Road, where a 5.5-metre-high concrete wall known as the peace wall is located.

  • How long is the tour? The tour usually lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours 
  • Main Highlights: Europa Hotel, Political Murals, Falls Road and Shanklin Road

Good to know: There isn’t a fixed itinerary for the taxi tour. Ask your driver as many questions as you want, and let them know if there are certain facts or places that you would like to focus on.

Read More: Everything You Need To Know About Walking The Maritime Trail in Belfast City

Belfast Peace Wall was built by the British Army to keep Protestant and Catholic communities apart

Lunch (01:30 pm to 02:30 pm)

Just a reminder not to forget to eat!

There are some fantastic lunch spots around Belfast.

For classic fish and chips as well as other seafood, stop by the Fish City; for a traditional Ulster Fry, check out Queens Café Bar, but if you fancy a Venetian-style pizza, make sure you stop by Coppi, located on St Anne’s Square.

For a quick bite on the go, head to Boojum, where you’ll find classic burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, fajitas and salad bowls.

Read More: 8 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Visit Edinburgh At Least Once

Blooming magnolias in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Afternoon (3:00 pm to 05:00 pm): Docklands and the Titanic Quarter

You couldn’t find a better place to experience the deep maritime roots of Belfast than the Docklands, which have played a significant role in the city’s history.

Belfast’s shipbuilding industry was an important component of the city’s economy, with the RMS Titanic being its most renowned product. Given the ship’s close association with Belfast, don’t be surprised that the city has a neighbourhood dedicated to it.

The RMS Titanic was built in the dockyards of Belfast, and this area is now known as the Titanic Quarter. It’s where you find the Titanic Museum and Belfast’s Graving Docks.

If you are coming from the city centre, stop by the Lagan Lookout, a walking bridge which also functions as an engineering solution to maintain the river’s level artificially constant, to admire dazzling panoramic views of the Lagan River and the harbour before you reach the Titanic Quarter.

  • Fun fact: Before crossing the bridge, don’t forget to kiss the Salmon of Knowledge, as kissing the fish evokes wisdom

Read More: 6 Reasons Why You Should Travel By Train At Least Once In Your Lifetime

The Titanic Museum is unmissable when visiting Belfast

Evening (05:30 pm to 07:30 pm): Cathedral Quarter

As the evening moves on, make your way to the vibrant Cathedral Quarter if you really want to see how Belfast has advanced since the years of political strife.

Recently named one of the UK’s “coolest neighbourhoods”, the popular haunt is home to various art venues, a handful of lively pubs and the whiskey shop The Friend at Hand, which boasts  600 Irish Whiskeys.

Here, you can wander through a maze of cobblestone streets, discover refitted warehouses and admire the bright and colourful street art.

If you like art, make sure you stop by The MAC Live to check out its endless art exhibitions that are stationed here or stop by Golden Thread Gallery.

A visit to the Cathedral Quarter wouldn’t be complete without a walk around Belfast Cathedral so you can appreciate the architecture of the early 1800s.

Read More: Why North Wales is the Perfect Destination For a Unique Summer Trip – A Must-Read Guide

Cathedral Quarter has lively pubs and cobbled streets

Dinner (08:00 pm to 09:00 pm)

Now that you are done with the sightseeing for the day, head for a hearty meal in one of the eateries at the Cathedral Quartal.

Here, you can find affordable restaurants, chic rooftop bars and dog-friendly places.

Head to the Northern Whig for a striking interior and a fantastic food menu created by head chef Rick Orr.

If you fancy a pizza, then go to the funky Pizza Punks restaurant, but if you are looking for delicious food made with locally sourced ingredients, then you must check out Made in Belfast, which is located at 4 Wellington St.

Read More: Some Of The Best Things To See At The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

The Dirty Onion pub is Belfast’s oldest intact timber-framed building.

Alternate activity: Go for a stroll around the Botanical Gardens

If you are looking for a more leisurely activity, then you can swap the ones described above for a walk around the Botanical Garden, as it is one of the top things to do in Belfast whether you’re visiting as a couple, with your family, or by yourself.

Situated near Queen’s University, the Botanic Gardens is a 19th-century oasis known for its stunning architecture and manicured landscaping.

There are giant bird feeders, rose gardens, beautiful sculptures and one of the oldest curved cast-iron glasshouses in the world  – Palm House.

While at the gardens, you can also stop by the Ulster Museum, where you can see the incredible Game of Thrones tapestry, before arriving at one of the most prestigious universities in Northern Ireland: the Queen’s University.

One of the main reasons why you must include Queen’s University is to marvel at the glorious Tudor-style buildings. It is free to walk around the courtyards and cloisters and check out some of the facilities like the Naughton Gallery.

Read More: Ireland Travel Guide: Top 9 Things To See And Do In Beautiful Connemara

The Belfast Botanic Garden

FAQ

How Many Days in Belfast Is Enough?

For an authentic Belfast experience, give yourself three days to soak up the culture, history, and sights.

On the last trip to Belfast, we had two full days. While we managed to see quite a lot, the trip felt a bit rushed, and we didn’t get to experience downtime and pub time in this vibrant city.

Can You Do A Day Trip To Belfast From Dublin?

Although it would make for a very long day, it is possible to do a day trip from Dublin to Belfast. You can rent a car or book train tickets via Irish Rail and depart from Connolly Station to Dublin.

Both journeys take around 2 hours each way, but taking the train gives you a wonderful opportunity to relax and take in the passing scenery. If you book the earliest train out and the latest back, you will get around 11 hours in Belfast City.

When To Visit Belfast

March to June is the peak time for sunshine and good weather in Belfast.

While Belfast is perfect for all-year-round trips, spring into summer brings longer days, more daylight and a calendar full of events.

The beginning of September is another great time of the year to consider, as inflated accommodation prices tend to take a welcome dip.

Read More: A Short Guide To Visiting Clare Island in County Mayo, Ireland

Belfast City Hall’s interior is a show-stopper

The Final Word on 1 Day in Belfast

And there you have it – all the top attractions you can fit into your one-day Belfast itinerary.

Over the last few years, I’ve been to Belfast numerous times and can say that obviously, you can’t see all the attractions in Belfast in just a day, because there is so much culture and history to uncover.

However, it is possible to cover a lot of ground and see some of the top sights with advanced planning, as most of the sights are within walking distance from each other.

Read More: Your Guide To Visiting Beautiful Slieve League Cliffs In County Donegal

The Merchant Hotel in Belfast

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Belfast? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Belfast and have travel-related questions!

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70 thoughts on “Belfast One Day Itinerary: A Detailed Guide For Your Next Getaway to Northern Ireland”

    1. I am glad you enjoyed my post about Belfast. Belfast is an ideal city for a 1-day break. Not only is it remarkably compact, but it’s also packed with unique attractions, from the world-renowned Titanic Belfast to the colourful Falls Road murals. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  3. Another great post Aiva. What a gorgeous library. The history and the architecture here are amazing. Not a place I would want to have been during the troubles and I am sure some wounds still run deep. Hopefully, time will ease this. Thanks for sharing Aiva. Have a great Monday. Allan

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    1. There was a time when many travellers were scared away from Belfast by tales of unrest.  With the city now peaceful, revitalized, and rejuvenated, you can safely delve into its bullet-scarred past. It is still pretty much an underrated travel destination which means you don’t have to deal with hordes of tourists.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. You would love exploring the Docklands and the Titanic Quarter as there’s so much to see and do. On the last trip a few weeks ago we spent the majority of time freely wandering around the Titanic Hotel, checking out the rooms and spectacular ‘Drawing Offices’ which are their stand-out feature.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Lyssy. It was my first time wandering around the City Hall and I was in awe. Not only it is an impressive Renaissance building with lots of exhibits on display about the city’s history, but it also has free entry which always is a bonus. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Francisco. I love exploring Northern Ireland and discovering the beauty of Belfast city. It is a city full of culture, heritage, world-class food and entertainment and great craic. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I am glad to hear you loved Belfast City too.  From quirky bars and iconic views to unique heritage and world-class movie and television industry, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the city. With so much on offer, Belfast should definitely earn a place on anyone’s destination list. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  8. I’d like to visit Belfast. And actually one life jacket from Titanic is kept in a museum in my hometown in Croatia. Your Irish posts are very informative and inspiring, hope I get to use some of them one day

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    1. That’s so interesting, Tanja. As someone who’s always been fascinated by the Titanic (the ship, not the movie, thou it was pretty good, too) I always try to visit( or at least learn about) different places and museums displaying artefacts from the ship. I had no idea that there’s a life jacket from the ship in your home town, too! Thanks for letting me know. I hope you get to visit Belfast. It is a walkable city with lots of attractions for all the family. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. This time, we only had a day in Belfast and as we travelled from Sligo – a journey that takes roughly 5 hours for a round trip, I planned our day meticulously. We had a wonderful sunny day and therefore were able to see quite a lot of attractions. I especially loved wandering around the City Hall and checking out the Titanic Memorial Garden which is located on the east side of Belfast City Hall. The garden is set on two levels with the upper level containing a nine-metre-long plinth, inscribed with the names of those who died on RMS Titanic. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I hope you get to visit Belfast one day. It’s a place where history fills the streets through well-preserved architecture and striking murals and unbeknown to many it has slowly become a melting pot of fantastic restaurants, gorgeous hotels and a surprising hub for film and TV production, including global phenomenon Game of Thrones. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  11. What a great, timed itinerary for a day in Belfast, especially if one has limited time! While I’ve been to Ireland, I haven’t made it up to Northern Ireland, and Belfast looks like an inviting place to be. A black taxi tour sounds the most-economical, as you pay to sit back and relax as you’re driven around the city. Thanks for sharing this, Aiva!

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    1. You would love Belfast, Rebecca. Not only because of all the top-notch attractions but also because it is always amazing to see how Belfast – a former industrial powerhouse with a troubled past – has pulled off a remarkable transformation into a trendy and cosmopolitan destination. A black taxi tour in Belfast is a must as you would have a personal guide and get a deeper understanding of the complex situation with the Troubles. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Cathedral Quarter is a must when visiting Belfast as beside Michelin-starred restaurants and hipster coffee shops you’ll find circus schools and music museums. There is also the architecturally dynamic, multifunctional art space, The MAC and many  red-bricked warehouse-style structures which tell the story of the city through the ages. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  14. If Belfast sees an increase of visitors coming to the city, your posts are among those responsible for it. 🙂 I must admit I didn’t really give the capital of Northern Ireland much thought in the past. But the more I read about it, the more appealing it becomes. It certainly helps having one of the country’s coolest neighborhoods.

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    1. You know, I have lived in the Republic of Ireland for more than two decades and never really gave much thought to visiting Belfast until one day, around ten years ago, we went on a spontaneous road trip and much to my surprise, while we waked the cities time-worn cobblestones, I fell in love with the artistic side of the city. It’s a place where the streets buzz with galleries, studios, insane murals, festivals, world-class circus schools and music museums. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  15. This sounds like a fantastic day to spend in Belfast with a bit of something here for everyone. Good to know that it probably wouldn’t be a good day trip from Dublin given how long it takes to get there and back. I’d definitely want to stay for longer! Thanks for sharing. Linda

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    1. Staying for longer at any destination is always a good idea as this way you get to really connect and get a feel of the place. It does take a while to reach Belfast from Dublin, but over the years, we’ve been on many day trips (several of them with both girls on board) and can say that it is easily manageable, although you would need to be ready for a very long day of travelling and sightseeing.

      Many people who visit Dublin cannot resist the temptation to set foot in Northern Ireland too therefore there are many tour companies offering day tours from Dublin to Belfast which is a great option if you don’t want to rent a car and drive yourself. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. While you could easily spend a few days in the city and never peel back all the layers of Belfast’s complicated past and unique charm, we only had one day to experience as much of the city as possible and managed to see quite a lot. It is a compact and walkable city – perfect for a day trip. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Allison. With its copper-domed roof, stained glass windows and elegant Portland stone, Belfast City Hall showcases an exquisite blend of Baroque architectural style, beautifully complemented by the surrounding grounds, filled with manicured lawns and memorials. Therefore, it is a must when visiting Belfast.

      I also loved the dark and moody Merchant Hotel interior. We didn’t stay at the hotel but had an opportunity to have a sneak peek of the magnificent Great Room Restaurant and Ireland’s largest chandelier made from stunning Tyrone Crystal – it’s stunning! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  18. This is a great itinerary, though I’d have to eat dinner much earlier than 8pm – haha! All the history surrounding the Titanic is a big draw, but a black taxi tour explaining the area’s conflict and history would be eye-opening as well. Thanks for all the great suggestions.

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    1. A black taxi tour is a must when visiting Belfast. It’s a chance to learn modern history without stepping into a museum. Instead, you are driven right into the heart of the Troubles and explained in excruciating detail how Catholics and Protestants went from being friends and neighbours to hostile enemies in almost no time. At home, my dinner time is way earlier than 8pm, but it changes as we go on trips because I like to use every bit of daylight for exploring the sights and streets and usually settle in for a bite when it gets dark. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Your complaint is valid! When exploring the Island of Ireland, there’s nothing better than settling yourself at a table by the warm wood-burning stove at one of the traditional pubs, and then browsing the menu of fresh fish specials, warming pies and slow-cooked meat dishes while sipping on a freshly poured pint of Guinness. But if I only have one day in a new city, I am very happy to sacrifice a proper sit-down meal for a sandwich to see more attractions and galleries. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  21. Belfast has long been on my list, we actually had a trip booked but our flights were cancelled and it made it pointless to try and get there as we’d lose a whole 36hrs of what was already a short break. I really hope we get there in 2025! 🙂

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    1.  I am sorry to hear that your flight to Belfast was cancelled and you missed the opportunity to explore the city. I hope you get to do it next year as it has many incredible attractions and places to visit. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed it. You know, Belfast is a great place to visit with your four-legged friend. You can walk the Maritime Mile which is home to attractions such as the iconic Titanic Museum and SS Nomadic. While dogs are not allowed inside the main sights, there is still plenty to see and do and the local landmarks make for great photo opportunities. Dogs are also welcome to explore Belfast’s beautiful Botanic Gardens near Queen’s University (visiting dogs must be kept on a lead.)

      Adventurous dog owners will also enjoy walking the Divis Summit trail. This three-mile circular route on Divis Mountain will take you to the highest point in the Belfast Hills. At the summit, you will not only be able to enjoy amazing views of the city but you’ll be able to see every county in Ulster – weather depending! 

      The Bone Yard, on Bedford Street, also welcomes dogs with open arms. While it is predominantly outside – and boasts Belfast’s largest outdoor bar – this cool venue has a range of pods, containers and covered seating areas. Thanks for stopping by, and have a goodd ay 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much. I am glad you enjoyed it. One day is just enough to see the highlights of the city, but two days in Belfast will give you enough time to get to the top attractions, delve deeper into the city’s storied past with Troubles-themed tours, stop by many of its ancient pubs and maybe even pay a visit to the creepy Crumlin Road Gao. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly for your wonderful comment, dear Luisa 🙂 Between fascinating museums, remarkable architecture, and spectacular hidden gems, Belfast has more amazing things to do than you can shake a stick at. You would love this beautiful city 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly 🙂  Belfast is a fascinating city overflowing with charm and beauty. It also possesses vitality and spirit and is infused with more than just a wee bit of Irish charm. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  26. My son and I just had one day in Belfast, winding up a trip around the isle so we didn’t get to all of these interesting spots. But I will never forget the Black City Taxi Tour, so moving with all the stories of conflict and history.

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    1. That’s brilliant. I am glad to hear you had a chance to visit Belfast and go on a Black Taxi Tour as it is an unbelievable insight into the dark past of the city.  Belfast has a troubled past but it’s nice to see that everyone seems to be working together to create a brighter future for all. It is a city of positivism and hope.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I know, Brian! And, as I prefer to go deep and slow rather than shallow and fast, I may not even be able to see all the sights on my travel wish list and I am OK with that. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  28. Beautiful photos! Ireland is wonderful, I appreciate its natural values, architecture and the whole atmosphere. I was there 4 years ago, I remember that my woolen sweater turned out to be absolutely irreplaceable, because the weather got really cold and it was really cold. But even that didn’t stop me from sightseeing 🙂

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    1. Thank you kindly. Over the last two decades, I have been fortunate enough to explore Northern Ireland and its capital numerous times and through different seasons. It’s a hidden gem that offers a wealth of experiences for travellers seeking breathtaking landscapes, fascinating cities, and thrilling outdoor adventures. I am glad to hear you have fond memories from your trip despite the moody weather. Packing a warm cosy sweater is always a must, even if you plan on visiting during the summer, because the weather can turn at any time. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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