Hi. This blog has now had somewhere in the region of 2,400 views; views from as far away as Singapore, Germany, Croatia, and the United States. I guess when those people are typing into their search engines for Belfast experiences, this blog might pop-up. So, because this is a possibility, I thought I had better outline some of the sights of Belfast that would be interesting for the average tourist. Not that I am getting paid to or even remotely being asked to by the tourist board, I am doing it because I want people who visit here, to get the best out of their experience.
So tourists, you will be welcomed here in a very friendly manner. Northern Irish people have a very pleasant meet and greet policy and you will be warmly welcomed, trust me. And I am not even from Belfast!! I am from the North Antrim coast. A beautiful part of the world too when the sun is out. There is no war going on so you do NOT have to worry; there are one or two people who wish to derail the peace process but they are not supported by the people; and they have very little capacity to restart the conflict. Well, as you know the most recent conflict here lasted some 30 odd years. From 1969 -1999 and further because like the dying embers of a fire it takes a while to die out completely. The places you want to go and visit in Belfast are: The Falls Road (where the picture above has been taken), a catholic side of town , where many murals depict what happened in and around the history of the conflict, and prior conflicts. Also, the Shankill Road, where the protestant side live (not that far from the Falls side), the two religions now separated by the highest wall in Europe. This is just a precautionary measure the government would say, and truth be told is that it keeps kids from throwing stuff at each other as they have nothing else to do in these working class communities.
The city centre is modernised like most European cities, it has good retail shops, plenty of places to eat (try the Ulster fry or Irish Stew), and places to stay. Book your hotels well in advance though would be my advice. The Titanic Quarter where the infamous White Star Liner, the Titanic, was built, is to be renovated for tourism friendly facilities, in due course. Highlights would be the Ulster Museum, the Botanic Area and Queen's University for that Gothic- architecture holiday snap. Irish Traditional music nights would be in pubs such as McHughes and Kelly Cellars; many skilled musicians in Belfast folks, so check that out! Try a nice cold pint of Guinness if you get a chance, but be prepared for its robust flavour. It is a heavy drink and after half -a-dozen pints you might be in fine spirits and singing 'Trip the Light Fantastic.' If that's the case try and have a good lunch or dinner before hand, to soak up the beer. I must make clear, this is not America. Very few taxis can be flagged down on the street. Only the Falls and possibly the Shankill Roads can you do that, for the Black Taxis, big noisy vehicles. In the city centre you can get taxis at designated areas. The amount of times I have seen Americans putting their hand up down-town trying to get a "cab" is unreal and always makes me chuckle.
The Belfast Welcome centre, beside Boots the Chemists, near city Hall would be my first port of call if I was visiting Belfast. It will have maps and all the information you desire under one roof. Have a nice day now! Ya hear? Best wishes. Neil
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