Falling leaves and darkening nights are your signal that it’s time to head to Belfast for a fabulous city break.
Under a palette of russets, ochres and chestnut browns, autumn might just be the prettiest time to explore the capital of Northern Ireland. Here are 10 brilliant reasons why you should make a Belfast trip during the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.
1. The Belfast International Arts Festival is on
This annual autumn staple will celebrate its 60th edition in 2022, and from 5 October to 6 November BIAF will be packed with over 320 events spanning music, theatre, dance, film, visual arts and discussion. A new play, Dinner with Groucho, by renowned Irish writer Frank McGuinness, will launch the festival, and subsequent events will have a special focus on Canada, the Middle East and North Africa.
2. The Titanic story is at your fingertips
There’s a fantastic tour inside Titanic Belfast, the world-leading museum that tells the story of RMS Titanic, but outside there’s The Discovery Tour, a one-hour jaunt around the Titanic Slipways. On this tour you’ll hear emotional and tragic personal stories that are forever intertwined in the Titanic legend, why and how ‘the ship of dreams’ was built and what really happened in its final hours.
3. Black taxis are waiting
The city’s black taxi tours can show you hidden gems, giant adventures and a unique perspective on Belfast. There are several distinctive and entertaining operators to choose from but try Taxi Tours Belfast, well-known for showing celebrities around the city.
4. There’s so much craic in the pubs
The Belfast pub crawl list is a long one, and the craic – fun – will be fantastic pretty much wherever you go. You can’t go wrong in the Cathedral Quarter, so cosy up in the Duke of York in Commercial Court, easily one of the city’s most photographed streets, or in the nearby Spaniard or Harp Bar.
5. You can stroll through crisp autumn leaves
Belfast is full of neat, tree-laden parks, so a crunchy autumnal morning walk will set you up for a day’s exploring. Whether you choose the leafy Botanic Gardens, a riverside trail on the Lagan Towpath or the glories and views of Cave Hill Country Park, in the autumn sunshine the experience will be absolutely stunning.
6. There’s everything Game of Thrones®
As the dramatic backdrop for many iconic scenes in Game of Thrones®, Northern Ireland attracts fans in their thousands to experience the show’s magic. Belfast is the pick-up point for many Thrones-related day tours, including to film location sites and the stupendous Game of Thrones® Studio Tour. In the city, you can also find the self-guided Glass of Thrones Trail, and much more.
7. Belfast is a UNESCO City of Music
UNESCO has recognised Belfast for its rich musical heritage and outstanding contribution to music. Get on the beat with the Oh Yeah Music Centre creative hub for musicians. Then take the Belfast Traditional Music Trail or the latest offering for music fans – the Belfast Music Walking Trail. Autumn also offers numerous live gigs and shows to choose from.
8. The city is a foodie paradise
With restaurants, bars, food markets and artisan producers tucked away in every corner of the city, Belfast is nothing short of foodie heaven. Enjoy some exquisite fine dining at the Michelin starred restaurant EIPIC, or soak up the welcoming atmosphere of Home Restaurant, which has a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand, awarded to restaurants for exceptional food at moderate prices.
9. The walls are packed with street art
Belfast’s walls are covered in art – nearly 2,000 pieces at the last count. Street artists from across the globe have joined a new breed of local street artists to leave their mark on the city, and in particular in the hip Cathedral Quarter. Explore under your own steam or take a street art tour with Seedhead Arts.
10. It’s easy to dive into a day trip
You can easily take a plethora of captivating day trips from Belfast – to superb beaches, castles, the Giant’s Causeway, hikes in the Mourne Mountains or even a trip to Northern Ireland’s second city, Derry~Londonderry. Known as the Walled City, Derry~Londonderry is home to Europe’s biggest Halloween festival, Derry Halloween, which this year runs from 28 – 31 October.
