Things to see & do Belfast cont
Belfast City Hall
Belfast’s Civic Building, the City Hall. first opened its doors in 1906 and today runs regular free public tours. The classical renaissance style of the building is a source of pride for the people of Belfast and it’s not hard to see why. Beautiful stained glass windows adorn the hall, depicting Celtic myths and legends, such as the Cattle Raid of Cooley, as well as commemorating victims of the great famine and those who fought in the first and second world wars.
Crumlin Road Gaol
Voted one of Belfast’s top attractions by Trip Advisor, Crumlin Road Gaol is a sight to behold. Closed in 1996 after 150 years, today it is host to everything from educational tours to weddings and concerts, not to mention claiming to be one of the most haunted sites in Belfast.
Visitors can opt to take part in the paranormal tour, visiting the hotspots of spooky activity, as well as the gaol’s execution chamber and flogging room. While it might not sound the best option for the faint of heart, children and families are catered to as well, with some great kid-friendly tours.
The Mac
Trust us: the Metropolitan Arts Centre Belfast (Mac) is where you want to be for music, theatre, art, dance and everything in between. Opened in 2012, a typical year’s events can range from roller disco to mind-reading shows plus experimental documentaries and that’s just the theatre.
Cave Hill Country Park
Named for the five caves along the main Belfast cliffs, Cave Hill Country Park is a hive of outdoor activity: a sprawling expanse of walking trails and orienteering routes, it is home to its own playground and is a mere five minutes from Belfast Zoo.
Crown Liquor Salon
The Crown Liquor Saloon is a two-minute walk from Great Victoria Street Station and only a short stroll from the Grand Opera House and Europa Hotel. Dating back to the 1880s, the Crown is a gem of the Victorian era. Formerly known as the Liquor Saloon, this ageless and priceless pub was one of the mightiest Victorian gin palaces in the city and still boasts many of its original features, including gas lighting.