CULTURAL FEAST BELFAST
Why Belfast has always punched above its weight in terms of cultural attractions. This year it celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction, plus the opening of The
Game of Thrones Studio Tour. The city has also been emotionally captured this year in Kenneth Branagh’s Oscar-winning film, Belfast, detailing his childhood.
Before she headed off from Southampton on her doomed maiden voyage, the RMS Titanic was constructed in Belfast, and completed in 1912. One hundred years later, Titanic Belfast was opened next to the slipways where the ship was built, in homage to both her and the city’s maritime heritage. You’ll learn her story, and those of her sister ships (titanicbelfast.com).
More history can be learnt – this time about Northern Ireland’s Troubles – on a black-cab tour, which will take you around the political murals that sprung up on the side of buildings and which tell the story of the conflict (belfasttours.com).
A stroll around the city centre will take in landmarks such as the imposing Belfast City Hall, Belfast Cathedral and CS Lewis Square, which commemorates the children’s author with seven bronze sculptures from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Don’t miss Even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll likely know someone who is, and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour is a multimillion-pound immersive experience that offers plenty for anyone interested in the art of television. It also displays the skills of those behind the scenes, from costume designers to prosthetics creators.
Where to stay The historic Europa Hotel, situated in the heart of Belfast’s city centre, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, with new menus and cocktails inspired by the 1970s.
Its Golden Moments package costs from £115 per room, including a full Irish breakfast, truffles and a signature cocktail; europahotelbelfast.com