Belfast And The Giant’s Causeway

A city with an overwhelming charm and an atmosphere that warms the soul, Belfast really is a home away from home. From its welcoming pubs and bustling streets to the beautiful surrounding scenery just an hour’s flight from England, it has become the UK city we turn to for a weekend away with the girls, a raucous stag do or hen night, and a chance to escape the more heaving cities of London and Manchester.

Located in the east of Northern Ireland, Belfast really is a combination of several cities in one. It has the layout of New York, with long main roads and the city hall at the heart; it has the markets of Europe, where German sausage meets freshly baked sourdough and delectable quiche; and it has the shopping of London, with Victoria Square and Castle Court brimming with department stores and cafes you know and love to boutique shops you’ve yet to discover.

Where To Eat

You’re spoilt for choice in terms of where to eat. Whether a strict vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or carnivorous hunter, there are dozens of eateries, each one different from the next. Café Conor is wholesome yet beautiful, set up inside an old studio of artist, William Conor, and featuring the works of Neil Shawcross. Located on Stranmillis Road, you can find filling breakfasts to hearty evening meals and even tapas, all with an Irish twist. Meanwhile, Home Restaurant in Wellington Place prides itself on catering for everyone, with a separate gluten free menu, pre-theatre dinner and skinny lunches for anyone minding the lbs. There’s even a selection of cocktails to tantalise your tastebuds and a wine list guaranteed to satisfy even the fussiest of sommeliers.

Where To Drink

Of course, you can’t forgo the unbeatable experience of a true Belfast pub. The Crown Bar on Great Victoria Street is most famed for its décor; step inside and you’re welcomed by carved mahogany booths, engraved glass and intricate floor tiles. This public bar was bought by the National Trust in 1978 and continues to beckon patrons for its range of real ales and rich history. However, as it pulls in such a crowd, try to get inside and seated around noon before the mad rush.

For a more relaxing afternoon, head to the River Lagan and sit outside McHugh’s, another beloved Belfast pub for its atmosphere, hospitable staff and excellent food. Sitting within Queen’s Square, this is the perfect spot during the odd sunny day, but within McHugh’s walls you’ll also find Irish dancing, live Jazz and a menu fit for a king! Have the black & white pudding to start as it comes with its very own baby Guinness, and enjoy roast lamb, pork belly or hake for your main.

Giant’s Causeway

While food and beer may take up the majority of your time here (hell, it may even be the reason you came in the first place!), Belfast is the perfect location to go off and actually see Northern Ireland. And there’s nothing worth seeing more than the Giant’s Causeway. Legend has it the rock formations that we see today are the remnants of Irish giant Finn McCool’s bridge that he built to cross to Scotland, but the scientific explanation for the Giant’s Causeway is that it is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Either way, the 40,000 hexagonal interlocking basalt columns are one of the top natural wonders of the world.

As such, there are many tour companies that pick up passengers from Belfast, each offering something different, but an informative coach trip can be made with Allen’s Tours (www.allenstours.co.uk). During the six hours it takes to get to the Giant’s Causeway, you are treated to the driver’s somewhat satirical humour as you travel along Coast Road. Highlights include a stop at Carrickfergus Castle, a walk across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the possible sighting of minke whales, orca whales and dolphins. For any Game Of Thrones fans, you can even drive past sets used in the series, including Dunluce Castle (Pyke Castle), Murlough Bay (Iron Islands) and Larrybane (Renly Baratheon’s camp).

Once you get to the site of the Giant’s Causeway, a bus is available to take visitors to and from the rocks at a small price, but the walk to the bottom is completely safe and gives you a chance to properly stretch your legs. Allen’s Tours allows passengers to explore the rocks for about an hour and a half – and we mean explore. Despite its world heritage status, you can climb to the top of this great structure, using each rock as a stepping stone – just mind your balance on a windy day!

Where To Stay

As we all know exploring can take it out of you, you’ll need a good bed for a proper night’s sleep, however long you plan to stay. Fortunately, Europa Belfast has just what you’re looking for. Not only is it amazingly located (opposite The Crown Bar, just ten minutes from City Hall and a drop-off point for Allen’s Tours), it is also drenched in history from The Troubles and welcomed President Bill Clinton during his visit in 1995. Featuring 272 rooms, comfortable beds and beautiful bathrooms, Europa is a little bit of luxury. The restaurant beckons you in for breakfast or dinner, while the Piano Lounge is perfect for relaxing to soft music. Just be careful of the drinks prices – a glass of wine can set you back around £10. You can book your room with ease at www.hastingshotels.com.

If you’re expecting to be in the UK, don’t lose your travel toes; get yourself to the delightful city that pours the best ale, serves the tastiest stew and offers a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills and idyllic coastline.

By Charlotte Mellor

Cafe Conor, The Crown Bar and Europa Belfast images courtesy of  Cafe Conor, Kenneth Allen and Europa Belfast.