What to do and see in Belfast, Northern Ireland: The Best Architectural Buildings

July 7, 2021 Dorsey Hagwood

With a population of almost 300,000 in the city proper, Belfast has grown into a cosmopolitan destination and become a popular weekend break spot. With feelings of optimism and life pulsing through the city, Belfast makes for an energizing getaway. It's never been easier to tour the city, thanks to a number of intriguing bus, taxi, boat and pedestrian options. Don't miss the Ulster Folk Museum or the Belfast Cathedral, and make sure to experience some of the award-winning restaurants, bars, clubs, galleries and theaters.
Restaurants in Belfast

1. Freemasons’ Hall

19 Arthur Square, Belfast BT1 4FF Northern Ireland +44 28 9023 4556 [email protected] http://www.arthursquare.org/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Freemasons’ Hall

2. Clifton House

Clifton House 2 North Queen Street, Belfast BT15 1ES Northern Ireland +44 28 9099 7022 [email protected] http://www.cliftonbelfast.com
Excellent
93%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
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5.0 based on 40 reviews

Clifton House

Clifton House is an impressive Georgian building, set in tranquil landscaped gardens in the heart of Belfast. Opened in 1774 by Belfast Charitable Society, it was used until 1882 as the Poor House. Today it is operated as a heritage and conference centre. Come on a tour and hear tales about Belfast's original Poor House as your guide takes you through the interesting, and at times turbulent, history of the Belfast Charitable Society as you walk in the footsteps of the famous Joy and McCracken families and the poor who sought refuge in its walls. Daily tours are at 3pm throughout August or every Friday at 3pm from September. On the last Friday of the month we also offer an extended tour to Clifton Street Cemetery. Here you will visit the graves of leading figures in the history of Belfast and see one of Ulster's largest famine graves. Tours of the House (£6.50 pp). Tours of the House & Cemetery (£9.50 pp). Free car parking on site.

Reviewed By karmstrong60 - Belfast, United Kingdom

A really interesting tour of both house and cemetery! The guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the place! I hadn't expected to enjoy it so much and even though it was raining on the day of our visit, it was still a wonderful experience! I would definitely return when I have more friends visiting me as I learnt so much and would have appreciated more time in the cemetery! A huge thank you to Jim, our guide on the day!

3. City Hall

City Hall Donegall Square, Belfast BT1 5GS Northern Ireland +44 28 9027 0456 [email protected] http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/cityhall
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,682 reviews

City Hall

At the centre of Donegall Square proudly stands City Hall; the civic headquarters of Belfast City Council. City Hall is open to the public 7 days a week. It is a multi-purpose venue hosting a large number of events in its large functions rooms or outdoors on the beautiful lawns. Daily tours of the building allow visitors to admire the superb art collection, formal rooms such as the Council Chamber and Great Hall while its opulent interiors are lit by a stunning collection of stained glass windows. Guests can relax and refresh in the Bobbin Coffee Shop or pick up souvenirs in the Gift Shop. A 16 room visitor exhibition explores the history of the city through themed and interactive displays. City Hall grounds are the primary green space in Belfast City Centre and host continental markets and open air concerts. The grounds feature a number of statues and memorials relating to Belfast’s leading figures and historic past, including the Titanic Memorial Garden.

Reviewed By Wurzel67 - Wells, United Kingdom

if you like your architecture, and history, then definitely visit the City Hall building, some gorgeous exhibits on show, the amazing stained glass windows to the right of the main hall is a must see, and some brilliant information within some of the rooms, a great venue to tour around, and the memorial to the titantic victims hits home how many were lost on that fateful night back in 1912.

4. Linen Hall Library

17 Donegall Square North, Belfast BT1 5GB Northern Ireland +44 28 9032 1707 [email protected] http://www.linenhall.com
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 264 reviews

Linen Hall Library

This library, founded in 1788, is the oldest library in Belfast and contains the largest collection of material on Irish studies in Northern Ireland.

5. Queen's University

University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN Northern Ireland +44 28 9024 5133 http://www.qub.ac.uk/
Excellent
52%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
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1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 632 reviews

Queen's University

Belfast's largest university is well known for its beautiful campus.

Reviewed By BlueBoy1919 - Preston, United Kingdom

We walked 20 minutes from city centre and were not disappointed. The Univeristy is well presented and garden manicured, extremely picturesque. Area is full of Victorian architecture that has been well preserved. Next door to university is the park and museum both worth spending time in.

6. Belfast Central Library

Central Library Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1EA Northern Ireland +44 28 9024 3233 [email protected] http://www.librariesni.org.uk/libraries/greater-belfast/belfast-central-library/
Excellent
52%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 33 reviews

Belfast Central Library

To find out more about the library including opening times and holidays please visit the Libraries NI website.

7. Grand Opera House

2 Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7BA Northern Ireland +44 28 9024 1919 http://www.goh.co.uk
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,266 reviews

Grand Opera House

The Grand Opera House in Belfast is Northern Ireland's premier theatre, presenting a range of drama, dance, opera, comedy, musicals, pantomime, family and West End shows. Established in 1895, the theatre boasts the majestic Victorian main auditorium designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham. Extended in 2006, the original building has been joined by a striking addition to Belfast's skyline, The Baby Grand. The initiate studio is home to a smaller performance space with 100 seats. Northern Ireland's premier theatre delivers an outstanding programme of entertainment, playing host to some of the greatest names in theatre and music. The theatre boasts a wide array of popular shows; everything from opera and drama to pantomime, comedy and musicals. The Grand Opera House offers unrivalled corporate hospitality with tailored events packages and is the perfect venue for meetings, special events and conferences of all sizes. The historical theatre is one of the most unique conference venues in Belfast, catering for seminars, conferences, meetings and weddings for up to 130 people in the Baby Grand Studio. The Main Auditorium holds up to 1060 people and smaller meeting rooms are also available. The theatre bars stock a range of drinks including beer, wine and spirits, in addition to tea and coffee.

Reviewed By ianhfraser - Belfast, United Kingdom

My wife and I attended a screening of Singalong-a-Bohemian Rhapsody and had a marvelous time. Very well organised, drinks in the auditorium and drinks at the interval, all excellently done in a beautiful setting.

8. Harbour Office

Corporation Square, Belfast BT1 3AJ Northern Ireland +44 28 9055 4422
Excellent
53%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Harbour Office

9. Scottish Provident Institution

Scottish Provident Buildings 7 Donegall Square West, Belfast BT1 6JH Northern Ireland +44 28 9024 2115
Excellent
55%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Scottish Provident Institution

10. St. Joseph's Catholic Church

Princes Dock Street Corporation Street, Belfast BT1 3AA Northern Ireland +44 28 9024 6609 http://www.sailortownbelfast.com
Excellent
45%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
9%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

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