Fast Changing

Feb 24 2008 Peter Samson

Belfast Mail Travel Lively Irish City Is Perfect Minibreak Destination

It's less than an hour's flying time from Scotland so Belfast's proximity makes it an ideal destination for a getaway weekend or minibreak.

I'd travelled there many times on business so when the opportunity arose to visit for leisure, I was online in a second, booking my flight and accommodation for a weekend stay.

To say that Belfast is a city of great change is, of course, an understatement. Since the rival politicians started talking to each other, there's a new energy to the city and it has transformed into a cosmopolitan centre, bursting with chic hotels, cafes and restaurants alongside the traditional bars.

Belfast knows how to play the tourism card well and there's no end of tours and attractions to fill the daytime.

It's a great walking city so arm yourself with a map and a good pair of shoes and you'll discover a hoard of secrets about this interesting place.

You can also book a historical pub walking tour - the perfect way to enjoy the craic and traditional pub grub.

If you're still in the mood to walk after a few drinks and fine food, make time to do The Titanic Tour, where the city takes advantage of its historical links with the ill-fated liner built in its famous shipyards.

You can see where the RMS Titanic was designed, built and launched from the famous Harland and Wolff shipyard. Expert guides are on hand to enhance the experience.

Don't miss the City Hall, a spectacular Edwardian masterpiece and major tourist sight, built to celebrate Queen Victoria's decision in 1888 to give Belfast city status.

Check out Belfast's own leaning tower, the Albert Memorial Clock, erected in tribute to Queen Victoria's consort in 1853.

Marshy land conditions meant it developed an obvious tilt but recent restoration work has stemmed further movement.

Belfast Castle, which overlooks the city from 400ft above sea level, is another great sight.

There are stunning views of Belfast Lough and the surrounding area from the top. The estate also has a kids' adventure playground.

Bag yourself a Belfast bargain at St George's Market, which takes place every Friday and Saturday. It has everything from books and plants to seafood and local goods on sale.

If you're not too tired after touring the city and trying to see all the attractions, there is plenty more to do when it gets dark. Radio DJ Sara Cox is credited with saying: "If you haven't had a night out in Belfast, you haven't lived."

Well, I've lived. It's a great city to party in, with everything from trendy clubs to historic hostelries.

The Crown Bar, which has amazing stained-glass windows, serves local brews.

But if it's culture you crave, check out the stylish Belfast Waterfront Hall or the 10,000-seater Odyssey Arena, which hosts big-name stars.

The elegant Grand Opera House is also worth a visit - even if only to view the historic exterior.

I stayed in the comfortable and well-situated Tara Lodge Hotel, less than a mile from the city centre and only a short stroll from historic Queen's University, the must-see Botanic Gardens and Belfast's 'golden mile' - the setting for many bars, clubs and restaurants.

It was also the perfect starting point for many of the recommended walking tours.

Travelling back to the George Best Belfast City Airport - named after the city's most famous footballing son - for my flight home was fast and easy.

With all of the attractions on offer and the warm welcome from the locals, the city is one of the best short-break destinations around.

MAILFILE

Flybe fly to Belfast from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. EasyJet run services from Edinburgh and Glasgow and Ryanair from Prestwick.

Check out www.gotobelfast.com or read the monthly Northern Ireland Travel News for details of what's on.

If you want to tour Ireland, Belfast has rail links to Larne, Portrush, Derry and Dublin.

The historic St George's Market on a Friday and Saturday is worth a visit. There's everything from books, antiques, plants and bric-a-brac to seafood and local produce.

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