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Just because you’re travelling on a budget, doesn’t mean that you have to miss out. There are lots of great things to do and sights to see in Belfast, Northern Ireland for free.
- Wondering what to pack? Here is a list of essential items to pack for your trip to Ireland.
- On a budget? Discover more tips for travelling around Ireland on a budget.
- Hire a car and explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer using this self drive itinerary.
1. Belfast Murals and Peace Wall
In the west of the city you will find colourful murals featuring a variety of illustrations including political figures, Northern Irish celebrities, and historical images. Take a walk down the famous Shankhill Road. From here, you will also find the famous Peace Wall which separates the Republican and Loyalist communities. It’s covered in art and graffiti and includes messages and signatures from many famous visitors including the Dalai Lama.
The murals and peace wall are easily accessible via public transport.
2. Parliament Buildings, Stormont
Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast
Visit the impressive Parliament building and enjoy the beautiful views over the city. Built in 1921, it was designed to house the newly formed Government of Northern Ireland and was officially opened in1932 by the then Prince of Wales, on behalf of King George V.
You can visit the Parliament Buildings Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm to view the Great Hall. There’s also coffee shop and gift store.
Free guided tours are available during July, August, Easter and Halloween breaks operating on the hour between 10am and 3pm. Outside of these times, free guided tours are available Monday to Friday at 11am and 2pm (check the Parliament Buildings website for any changes to tour times).
3. The Linen Hall Library
17 Donegall Square North, Belfast
Full disabled access and facilities (via Fountain Street entrance).
Founded in 1788, the Linen Hall Library is the oldest library in Belfast and the last subscribing library in Ireland. The Library is located in the heart of Belfast in a beautiful old warehouse previously used for linen (hence the name).
The Linen Hall is known as the centre of cultural and creative life in Belfast and offers a varied program of events including exhibitions, readings and lectures. It is renowned for its Irish and Local Studies Collections, ranging from Early Belfast and Ulster printed books to the 250,000 items in the Northern Ireland Political Collection. Fans of CS Lewis will enjoy the unique collection of books by and about CS Lewis, donated by the CS Lewis Association of Ireland.
Take the time to enjoy a coffee break at their licensed café and afterwards, enjoy shopping in their gift shop which stocks an interesting range of books, prints and gifts
Admission to the library is free. Tours are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:30am (maximum 20 people £3.50 per person). Advance booking recommended. The Linen Hall Library is open Monday to Friday: 9.30am – 5.30pm; Saturday: 9.30am – 4.00pm. The library is normally closed on all public holidays. The Coffee Shop is open Monday to Friday: 10am – 4pm; Saturday: 10am – 3.30pm.
4. Cave Hill Country Park & Belfast Castle Estate
Antrim Road, Belfast
The original Belfast Castle estate was built in the city centre late 12th century by the Normans. Sadly, it was burnt down in 1708. Rather than rebuild it on the same site, the 3rd Marquess of Donegall decided to build it in Cave Hill Country Park, a parkland and mature mixed woodland that offers superb views of the city.
In 1978 the castle was handed over to the city of Belfast and refurbished over the following 10 years before being opened to the public. The estate is home to many different species of wildlife, including long-eared owls, sparrowhawks and Belfast’s rarest plant, the town hall clock.
The park has something for everyone, including an adventure playground, antiques shop, visitor centre, landscaped gardens, a Millennium herb garden, ecotrails and orienteering routes.
5. Queen’s University
University Road, Belfast
If you enjoy historic buildings, then visit the stunning main building of the Queen’s College and walk through to the peaceful, picturesque Lanyon Quadrangle. Guided tours of the University, including the Great Hall, the Canada Room, the Council Chamber and the quadrangle are available throughout the year on request.
You can also visit the latest exhibition in the University’s Naughton Gallery. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11am-4pm.
6. City Hall
Donegall Square, Belfast
Continue on with your tour of Belfast’s historic buildings and visit the iconic Belfast City Hall built in 1906. Built with Portland stone and created in the Baroque Revival style, it was reopened in 2009 after a two-year refurbishment.
Enjoy a free tour of the City Hall Monday to Friday 11am, 2pm and 3pm; Saturday and Sunday 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.
7. Albert Memorial Clock
Queens Square, Belfast
Built in 1869, this clock is memorable not only for its statue of Prince Albert and ornately carved crowned lions and floral decorations, but also for its lean. Yes, that’s right, Belfast has its very own Leaning Tower of Pisa. As a result of being built on wooden piles on marshy, reclaimed land around the River Farset, the top of the tower leans four feet off the perpendicular. Unfortunately because of this some of its ornamental work in 1924 along with a stone canopy that was over the statue of the Prince had to be removed.
8. Botanic Gardens
College Park, Botanic Avenue, Belfast
First established in 1828, these established gardens feature an extensive rose garden, herbaceous borders, rare oaks planted in the 1880s, and a famous historic curvilinear cast iron glasshouse. The glasshouse was designed by Charles Lanyon and built by Richard Turner of Dublin, who later built the Great Palm House at Kew Gardens. As well as the tropical ravine, the house contain all year round displays of colour and scent and include geranium, fuchsia, begonia displays.
In addition to the Palm House and Tropical Ravine, there is a children’s playground, beautiful walks around the grounds and a bowling green. Botanic Gardens is often used for events, such as band recitals, concerts and opera performances.
The gardens open from 7.30am, but the The Palm House opening times in summer (1 April – 30 September) are 10am until 5pm. Winter opening times (1 October – 31 March) are 10am until 4pm.
9. Ulster Museum
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
Located in the Botanic gardens, the Ulster museum was reopened in 2009 after a three year renovation. The museum displays past and present collections from art, history and natural sciences. Highlights include dinosaurs, an Egyptian Mummy and modern masterpieces.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm; closed on Mondays. Find out about the current exhibitions on the Ulster Museum website.
10. Malone House, Higgin Gallery & Barnett Demesne Park
Barnett Demesne, Belfast
Malone House is a Georgian Mansion built in the 1820’s by the rich Belfast merchant William Wallace Legge. He was a keen landscaper and designed and planted most of the estate’s stunning grounds. The house was eventually passed onto the city of Belfast in 1946. After it was nearly destroyed by a fire in 1976, the building was repaired by the council and reopened in June 1983.
As well as a restaurant, Malone House also houses the Higgin Gallery, open everyday from 9am to 5pm. The gallery hosts monthly exhibitions, including work from solo artists, art societies and associations. Visit their Malone House website for information about their up and coming exhibitions.
Barnett Demesne, located next to Malone House is a park featuring mountain bike trails, eco-trails, orienteering routes and a children’s playground. Dotted throughout the grounds of Malone House and Barnett Demesne you’ll find impressive public art sculpture pieces funded by Belfast City Council.
Belfast Accommodation Options
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