Moored in the Lagan is The Belfast Barge, quiet and unassuming it doesn't blow its own trumpet but…read moreit really should. There are 3 elements to the Belfast Barge which was news to me when I visited last week. Much more than just a boat The Belfast Barge is a successful restaurant, a museum and an events venue. Next week they are hosting a comedy night in their events venue, which will be very cosy. The museum is full of maritime facts and history depicting Northern Irekand's ship building and boating heritage. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions. The restaurant is fully licensed and acts as a café bar during the day and at night live music and cabaret dominate the barge, the boat will literally be rocking!

A unique performance space. I have seen comedy performances and gigs here. It's holds a lot of…read morepeople and worth going to if you get a chance #Comedy #Music

This is quite an interesting venue. It has so many applications... rehearsal space, offices, cafe,…read moremusic venue, gallery and music museum. It is great that it exists and that Belfast has stuck its neck out and is trying to make the music center work. Its not really a place that you can just go into and hang out, unlike the Black Box where you can just go into anytime and it not be unusual.... It is now looking the part after having a couple of years of being renovated in stages. I think it serves its purpose pretty well as it is just a new venture and is making baby steps to have more of a presence in the local scene.

The Oh Yeah Centre is the brain child/labour of love of Stuart Bailie, former editor of the NME…read more Based in the former home of Oh Yeah Records, a punk label from the 1980s, the centre provides a home for local music. Their main aim is to help support and promote the local music industry and they do that pretty well. The range of activities and events it stages is vast. There are gigs, obviously, some of which are aimed at under 18s (something Belfast sorely needed), rehearsal rooms for hire for bands who need space and equipment, a cafe and space for kids to come in, listen to music and hang out, and their crown jewel - the music exhibition. The exhibition basically charts Northern Ireland music from its traditional roots, to modern heroes like Snow Patrol (say what you like about them, at least they're flying the flag!). Recently, the whole thing was expanded and now features video confessionals from civilians like you and me, recounting their favourite gigs, lyrics, Northern Irish bands and so on. The building is also home to small businesses as well, such as Start Together Studios and Small Town America Records - both of which are success stories in their own right and would find it difficult to get city centre premises otherwise. The exhibition is free and open to the public every day except Sunday, so if you have even a passing interest in anything musical, I'd give it a whirl.

Great gallery space. I always try to get here during Late Night Art (First Thursday of the Month)…read more A wide range of work form photography, Installations, Video, Sculpture, Performance, Print making, Graffiti etc etc. I have seen some really experimental work here. The staff are helpful and are usually up for talking about the work or if you have any questions. It is one of my favourite galleries in Belfast. #Recommended

Platform is a studio and art gallery with charitable status located numerous flights of stairs…read moreabove ground level at 1 Queen Street in central Belfast. I visited on Thursday 2 November 2017 and thoroughly enjoyed the diverse range of contemporary art on display. A group show entitled, And This Too, exploring the theme of modern conflict was running. The exhibition showcased work by seven artists; Sean Campbell, Jill Gibbon, Brendan Jamison, Ciaran Magill, Mark Revels, Gail Ritchie and David Turner. It included installations, paintings and sculptures, all of which were entertaining and intriguing, especially Sean Campbell's Lego installation of the American Flag (I Wouldn't Start From Here), and Ciaran Magill's eerily beautiful, poignant paintings of Northern Ireland landscapes. A fantastic gallery and studio space generating creative artwork - absolutely essential for art aficionados when in Belfast.

If you are into the history of the Titanic Ocean Liner and Belfast, Ireland, then this is your spot…read moreto stay in. Driving in at first doesn't impress and it begs the question, am I in the right place ? The red brick building looks old next to the very modern Titanic Museum. But, once you enter this amazingly beautiful back in time hotel, you know it is really something to write about when visiting Northern Ireland ! The decor is so tastefully done to transport you back to the days of the launching of the Titanic. From the ocean liner lamps to the rivets on the doors. From the grand open air bar to the ocean liner models. All will impress you and bring you back in time. There is also plenty of open space to sit and relax or even play a game of chess ! Our room had a California King size bed with a beautiful art deco black/white tile bathroom. Our room was bright and airy with notably high ceilings. Nice 55" flat screen tv and a nice desk. Good closet space as well a room safe. Note: One thing I didn't like was the standard European low water pressure for the shower ! Plus, be very careful entering and exiting the tub/shower. Slipping is very possible. Staff are very friendly and helpful. The dining area is clean and the food is good. There is even a window to look into the kitchen galley to see the food being prepared ! I would definitely stay here the next time I'm in Belfast !

Bedroom and bathroom were the biggest we've had in our 4 city tour of Ireland. There was also a…read moreseparate bath tub which was a very welcome surprise. The dinner food that was served left a lot to be desired. My main entree was a bit overcooked and therefore was dry. I asked for extra sauce and after an enormous time waiting for it, I finally asked the server what happened and she said they ran out and the the cooked just made enough for the meals that were prepared. So therefore both food and service was a fail.

Saint Anne's Cathedral is the centerpiece of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Construction began in…read more1899 and that initial design was complete and consecrated in 1904. It has undergone a number of extensions and expansions throughout the ages. One of those improvements is the 40 meter tall stainless steel "Spire of Hope" that was installed in 2007. (Derivative of the spire in Dublin, hmmm?) The cathedral is quite active with services held pretty much every day. And if you're not familiar with the story of the Black Santa, it's pretty awesome how they have completely leaned in to it. [Review 1868 of 2024 - 852 in United Kingdom - 22890 overall]

I loved the approach to St Anne / Belfast cathedral as the route we took went thru an area called…read moreWriter's Square and it was a nice reminder that Jonathan Swift had previously worked at the Belfast cathedral The outside is lovely, but unfortunately we couldn't go in as they charge £3 and we decide to miss seeing the grave of Calder as well as the maze near the pulpit (apparently following the white lines leads you to the altar while the black lines leave you go around in circles!) Note: #233 of Yelp 100 challenge for 2016

You're probably looking at this hotel because it's basically the only Marriott in Belfast. This…read morehotel is relatively new and very modern right on the banks of the Lagan river. The hotel is close enough to the Belfast downtown area (maybe 10 minute walk) that it didn't feel like a chore to go. Rooms: The rooms are sleek, modern, and well-appointed with everything you need for a comfortable stay. My room had floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the river and city skyline. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the rainfall shower was a lovely touch. Unfortunately, no tub. Dining: If you're a platinum member, there's no free breakfast for you here. There's a small upcharge for breakfast. I can't recall if they only cover one person's breakfast or if it was an 8 pound upcharge for each person. But don't count on free breakfast here. Location: If you love Game of Thrones, there's a Glass of Thrones art piece right outside the hotel on the banks. You can see the H&W cranes from the hotel as well. The Titanic museum is maybe a 20-minute walk away on the other side. Parking: There's a nearby parking structure that's a few minutes walk away, NCP, that the hotel will validate for. It's 11 pounds for every 24 hours there. The parking structure was pretty safe as it was gated to enter and you needed to scan your ticket to get into the structure. Overall, I would recommend staying here if you're in Belfast and don't mind a short walk to some of the major attractions. I really enjoyed the videos.

Great hotel. Location was in walking distance to the mall area. It is in a good location to go for…read morea quiet walk and to just relax. The food at the resturant was ok, I am not a big fan of UK food due to the lack of seasoning; however, the rotisserie half chicken was perfectly cooked and seasoned well. The staff are very professional and friendly, and helpful. The housekeeping service was ok. I had to request them to clean stains on the floor that was there before I arrived, and to service my room. They could do a little better. I would definitely come back again to stay. This was a great hotel.

The Spectrum Centre opened in 2001, built on the site of a former cinema. Inside there is a main…read moreand minor hall, dance studio, interpretive centre and café. I refuelled with a cup of tea in the pleasant café, which seems to be quite popular, where there is also a display of artefacts relating to the Battle of the Somme and other aspects of local social history along with information boards that provide narrative and pictures. The Spectrum Centre also houses programmes and courses designed to help unemployed people get back into work, as well as theatre, music, literary and artistic activities.

Always wondered what was in here. Not the most inviting place. I have by passed it for years and…read morethought it was like a water works or something. Was in it today for a charity sale. Inside is nice and bright. There is even a climbing wall!. It is used by a local Scout Group.

Everything about the cocktail bar at the Merchant's Hotel drips elegance, from the grand old…read moreentrance with a snappily dressed porter to the sweeping ceilings bearing ancient Ulster Bank emblems adorning its corners. Upon presenting ourselves in the bar area, we were promptly greeted and shown to some ornate seats, then presented with a tray of assorted snack crackers while we perused the menu. Shortly thereafter, we were also delivered a refreshing welcome libation. Totally unexpected, and a gracious touch of hospitality. Cocktail offerings span the gamut of base spirits and flavor combinations. Each drink was cleverly appellated with a mononym that captured its essence. After some consultation with our server, Conor, I opted to start with the Chocolate, while my sister ordered a Rhubarb. As one might expect of an establishment that's earned two pins from the Pinnacle Guide, service was blazingly prompt (I'm always surprised when I don't have to wait a good ten minutes between ordering a craft cocktail and having it show up at my table), the drinks themselves were flawlessly balanced, and I do -so- love when bars have both proper ice and glassware that shows off its contents. The Merchant's Hotel bar (over)delivers on absolutely every aspect of the tippling experience. Our first round was so delightful, I was loath to leave before sampling their other offerings. I was torn between the Ginger (because, poitín) and the Orange (because, local whiskey), but Conor surprised me with an invitation to going off-menu. Hey, if it's an adventure involving alcohol, I'm there! He suggested a Vieux Carré. Okay. Total sidebar: I'd just recently learned from my sister that one of my absolute favorite bars in Chicago -- The Violet Hour -- had closed. It was one of the earliest craft cocktail establishments I'd ever patronized, and it was also the first place I'd ever been served a Vieux Carré. The unlikely confluence of my learning of Violet Hour's demise, its association with this particular cocktail, and being offered one halfway across the globe screams a little too much of cosmic syzygy to write off as pure happenstance. Aaaaaaaanyway, obviously, I immediately said yes. To which Conor then followed up with a, "How much Bailey's would you like in that?" It took me half a beat before I was like, "Wait a minute..." I think his cheeky grin was evidence that he was either joking, testing me, or some combination of both. Fortunately, I caught the game. And, friends, I can heartily confirm that this Vieux Carré was arguably better than any I've had in NOLA. Seriously, the folks behind the bar know their craft. In case it hasn't already been abundantly clear that I'm enamored with this venue, I'll close with this: during my 14-day tour around the island, drinks at the cocktail bar at the Merchant's Hotel stands out at the single most delightful experience of my entire trip. If I'm ever back on the Emerald Isle, you can expect I'll be making a return visit.

The building is absolutely stunning from the outside and when you go inside it is even more…read moreincredible. We decided to come here for tea time. The service was impeccable and the tea and treats were incredible. It is not inexpensive though in comparisons to other tea times I have experienced but if you settle in and enjoy the experience for what it is and where you are at, it is all worth it.