Belfast, Northern Ireland (Pop. 290,000)

Unlike it’s Irish cousin Dublin, Belfast was plagued with damage and decline during the 1970s due to sectarian violence by the IRA and Loyalist paramilitary groups. However, in the past couple of years, the city has found its feet and grown substantially. Whilst it may not a pretty as other parts of Ireland, Belfast certainly has its own beautiful character and charm.

Any visitor to Belfast needs to visit Shankill Road, where today murals and paintings along building walls commemorate those that died during the violence that took place here. It would be ideal to catch a bus up Shankill road and walk back towards Belfast city centre, admiring and paying respects to the many men (and women) that died.

Another significant site that visitors to Belfast should visit is Stormont Estate. It is here, that the Northern Irish Assembly sits and visitors are often able to head into one of the chambers to have a sneak peak (the foyer is open to visitors, however, ask one of the guards nicely and they usually guide you into one of the two chambers).

Back in the city centre, Belfast’s city hall has gardens open to the general public and is often quite crowded in the early afternoon during a warm summers day where people are out and about to catch some sun. It is also here that a London eye-esque observation wheel sits for those who would like to see Belfast from the top.

Again, like most European cities, the main shopping district is a haven for fashionistas. Major European and British stores can all be found along the high streets and the main enclosed shopping centre offers a free viewing platform that gives shoppers a 360° view of the city.

Useful hint:

The city’s bus system is well developed and efficient, with buses going to all major areas of the city. A day pass costs less than £4 for the day and gives you unlimited rides on all of the city’s buses, including the bus that stops right outside the terminal building of Belfast City airport.

Getting here:

• Belfast city airport is located close to the city and is well served by budget airlines flying to and from the UK as well as some cities in Europe. RyanAir, Aer Lingus and BMI Baby are just a couple of the airlines servicing Belfast City airport.
• Ferries run from parts of the west cost of the UK and enable those with cars to come over to the city with their cars.
• Buses and trains run to other parts of Ireland.