10 Most Unusual Things to Do in Belfast You Won't Want to Miss
Brunch stops and landmark tours are great holiday highlights, but some people prefer to look for the more unusual activities during their stay. For a night of 1920s jazz or a zip wire view of Belfast’s skyline, read our guide to the top 10 unusual activities and tours in Northern Ireland’s vibrant city.
MAC Roller Skate
Cathedral, School
The MAC live theatre venue will host its annual roller skate disco event – February 10–11, 2017 – in the beautiful Cathedral Quarter venue. Back by popular demand, this nostalgic event is available to book by sessions, with an all-night disco running into the evening. After your roller session is over, you are welcome to stay for a night of old-school music on the viewing balcony, starting at 11 p.m. Tickets include a 45-minute rolling session and access to the disco. If you’re not into the skates, come for the party at a reduced rate.
We Are Vertigo
Restaurant
If you’ve already abandoned those all important New Year’s resolutions, take up an exercise regime again at We Are Vertigo adventure centre. Northern Ireland’s only indoor skiing centre doesn’t disappoint and includes rope parks, an Alpine-themed restaurant and the popular trampoline park. The new Fahrenheit Fitness session is an hour-long fun and fitness event for all ages, available for a drop-in session or a block booking for the season. Trampoline workouts don’t put as much stress on the joints but are triple the workout, making this centre the best alternative to the gym.
Wee Toast Tours
If you’re looking for the most unusual route around the city, Wee Toast Tours is the perfect alternative to a bus or walking tour. You do the driving on this multi-person bike cart, which holds 15 people, while the tour provides a front driver to steer. It’s BYOB (bring your own beer, wine or whatever you please), or you can book the usage of the keg and tap, situated in the middle of the kart. This tour is perfect for summer parties and work events, available to book in one- or two-hour sessions around the route of your choice. If you have any special requests or preparations, this company is happy to prepare the perfect city tour for you.
Belfast Food Tours
This multi-award-winning tour is made for the foodie in everyone, perfect for those who want to get a taste of all things Belfast but are only in the city for a short stay. The Belfast Food Tour takes four hours, travelling around the best food and drink spots in the beautiful city centre, with surprises along the way. Starting at St George’s Market, you’ll sample over 25 dishes and drinks from top chefs and restaurants in the city, before arriving at one of the Cathedral Quarter’s top eateries for a treat. Special tours include the Whiskey Walk, Bar Tour and Belfast Bites. It’s an authentic walking tour of Northern Ireland’s famous cuisine, a must-see for first-time visitors. But be quick, or you’ll most likely be on the waiting list!
Belfast City Bike Tours
Architectural Landmark
Offering six tour routes around the city, Belfast City Bike Tours are getting people out into the Northern Irish air for a traditional cycle around the city. If you’re an avid athlete, or even a novice, this company will supply you with a comfortable cruiser bike, helmet and hi-vis jacket before you set out on a tour. From West Belfast to the Titanic Quarter, Belfast City Bike Tours cover the most scenic routes available, in three hours. For the fittest of all, book a Paddle and Bike Tour, which cycles through the Cathedral and Titanic Quarters before paddling a watercraft along the River Lagan. No experience needed for these adventures!
The C.S. Lewis Trail
Fans of the Narnia Chronicles series will delight at following the C.S. Lewis Trail, which takes you to the places that inspired Lewis’ world of Narnia. Born in 1898, Lewis lived in the east of the city where this walking trail begins. Starting at The Searcher sculpture, Holywood Arches Library (look for the Narnia gateway), this trail goes past Belmont Tower, St Mark’s Church and more. Be sure to pick up a guide at NI’s Tourism Centre, or download a copy below, to get the full history of Lewis and his influences.
You can download the C.S. Lewis Trail guide here.
You can download the C.S. Lewis Trail guide here.
Cabaret Supperclub
Step into the 1920s for a night of jazz, burlesque and magic alongside a beautiful dinner and brunch menu at the Cabaret Supperclub. Inside a dimly lit Victorian interior with a Hollywood atmosphere, a dinner and show don’t get much more exciting than this. Sunday brunch events include a Prosecco reception with headlining stars, including entertainer Cherri on Top, while evening events include tributes to Frank Sinatra, Cher and Amy Winehouse, with extra magic, contortionists and local artists. The dress code is ‘Glamorous’, so put on your best frock and enjoy a night of class in Belfast’s city centre.
Titanic Harbour Boat Tour
In true Belfast style, the Titanic Harbour Boat Tour pays tribute to the RMS Titanic in a historical tour around the Titanic Quarter from the River Lagan. The world’s only Titanic boat tour gives visitors the best view of the Marine Harbour, Dock and Pump House and sails to the Musgrave Channel where you will spot the large breeding colony of seals in Belfast. The Mona boat is child- and dog-friendly and is wheelchair accessible; therefore, all visitors can see the city from its cherished docks. Available to book as a single guest or hire for a special occasion, the Harbour Boat Tour is perfect for a summer party.
Night At The Museum
Museum
Give your kids the ultimate Night At The Museum experience at Ulster Museum’s overnight sleepover, which takes place throughout the year. During the night, guests will be treated to a torch-lit tour of the entire museum, illuminating Takabuti the mummy and Edmontosaurus dinosaur, before an early breakfast at the museum’s café, before opening to the public. Tickets for this event are in very high demand; each ticket includes a full tour, nightly activities and a full breakfast in the early morning. Bring your sleeping bag and pillows for a night of spooky entertainment.
SKYTrek
SKYTrek sits in the beautiful woods of Colin Glen Forest Park, offering a range of outdoor adventures, including kayaking, mountain biking and orienteering. For the extreme sports fan, SKYTrek is home to Ireland’s longest zip wire, a double 90-metre (295.2-foot) line that runs over Belfast city, giving you one of the best views Northern Ireland has to offer. If you don’t feel up to the full wire, the centre has a low flying 16-metre (52.4-foot) and five-metre (16.4-foot) beginners wire. Sessions at SKYTrek run from 30–90 minutes, depending on the type of package, available for all ages. Whether you want to try out a woodland sport or fly down Ireland’s longest zip wire, this fantastic centre caters for every need.