Longing for a day out? Whether you’re desperate to hit the shops, or simply need of a change of scenery, Belfast is brimming with things to do now that restrictions have been lifter. We’ve rounded up some inspiration for summer days and eventful evenings, giving you the chance to get out of the house and discover something new.
Go for a Meal
Belfast has an amazing foodie scene, and while many of the city’s eateries offered a taste of it on delivery during lockdown, you can finally visit our award-winning restaurants again – and sit inside! Whether it’s fine dining from some of the country’s most renowned chefs, or authentic Mexican with a colourful cocktail on the side, Belfast serves up an unbeatable selection of local and international cuisine. Restaurants reopen from indoor dining on 24 May, but opening times may be limited and pre-booking may be required.
Raise a Toast to Bars Reopening
With indoor service resuming in bars and pubs from 24 May you can finally enjoy a drink inside your favourite pub! Raise a toast with local craft beer or perfectly poured cocktail inside a warm and comfy pub – from traditional Irish venues to chic rooftop bars there are plenty to choose from. Get home safe with Translink bus and rail services or Value Cabs taxis.
Go on a Shopping Trip
Online shopping just isn’t the same as leisurely browsing in-store, and now that retail in Belfast city centre has reopened, you can finally get your shopping fix off-line again! You’ll notice certain measures in place, including limited numbers in stores and new navigation markers in Victoria Square and CastleCourt shopping centres to make sure everyone stays safe. There might be some queues outside, but take your time and make the most of it. Pick up a coffee from Starbucks and spend a day rediscovering the designer stores, high street brands and independent shops that make Belfast’s shopping precinct one of the best in the UK.
Rediscover Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast reopens on 27 May and they have plenty of measures in place to ensure a safe visit, including a one-way system through the award-winning exhibition, reduced visitor numbers and sanitising stations throughout. Book your tickets in advance at titanicbelfast.com and rediscover the incredible story of the world’s most famous ship.
Experience Belfast’s Biggest Indoor Aqua Adventure
Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park is reopening to the public and epic water adventures await! Try the Abyss (if you dare) – a high speed drop slide and the first of its kind in Ireland, where you enter a capsule and let the floor drop beneath your feet, plunging you into the ride of lifetime! Or experience the thrill of catching a wave indoors on Northern Ireland’s first ever indoor surf simulator. There’s an aqua park and Little Lagoon for kids, too. Water slides reopen from 26 May and Surf Belfast reopens from 27 May. Opening times may be limited and you need to book in advance via the Better App.
Step Back in Time
The Ulster Museum, Ulster Transport Museum and Ulster American Folk Park are reopening on 25 May and Ulster Folk Museum is reopening on 12 June, giving you a chance to come face to face with dinosaurs, see majestic locomotives or follow in the footsteps of Irish migrants. Pre-book your date and time slot at nmni.com
Return to the MAC
The MAC is reopening on Wednesday 26 May with three gallery spaces to peruse and coffee and lunches available in the Café Bar. Measures will be in place to ensure a safe visit, including a one-way system, social distancing measures, extra sanitising measures and a face covering policy.
Have an Outdoor Adventure
After a few months in the house, it’s time for an outdoor adventure! Get your adrenaline pumping at Colin Glen Forest Park, where the SKYTrek high ropes promises hair-raising zip lines and towering climbing walls guaranteed to take you out of your comfort zone! Have a go at cable wakeboarding at Let’s Go Hydro or try the mountain bike trails and jump parks at Barnett Demesne.
Get Lost in Narnia
Visit CS Lewis Square in east Belfast, a public space commemorating the Belfast-born author CS Lewis, and walk among characters from The Chronicles of Narnia! The square features seven bronze sculptures including Aslan, the White Witch, Mr Tumnus, the Beavers and the Robin. Grab a coffee to go from nearby Lamppost Café and go for a walk or bike ride along the Comber Greenway or Connswater Community Greenway.
Have a Picnic in the Park
Belfast is full of beautiful green spaces and now is the perfect time to discover them. Pack a picnic and head to Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park in south Belfast where can stroll through the famous rose garden and spread a picnic blanket somewhere among the 128 acres of parkland. Or go to Botanic Gardens in the heart of the of Queen’s Quarter. Pick up takeaway food from Sakura or BaoBun on Botanic Avenue and enjoy it in the pristine gardens overlooked by a Victorian palm house. The perfect escape for a sunny afternoon!
Explore Stormont Estate
With an expanse of woodland to discover, Stormont Estate is ideal for an afternoon out with the whole family. Wander through the trees and follow the interactive walking trails, where kids can learn about biodiversity and the environment. Or take them to the children’s play park, where there’s also facilities for picnics and tabletop barbeques. The estate also has an enclosed dog exercise area, where canine family members can let lose off-lead!
