Things to do in  Belfast

Often overlooked in favor of the Irish Republic’s lively capital Dublin, Belfast is a city rich with history, culture, and Northern Irish ""craic."" Having shed its war-torn reputation in the past few years, Belfast has undergone a radical transformation and now offers an abundance of museums, restaurants, and swanky accommodation. Top sights on any Belfast city tour are the Titanic Belfast in the Titanic Quarter, City Hall, and the cultural hub of Cathedral Quarter, where St. Anne’s Cathedral—also known as Belfast Cathedral—and a maze of cobbled streets lend themselves well to walking tours. History buffs can take a guided tour of the infamous Crumlin Road Gaol, formerly filled with dangerous convicts, and for maritime enthusiasts and families, the HMS Caroline is a great place to spend the afternoon. Belfast’s proximity to Giant’s Causeway makes the Northern Ireland capital an ideal launchpad for day trips to and along the Causeway Coastal Route, whose other highlights include Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dunluce Castle, and the Bushmills Distillery. And fans of the hit HBO show ""Games of Thrones"" will jump at the opportunity to take a sightseeing tour to Cushendun Caves, Carrickfergus Castle, the macabre Dark Hedges road, and other GoT filming locations.