The new Northern Ireland tourism ad has Liam Neeson saying that a place is made memorable by the people in it, and the stories they tell.

It is really true that the life stories of people make up the character of a place?  What are the stories of Belfast? Is it worth a spot in your bucket list?

The following experiences make up the unique Belfast culture that can only be had at Northern Ireland:

 

Voyage the Titanic

No matter what your stand is about the movie of the same name, the Titanic is arguably the most famous ships in history.

The biggest and grandest in its time, the Titanic was first imagined and realised in the docks of Belfast. The maritime culture of the people of Belfast, as well as the story of how the Titanic and her sister ships were built is worth two ears. You can re-live this story today thru a tour of one of the Titanic’s sister ships –the SS Nomadic or by visiting the Titanic Exhibition in Belfast.

 

Escape from entrapment

6 mates. 60 minutes. A locked room. Escape.

Use these words together in one sentence and you have Escap3d, an experience unique that can only take place in the capital. With a couple of mates, figure your way out of a locked room using puzzles and clues. It’s like being zapped into a computer game, except that it is real.

 

Sleep in a castle

Be awestruck by the grand dwellings of royalties past. Take a tour of castle ruins from the 14^th century.

Visit the Dunluce Castle, said to have inspired C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.

Learn about the Earls of Antrim at the Glenarm Castle.

Eighteenth century Castle Ward in County Down, one of the locations for the shoot of the show ‘Game of Thrones’.

Sleep in any number of hotel castles and be a prince or princess for a day. If it doesn’t appeal to you, let’s face it, it might be spooky at night, then try somewhere more conventional like the 4 star La Mon near Belfast city centre.

 

Pour a pint

What craic to be had in traditional Irish pubs definitely gets a spot on any list. Pour yourself a pint of Guinness and immerse in Irish music, food and drink.

 

In Belfast, not to be missed are the Crown Liquor Saloon Bar and the John Hewit.

If clubbing is more your thing, crawl thru the hippest bars and clubs in the UK club scene. Be sure to check out Lush in Portrush and Box in Belfast.

 

Take a walk

Not to be missed is a trip up Divis near Hannahstown. The Divis Ridge Trail offers smashing views over Belfast. Various walking tours are organised regularly by local walking clubs that welcome visitors.

 

Now that you know a bit more about Northern Ireland tell us...

 

Would YOU consider visiting it if you had a chance?

What activities would you go for?

Do you agree that people make a place extraordinary?

Let’s hear all about it in the comments 🙂