Historical places to visit around Belfast
Next time you're out with a senior, be a tourist for the day and immerse yourself in the history of Belfast. Here are some of the local spots we recommend not to miss.
Titanic Quarter
Once Northern Ireland’s biggest employers and famous for building the Titanic, the Belfast shipyard was founded in 1861 by Yorkshireman Edward Harland and his German business partner, Gustav Wolff. The yellow cranes, known affectionately as Samson and Goliath, dominate the skyline and are one of the most iconic flagships when thinking about Belfast. Today, you can take a walk around the “Titanic Quarter” and learn about the history of shipbuilding and where the ships were built. This is a walk which can be tailored depending on your mobility. There are a number of information boards you can read as you walk along the water. At the docks, there are benches and coffee shops available where you can sit indoors or outside- depending on the weather.
St. George's Market
In Belfast, the Friday Markets historically dated back to 1604, St. George’s Market was built between 1890 and 1896 and is opened Friday to Sunday. The market sells both craft work and food from vendors around Belfast. This is a perfect thing to do in the mornings as you can enjoy some food, relax with a coffee or sit and listen to some of the best local musicians play live. This historical building has recently been named the UK’s Best Large Indoor Market 2023 by the NABMA Great British Market Awards. There is disabled parking around the market and parking discount for customers in Lanyon Place car park. There is a “Quiet Hour” at St. Georges from 9am-10am Friday and Saturday and 10am-11am on Sunday for those who prefer a calmer, quieter shopping experience.
Stormont Estate
Stormont Estate is a major tourist and visitor attraction in East Belfast, it is open to the public and entrance is free. This historical Estate contains beautiful gardens and a variety of walks, along with picnic areas and toilets. There are a number of historical statues and World War 2 points of interests which you can spot along the way. This is also home to the Northern Ireland Executive and the Executive Office, guided tours are available for this.
Belfast City Hall
If you’re in the city centre, Belfast City Hall is definitely worth a visit. This Grade A building was built in 1906 and contains memorials to the history, people and events associated with the city. There is a permanent visitor exhibition which is a self-guided journey from Belfast’s past to present, this is located on the ground floor, in the East wing. Public tours are free of charge.
Ulster Museum
Located next to the Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum explores the past, present and future through collections of Art, Natural Science and History. This Museum was founded as the Belfast Natural History Society in 1821 and built in Stranmillis in 1929, it is the largest museum in Northern Ireland. This is a perfect place to visit with a senior as it is indoors and is accessible for all types of mobility. There is a coffee shop on the ground floor, this is a perfect place to sit and reflect after your visit. Admission to the museum is free and no booking is required.
