After spending the day driving to Giants Causeway and climbing on volcanic rock, the mission was to spend an evening in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
It was dark and Hunk and I were hungry (I was what I like to say ‘Starvin Marvin from Ethiopia – Southpark reference anyone?) when we found a parking spot by St Anne’s Cathedral. As soon as we began our walk to find dinner, we both remarked that Belfast’s vibe seemed pretty interesting and decided to wander the streets and explore Belfast before we ate.
I can’t put my finger on it, but I immediately liked Belfast. This doesn’t happen that often, falling for a place almost immediately – but it happened for me in Belfast. The place itself seemed to have a fun vibe, different to the fun vibe of Dublin, with some great architecture and it looked like life in Belfast would be better than life in Dublin… This is just my opinion from my few hours in Belfast and I could be way off…!
How about them buildings
The architecture was so impressive. Just take for instance, the grand, mega-mega Belfast Town Hall. At first sight it generates an audible “WOW”.
We went to The Crown Bar, the oldest pub in Belfast, for a little look around as we had read that the architecture is well-worth seeing and a must-visit whilst in Belfast and YES we were impressed! I am so terrible – I didn’t take a photograph!
It has the most intricate woodwork I’ve every seen, and great private booths. The booths have 4 walls surrounding them, with old leather panelled seats and stained glass around the tops of the walls (so the poor people who missed out on getting a booth can peer in and see what they are missing)!
There was also a building that really stood out to me as my favourite of all even though it’s actually rather hideous. As my name is Lesley, how could I not..?!
#Foodie
I pride myself on being a foodie, and there was definitely a ripe foodie scene going on in Belfast! As we walked down each street not knowing where we were going, there were great-looking restaurants popping up everywhere, packed with people all enjoying a Saturday night meal.
We eventually found a restaurant with a free table for us and it turned out it had at least one Michelin star to its name. Deanes did not disappoint! I had the sirloin steak with beef dripping chips (zomg) whilst Hunk ate from the specials menu – a fish fritter dish which he said he absolutely loved. Please go to Deanes if you are in Belfast!!
Street Art
As we meandered the streets of Belfast, we stumbled upon heaps of street art murals. It was like London’s Brick Lane had exploded all over the city! The street murals are somewhat politically charged, but more often than not are charming and give the city some extra vibrancy! I was constantly stopping to enjoy the murals and snap some pics. My favourite mural is below – so colourful!
Take Me Back!
Unfortunately we couldn’t stay more than a few hours in Belfast but both Hunk and I really fell for the place! I feel like we only scratched the surface of Belfast and I hope we can find time to get back there to explore it further!
A highly underrated city and I highly recommend getting your butt there! It’s well worth spending a few days exploring.
Have you been to Belfast? Thoughts – are you a fan? I’m curious what others think! Let me know in the comments.
Australian expat, married to a Dutch guy, living in Amsterdam. Previously lived in London for 3 years, too! Lover of travel, coffee, brunch, beaches, fresh flowers, and family. Now a new mum, navigating life with a baby!
0 thoughts on “Why I Can’t Wait To Go Back To Belfast”
I went to the Crown Bar as well 😀 LOVEEEEE Belfast
Yay! Did you get a booth?