Excursion Belfast city highlights tour at Belfast

Discover the splendid architecture, landmarks and storied history of Belfast during this picturesque orientation excursion through the city.

Belfast City Centre, Grand Opera House and Landmarks

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 15-minute drive to Belfast's City Centre, the central business district. Upon arrival, begin your narrated drive through the city, with photo stops along the way. Pass by the Grand Opera House, and Victorian and Edwardian buildings with elaborate sculptures over doors and windows, along with stone-carved heads of gods, poets, scientists, kings, and queens peering down from the high ledges of banks and old linen warehouses.

Botanic Gardens, Shankill Road, Falls Roads and Murals

From here, pass by Queen's University before stopping for a self-guided stroll through the Botanic Gardens. Located in these gardens is the Palm House, a superb structure of cast iron and curved glass panels built even before Kew Gardens opened in London in 1839. Leaving the Botanic Gardens, re-board your coach and drive to Shankill Road, an authentic working-class community, and the Falls Roads area, where murals on almost every gable wall tell the story of its violent past and hope for the future.

Cave Hill, Belfast Castle and Lough, Mac Art's Fort and Stormont

Your tour continues with a drive to Cave Hill for panoramic views overlooking Belfast Castle, one of the most celebrated landmarks of the city. The castle's presence is ingrained into Belfast's social history and culture. On its lower slopes, Belfast Castle boasts beautiful gardens and an adjoining country park. Don't miss the splendid views of Belfast Lough, and the city below you. Mac Art's Fort, a rock where united Irishmen planned the rebellion of 1795, overlooks the castle. After your photo stop at Cave Hill, re-board your coach and travel outside the city where a photo stop is made at Stormont, Northern Ireland's Parliament Building, which boasts Portland stone and Mourne granite. Your journey will then take you back to the port.

Your journey will then take you back to the port.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Belfast City Centre (from coach), Grand Opera House (from coach), Botanic Gardens, Palm House, Shankill Road (from coach), Falls Roads (from coach), Belfast Castle, Mac Art's Fort, Stormont

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. It is suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair who can embark and disembark the via the coach steps. Walking at the Botanic Gardens is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility. Comfortable, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket or coat, flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled.