What else to do while you are in the area
Recommendations from the organisers
At Queen's:
There is plenty to do and see in the university area alone, but be sure to stroll through the lovely Botanic Gardens, which include a rose garden, tropical ravine, and palm house. Overlooking the Botanic Gardens is the Ulster Museum, a treasure house of art, history, and more, free to all.
In Belfast:
There are many attractions in Belfast, where the RMS Titanic was famously built, including the Titanic Belfast museum, Crumlin Road Gaol, the Lyric Theatre, the Grand Opera House, the waterfront walk, CS Lewis Square, and a variety of restaurants. For more information, please visit http://visitbelfast.com/.
Scenic Day Trips from Belfast:
Northern Ireland is full of natural beauty, and the Country Antrim North Coast is a one-hour journey from Belfast. Home to the famous Giant's Causeway and beautiful scenery, it is accessible by public transport from Belfast City. There are also a variety of Game of Thrones tours available in the North Coast area, as many parts of the TV series have been filmed in the region.
Favorite half-day and full-day trips from Belfast city centre that are accessible by public transport include:
Favorite half-day and full-day trips from Belfast city centre that are accessible by public transport include:
- Belfast Castle and Cave Hill Country Park (half-day): A short trip to the outskirts of Belfast for beautiful views over the city, from the castle and McArt's Fort. By bus: Take any #1 Metro bus from Upper Queen Street to Strathmore Park Fortwilliam. From the Strathmore stop, walk in the direction of the bus and take the first left onto Innisfayle Park (at the sign for Belfast Castle). Follow road straight into the grounds of the castle (about an 18 min walk). The path to Cave Hill is behind the car park.
- Dundrum Castle and Murlough National Nature Reserve (half day): An easy bus ride to the village of Dundrum - take the Ulsterbus 520 toward Newcastle, from Europa Bus Centre to Dundrum Spar Shop (1 hr 5 min journey). The castle is about a 6-minute walk from there, offering gorgeous views on a clear day. Murlough National Nature Reserve, by foot, is about 1 mile from the south side of Dundrum village (follow Keel Point Road).
- Antrim coast tour, including the stunning Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and Giant's Causeway (full day): Information on a bus tour can be found here: http://belfastcitysightseeing.com/giants-causeway-and-antrim-coast-full-day-tour/.
- Castlerock/Mussenden Temple/Downhill Beach (full day): Amazing coastal scenery. Take the train directly from Belfast Botanic Station or Belfast Central Station, to Castlerock (about a 1 hr 30 min train ride). The temple and beach are within walking distance from the train station.
Dublin
Dublin is also doable as a day trip, as Belfast is only about two hours away by bus or train.