Belfast
Belfast is a city of remarkable resilience and a burgeoning destination for cruise ships. The capital of Northern Ireland, it has transformed itself into a vibrant and welcoming place, rich with history, culture, and a lively atmosphere. While the city's past is complex, its present is defined by a sense of optimism and a thriving arts and culinary scene. As a cruise port, Belfast offers a unique opportunity to explore the story of the Titanic, learn about the city's history, and venture out to see the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area, including the world-famous Giant's Causeway.⛵ Port Introduction
Your cruise ship will not dock directly at a pier in Dún Laoghaire. Instead, it will anchor offshore in the harbor, and you will take a tender boat to the Carlisle Pier or another designated landing area. The tender ride is brief and scenic, giving you a wonderful view of the harbor and the town as you approach. The tender landing is a small, temporary setup with a short walkway that leads you to the town.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your cruise ship will dock at the Port of Belfast, which is located in Belfast Harbour. This is an industrial port, so you will not be able to walk off the ship and into the city. Instead, you'll be required to take a complimentary shuttle bus provided by the port. The bus ride is a short 10-15 minute journey that will take you from the ship to the heart of Belfast city center, typically near the City Hall or another central location.
⚓ Terminal Information
Your cruise ship will dock at the Port of Belfast, which is located in Belfast Harbour. This is an industrial port, so you will not be able to walk off the ship and into the city. Instead, you'll be required to take a complimentary shuttle bus provided by the port. The bus ride is a short 10-15 minute journey that will take you from the ship to the heart of Belfast city center, typically near the City Hall or another central location.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The facilities at the port are limited to basic passenger services. You will go through security before you board the shuttle bus. There are no full-service shops or restaurants at the port itself. Tour buses will also be available just outside the secure port area to take passengers on organized excursions to places like the Titanic Belfast museum or the Giant's Causeway.
🗣️ Language
The local language is English. While you'll hear a distinct Northern Irish accent, you will have no problem at all navigating, communicating, and exploring.
💰 Money
The currency in Northern Ireland is the British Pound (£), just as it is in the rest of the United Kingdom. However, be aware that Northern Ireland has its own banknotes, issued by four different banks (Bank of Ireland, Danske Bank, Ulster Bank, and Royal Bank of Scotland). These banknotes are legal tender throughout the UK, but some shops outside Northern Ireland may be hesitant to accept them. Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, and ATMs are easy to find throughout the city.
🚗 Transportation
Once the shuttle bus drops you off in the city center, Belfast is a very walkable city.
· Walking: You can easily walk to many of the main attractions, including City Hall, the Titanic Quarter, and the shopping streets.
· Bus: Belfast has an extensive and reliable bus system, operated by Translink. You can purchase a day pass for unlimited travel. The bus system is very convenient for getting to places that are a bit further away, like the Titanic Belfast museum.
· Taxis: Taxis are readily available throughout the city. Both traditional black cabs and private taxis are available.
· Ride-Sharing: Uber is available and is a convenient option.
♿ Accessibility
Belfast has an accessibility rating of 5 out of 10. While the shuttle bus from the port is generally accessible, and the city center is mostly flat, some of the historic streets and buildings may have uneven surfaces and limited accessibility. The city is working to improve accessibility, but it is a good idea to check specific venues and routes in advance.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to town is to take the complimentary shuttle bus provided by the port. It's the only way to get out of the secure port area, and it will drop you off right in the city center, where you can begin your exploration.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are generally available and clean in Belfast, especially at major tourist attractions, shopping centers, and museums. They are free to use. Many restaurants and pubs also have restrooms for customer use.
💊 Drugstore
· Boots Pharmacy: 40-46 Donegall Place, Belfast, BT1 5BB. Open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
· Superdrug: 32-36 Castle St, Belfast, BT1 1GH. Open Monday-Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
✨ Authentic Experience
1. Explore the Titanic Quarter: No visit to Belfast would be complete without a trip to the Titanic Quarter. Instead of just a quick tour, take your time to explore the Titanic Belfast museum, a stunning building that tells the story of the ship's construction in the very place it was built. You can also walk around the dry dock where the Titanic was launched and see the slipways. It's a moving and incredibly well-done experience.
2. Take a Black Cab Tour: For a deep dive into Belfast's complex history, take a tour with a local driver in a black cab. The drivers are a wealth of knowledge and can take you to the famous murals on the Falls Road and Shankill Road, which tell the story of the "Troubles." This is a unique and authentic way to learn about the city's history from a local's perspective.
3. Dine in a Traditional Pub and Enjoy the Craic: The Irish are famous for their pubs, and Belfast has some fantastic ones. Head to a traditional pub like The Crown Liquor Saloon, a stunning Victorian gin palace. Order a pint of Guinness and a plate of traditional Irish food like a hearty stew or Irish soda bread. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and you can strike up a conversation with locals and experience the famous Irish "craic" (lively conversation and fun).
