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Well-equipped Centre |
Avoniel Road Belfast BT5 4SF United Kingdom +44 28 9045 1564 http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/... |
The centerpiece of this impressive leisure center in East Belfast is its lavish fitness suite. It boasts single-station resistance machines, loose weights and a full range of cardio-vascular equipment. Trainers are on hand to get you started. Other facilities include a deck-level 25-meter pool and a multi-purpose hall. After all this activity, unwind with a session in the sun bed and sauna suite, or blast away the cobwebs in the steam room and spa pool suite. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Second-largest arts festival |
25 College Gardens Belfast BT9 6BS United Kingdom +44 28 9066 5577 (tickets) / +44 28 9066 7687 (information) http://www.belfastfestival.com |
The Belfast Festival at Queen's is the second-largest arts and cultural festival in Britain and Ireland - only the Edinburgh Festival beats it in size and scope. The whole jamboree kicks off at the beginning of September. The festival incorporates over 400 performances of international theatre and dance, classical and popular music, comedy, literature and film and is focused around the campus of Queen's University. Each year, the festival focuses on many different cultures, including Africa, France, US and more. Ticket prices to performances vary; call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A tour that enlightens a troubled past |
Castle Place Belfast BT1 1GA United Kingdom +44 28 9045 8484 http://www.citybus.co.uk |
If you wish to find out why Belfast is arguably Europe's most (in)famous city, the "Belfast Through the Millennium" tour, operated by Citybus, is an excellent introduction. The distinctive iconography of street murals belonging to both sides will be fully explained as you pass through the Falls and Shankill Road areas of the city. Whilst the "Troubles" (Europe's longest running conflict since 1945) have stalled tourism for so long, the symbolism of the conflict has now become something of a tourist industry. This tour, which lasts just under two hours, also encompasses the greatest signature buildings of the city, including the sparkling new Odyssey Arena. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Modern zoo on slopes of Cave Hill |
Antrim Road (Bellevue) Belfast, Antrim BT36 7PN United Kingdom +44 28 9077 6277 http://www.belfastzoo.co.uk |
Situated in a splendid woodland setting close to Belfast Castle, Belfast Zoo offers great views over the city. One of the most up-to-date zoos in Europe, it has expanded its grounds in recent years to allow maximum enclosure space for its inhabitants, and now stretches practically to the summit of Cave Hill if you follow the recommended route. Belfast Zoo has proved a pioneer in the realm of ethical zoo keeping. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Local Art Scene |
13 Adelaide Park Belfast BT9 6FX United Kingdom +44 28 9066 2998 http://www.bellgallery.com/ |
Belfast's longest established gallery is situated at the end of Adelaide Park off the prestigious Malone Road in South Belfast. It's the best place to see Irish works, be they by contemporary, 18th-, 19th- or early 20th-century Irish artists. Paintings by Tom Carr, Colin Middleton and Richard Croft feature in their repertoire. In addition to paintings, the gallery also exhibits and sells sculpture, pottery, glass works and silver works. The house is beautifully decorated with rugs and tapestries, and evening events are a regular occurrence - just ask to be put on their mailing list to receive your invitation. You will be warmly welcomed here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Authoritative guide encompassing all aspects of the city |
City-wide Pick up and drop off at your hotel Belfast, Antrim BT12 4PE United Kingdom +44 28 9064 2264 http://www.belfasttours.com |
This taxi tour will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a journey around the city's most famous buildings, and around the hot spots that have made Belfast one of Europe's most popular cities. See the murals which reflect Belfast's sectarian divisions, and the peace line - Belfast's own version of the Berlin Wall. These images don't normally feature in the tourist brochures but still hold a macabre fascination for visitors. The tour also visits chapels, the courts, Crumlin Road Jail and the shipyard where the Titanic was built. Prices for the 90-minute tour are GBP25 for one or two people and GBP8 for each additional person, up to six passengers per tour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Garden Refuge |
Botanic Ave College Park Belfast BT9 5AB United Kingdom +44 28 9032 0202 |
Situated next to Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens have provided a sanctuary from the pressures of city life since 1827. Especially prized is the iron and glass hothouse known as the Palm House - a splendid example of Victorian workmanship. The Palm House is a companion to the great glasshouses at Kew Gardens in London and the Botanic Gardens in Dublin, all of which were designed by Charles Lanyon. The Belfast version is a little diminutive in comparison with the great buildings at Kew, but has the same grace of design and contains an enormous variety of tropical plants. The gardens also contain rose beds, beautifully maintained herbaceous borders and a children's playground. The summer months see show jumping and free performances by brass bands. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Impressive Norman Structure |
Marine Highway Carrickfergus Belfast BT38 7BG United Kingdom +44 28 9335 1273 http://www.ehsni.gov.uk/places... |
Carrickfergus Castle was built by John de Courcy after the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. The walls are a metre thick with several impressive defence features: arrow slits, twin portcullises and a "murder hole" for raining boiling tar down on stranded enemies below. The centre of the castle is the Keep, in which exhibitions divulge intimate details of medieval life, such as the contents of those huge feast and dress. A room is laid out as a banqueting hall, where you can come and party as a private group. On the top floor there's an enormous chessboard and a chest of medieval clothes you can even try on while you play. A cafe and gift shop complete the tour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Forest & Coastal Splendour |
78 Ballydrain Rd Comber Belfast BT23 6EA United Kingdom +44 28 9187 4146 http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/ca... |
Castle Espie is a bird sanctuary run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust on the shores of Strangford Lough. Ireland's largest groups of ducks, geese and swans congregate here, and you can pick up a bag of feed on your way through reception which will bring the birds right up to your hand. Hides situated with spectacular views onto Strangford Lough are a haven for birdwatchers from all over Britain and Ireland, as the Lough's waters are host to many birds unique to this area. There's a gift shop and a restaurant with lakeside views serving hot and cold snacks. The sanctuary is open every day of the year except Christmas day, and is worth visiting in winter for sightings of Icelandic swans. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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National Trust Estate |
Strangford Belfast, Co. Down BT30 7LS United Kingdom +44 28 4488 1204 http://www.nationaltrust.org.u... |
Castle Ward is Strangford Lough's second most considerable National Trust property after Mount Stewart. Whereas the gardens dominate Mount Stewart, Castle Ward is distinguished by the curious architectural style of its Great House. Built by Bernard and Anne Ward in the 18th century, the house reflects the opposing tastes of its occupiers: one side of the house is Classical, the other is Gothic, and the architectural division runs right through the interior. The 750 acres of grounds contain a sedate lake bordered by palm trees. There's a Strangford Lough Wildlife Centre dedicated to the rare species of animals, particularly seabirds, native to the area. On summer evenings opera is performed in the courtyard. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Festival in Belfast's new arts epicentre |
Bridge Street Northern Whig House Belfast BT1 1LU United Kingdom +44 28 9023 2403 http://www.cqaf.com |
The Cathedral Quarter is Belfast's most exciting cultural centre. Based around St Anne's Cathedral, off-beat artistic enterprises are mushrooming, and the annual Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival is growing with them, attracting even more prestigious performers to venues throughout the city. The festival covers every arts genre imaginable including music, literature, children's events, comedy, circus, visual art. Ticket prices vary, see their website for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Indoor Ice Rink & More |
111 Old Dundonald Road Dundonald Belfast BT16 1XT United Kingdom +44 28 9048 2611 http://www.theicebowl.com |
When it was built in the 1980s, Dundonald Ice Bowl was the UK's first Olympic-sized ice rink, and it remains the largest rink in Ireland. In addition to ice skating, it offers 20 lanes of fully computerised tenpin bowling and an Indiana Jones themed indoor adventure playground, making Dundonald International Ice Bowl a great place for all the family on a rainy day. Six million visitors have passed through its doors to date - some of them involved in one of Northern Ireland's fastest-growing spectator sports, Ice Hockey. There's a resident North American coach helping to bring local teams up to scratch, and friendly matches are held at the rink with visiting North American teams. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All of Neptunes Creatures |
The Rope Walk Castle St Belfast, Co. Down BT22 1NZ United Kingdom +44 28 4272 8062 http://www.exploris.org.uk |
Sharks, rays, octopuses and starfish are all here in one of Ireland's most impressive aquaria. Try a "touch tank" and get prickled by a sea urchin or ticked by a ray. Hang around and it's bound to be feeding time for the inhabitants of one of the giant tanks, specially constructed so you can witness feeding frenzy at close range. The open sea tank is host to sharks and giant rays. Most of the species are from local waters, though that doesn't make the wolf fish seem any less exotic when you meet him eye to eye. Your kids will love it here, and you will too - if only for the big orange plastic fish you can buy in the gift shop that you can't get anywhere else. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Largest community festival in Europe |
Various venues throughout the city Belfast BT12 6DD United Kingdom +44 28 9020 9090 http://www.feilebelfast.com |
The largest community festival in Europe began in August 1988 as a modest street party in West Belfast. The location is still the same, but the line-up in recent years has gone stellar with past performers including Sinead O'Connor, Westlife, Frances Black and Status Quo. The festival continues over a whole week and involves music of all kinds, theatre, comedy, dance, debates, arts workshops and puppet shows. It is a yearly affair and the Feile Carnival, historical bus tours and mountain walks are all staple events. The event takes place at various venues throughout the city; check the website for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Contemporary Arts Centre |
Crescent Arts Centre 2-4 University Road Belfast BT7 1NH United Kingdom +44 28 9023 5245 http://www.crescentarts.org/fe... |
This split-level gallery, named after its Iranian owner, is housed in the multi-functional, dynamic Crescent Arts Centre near Queen's University. Exhibiting the work of contemporary (mostly Irish) artists in three large rooms on the ground and first floors, there is also a good selection of interesting postcards and art books on sale. Staff are helpful and friendly and the atmosphere inviting and relaxed. Check out their web site above, which is updated regularly, for details of their forthcoming exhibitions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Forest park set on queen of the Antrim glens |
98 Glenariffe Road Belfast, Antrim BT44 0QX United Kingdom +44 28 9052 4480 http://www.forestserviceni.gov... |
Glenariff Forest Park, in the heart of the spectacular Glens of Antrim, is a beautiful retreat of shade, pools and thundering waterfalls. Depending on the season, banks of bluebells or wild garlic flourish under the boughs of Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, Japanese larch and Lodgepole pine. At times dramatic, at times secluded and tranquil, this forest makes the ideal destination for a trip out of the city. Four marked trails suit the differing fitness levels and tastes of visitors; the three-mile Waterfall Trail is particularly recommended as it will bring you to the park's most breathtaking sites. The park is open from 10 in the morning daily, closing times depend on season and weather and will be posted at the entrance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Belfast's Nightlife Heartland |
Encompassing Dublin Road, Shaftesbury Square and Great Victoria Street Belfast, Co. Down BT7 1LS United Kingdom |
The Golden Mile stretches from Queen's University to the city centre, is approximately one mile long, and hosts about 80 per cent of the city's most happening night spots. The mile includes Internet cafes, bars, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres. In existence throughout the troubles, the Golden Mile was the brightest spot in the city. Now it's flourishing with peacetime investment. If you want to dine, Speranza's, Suwanna, Cayenne, Mongolian Barbecue, Red Panda, and Gipsy Queen are just a fraction of the buzzing eateries. Lavery's, the Crown and Robinson's offer great craic with their pints, while the Grand Opera House across the road dazzles the night viewer with its Victorian opulence. If you've come to Belfast for a good time, head here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Signature Victorian building |
17 Great Victoria St Belfast BT2 7HR United Kingdom +44 28 9024 1919 http://www.goh.co.uk |
The Grand Opera House is one of the city's great signature buildings. Restored to its Victorian glory in 1980, it is a masterpiece in gilt and plush scarlet; the pièce de la résistance of this lavish interior being the elephants that support the boxes! (Pavarotti got his first break here.) The venue maintains its operatic traditions, with regular visits by some of the world's great opera companies. In recent years, the Royal Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet have both performed at this venue. Ticket prices vary per performance; check out the Website for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lively Gay Venue |
96 Donegall Street Belfast BT1 2GW United Kingdom +44 28 9031 9060 http://www.kremlin-belfast.com/ |
Kremlin, the Soviet-themed club and bar, is the latest addition to Belfast's gay scene, affording a trip behind the Iron Curtain five days a week. Nights are predominantly mixed in terms of both age and gender. Check out their web site for further details on upcoming events, theme nights, and contact information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Venue & Bar |
17 Ormeau Avenue Belfast BT2 8HD United Kingdom +44 28 9032 5968 http://www.the-limelight.co.uk/ |
The Limelight is one of the better small venues for live gigs and has a long list of star credits—everyone from Mercury Rev to the Low Fidelity Allstars have played here. Tu is Shag Student night, F nights sports a disco theme, and if you are not in the mood for a typical loud club weekend, Helter Skelter on Sa will fill your ears with indie, brit pop and hip hop. Admission is between GBP2 and GBP8, depending on the event. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Belfast's most prestigious theatre experience |
Ridgeway Street Stranmillis Village Belfast BT9 5FB United Kingdom +44 28 9038 5685 http://www.lyrictheatre.co.uk |
The Lyric is a small independent theatre in Stranmillis Village, close to Queen's University. It has a strong tradition of supporting Irish playwrights, as well as being the springboard for local actors who have made it onto the bigger screen - Liam Neeson, (Michael Collins, Husbands and Wives, Star Wars), began his acting career here. It's safe to say that whatever is on while you're in town is worth seeing. There is a bar on the premises. The theatre is small and the seating steep. There is an induction loop system in the auditorium, there are signed performances and the entire complex is wheelchair-friendly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful Building, Breathtaking Views |
Portaferry Road Belfast, Antrim BT22 2AD United Kingdom +44 28 4278 8387 http://www.nationaltrust.org.u... |
One of the best day trips you can make out of Belfast is to the stately National Trust property of Mount Stewart by the shores of Strangford Lough. This beautiful building has been home to the Londonderry family for over 200 years and the gardens have earned Mount Stewart a World Heritage Site nomination. There's an abundance of plants from Australia and New Zealand, including many eucalyptus trees. The magical Italian garden cannot be missed; if you come on Sundays in the summer months live jazz is played in the garden for everyone to enjoy. Stay for a guided tour of the house where you'll see "Hambletonian", one of the world's 100 most famous paintings, as well as chairs from the Congress of Vienna. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The signifiers of a divided community |
Various venues Belfast BT11 8BB United Kingdom |
Ever since the explosion of the "Troubles" in 1968, popular art has played a major role in proclaiming the loyalties of Belfast's two antagonistic communities. Vivid murals expressing political and paramilitary affiliations adorn the gable ends of houses on both sides of the divide. Kerbstones are also decorated with the colours of respective flags of allegiance. Many tourists to Belfast make the journey specifically to view these murals, which have become (in)famous around the world. One of the best ways to do so is by taking a Black Taxi Tour, which will take you to all the trouble spots of the city while your tour guide explains the distinctive iconography of the murals of both sides. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Utterly Fresh Scene |
2-16 Dunbar Street Belfast BT1 2LH United Kingdom +44 28 9023 4520 http://www.myntbelfast.com/ |
Considered by patrons to be Belfast's best gay bar, Mynt has a cosy feel to the bar downstairs and their two nightclubs, Movemynt and Excitemynt, upstairs. Popular for lunch, they serve a wide menu ranging from homely soup and sandwiches to steak, fish and curry dishes - all priced very reasonably. DJs and various club nights most nights of the week keep the Mynt thumping into the early hours. Karaoke is also a perennial favourite. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Huge Entertainment Complex |
2 Queen's Quay Belfast Belfast BT3 9QQ United Kingdom +44 28 9045 1055 http://www.theodyssey.co.uk/ |
The Odyssey is one of the largest entertainment complexes in the world. Bill Clinton recently addressed thousands here and the venue was specially chosen to highlight the wealth of investment Northern Ireland is currently enjoying as a result of the ceasefires. There are four components to the enormous building. An indoor arena with a seating capacity of 10,000 plays host to concerts and also contains an ice hockey rink. The science centre, W5, is an interactive exploration of our physical universe - a great place to bring the kids. An Imax screen theatre offers a - literally - all-encompassing cinematic experience. Finally the Pavillion area covering 12,000 square metres contains hundreds of shops, cafes and restaurants. Not to be missed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Showcase for the best in contemporary theatre |
7 College Square North Belfast BT1 6AR United Kingdom +44 28 9023 3332 http://www.oldmuseumartscentre... |
Set right in the heart of the city, Belfast's leading fringe theatre plays host to an eclectic mix of contemporary performances. The theatre is not afraid to be bold and is not afraid to fly in the face of accepted theatrical consensus. Over the past few years, it has firmly established itself and has provided a showcase for local talent, with perhaps its finest moment being Darvagh Carville's Language Roulette. Inside, the theatre is a black box and is intimate, with raked seating for 150 people. You can book using your credit card on +44 28 9023 3332 during opening hours - no commission is charged. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Premier contemporary gallery |
18A Ormeau Avenue Belfast BT2 8HS United Kingdom +44 28 9032 1402 http://www.ormeaubathsgallery.... |
The Ormeau Baths Gallery is housed in a converted 19th-century bathhouse and specialises in contemporary art. The gallery is possibly the most significant exhibition space for contemporary art in Northern Ireland, and it features both an Irish and an international art collection. The gallery has attracted major exhibitions, including one by the controversial artists Gilbert and George, (which provoked plenty of local outrage), and has recently held a major retrospective on the works of Yoko Ono, wife of the late John Lennon. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Prestigious University |
University Road Belfast BT7 1LN United Kingdom +44 28 9024 5133 http://www.qub.ac.uk/ |
No trip to Belfast would be complete without a visit to Queen's. The building was designed by Charles Lanyon and completed in 1849, about the same time as University College Cork and University College Galway. All three buildings share architectural similarities. The front wing of Queen's was based on the late medieval design of Magdalen College, Oxford, and is a fine example of Victorian Gothic revivalism. Call the Queen's Visitor Centre (just through the main archway to your left) to learn more about the institution and its history. You can buy an assortment of Queen's memorabilia here. As with many universities, the surrounding area is vibrant, with an emphasis as much on having a good time as serious, diligent, rigorous academic study. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great live music venue down in the docks |
54 Pilot Street Belfast BT1 5HZ United Kingdom +44 28 9074 6021 |
Apparently used as a hold for prisoners prior to deportation to Australia, the Rotterdam, despite a few more recent fires, has stuck to its old world feel. Small and cramped, with heavy wooden doors, whitewashed walls and oceanic paraphernalia hanging from the walls, it's intimate and interesting. This bar offers a wide variety of quality entertainment six days a week. Traditional folk sessions are performed twice a week, original bands play twice, there's a quiz and a cover band, and that's quite a squeeze! The Rotterdam is situated at Clarendon Dock, and you can sit outside on summer evenings and enjoy the atmosphere of this old area of the city known as Sailorstown. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hoppin' Club |
Patterson's Place Belfast BT1 4HW United Kingdom +44 28 9032 3762 http://www.clubthompsons.com |
A popular club located in the city centre with a very swanky, chandelier-adorned interior on two floors, and an equally swanky looking clientele. Weekends are a seriously housie event here at Thompson's with celebrity DJs hitting the decks on both Friday and Saturday nights. On Sundays you can re-live all your old club-time favourites with Faith, but be warned: strict-ish dress codes apply at all events so dress to impress. Check out the website for latest gigs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Life in Old Time Rural Ulster |
153 Bangor Rd Cultra, Holywood Belfast BT18 0EU United Kingdom +44 28 9042 8428 http://www.uftm.org.uk/ |
This museum constitutes the largest transport collection in Ireland, housing everything from carriages to cars to fighter planes, as well as the definitive exhibition on the Titanic. The second half of this museum is an open plan village from about a 100 years ago. Discover how a small rural community in Ulster survived, interacted, educated children and worshipped God. Some cottages evoke nostalgia, especially when you see the delicately-carved cribs and the beautiful quilts; others are heart-breakingly bare and cramped. This is a world rendered with loving care and attention to detail. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Showcasing the best in local theatrical talent |
Bedford Street Belfast BT2 7FF United Kingdom +44 28 9032 3900 http://www.ulsterhall.co.uk |
You'll find this theatre beside the main entrance to the Ulster Hall on Bedford Street. The Group Theatre brings contemporary, international and Irish plays to a captive audience, with a particular emphasis on the humorous and light hearted, especially of the Ulster variety. One of Ulster's greatest comedians, Jimmy Young, performed here for decades. This theatre has a tradition of showcasing the cream of local talent on the professional stage, and you can often catch the true flavour of Belfast entertainment here better than anywhere else. Contact the box office for details of current programmes and performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Comprehensive Museum |
Stranmillis Rd (University Rd) Belfast BT9 5AB United Kingdom +44 28 9038 3000 http://www.ulstermuseum.org.uk |
The Ulster Museum is situated next to the Botanic Gardens and within walking distance of Queen's University. This four-floor building covers all aspects of Ulster, from local history, archaeology, antiquities and art, to geology, natural history and technology. The main highlights of the museum include gold and silver jewellery recovered from the wreck of a Spanish Armada ship salvaged off the Giant's Causeway. The top-floor gallery displays paintings by British and Irish artists. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mega Leisure Complex |
40 Church Road Belfast BT36 7LJ United Kingdom +44 28 9086 1211 |
Situated between the Cave Hill and the Shore Road, the Valley Leisure Centre is Northern Ireland's largest sporting complex. There's a swimming pool as well as a pool for babies and infants learning to swim. You can do Judo, Yoga, Tairobics or line dancing in evening classes, and that's just a tiny sample. There's a fully furnished gym, and a sauna, steam room and hot pool complex where you can relax after your strenuous workout. Early-bird lane swimming is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7.30am. An Internet cafe is also on site if you're ahead of your partner getting showered and changed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Who, What, When, Why, Where? |
2 Queen's Quay (The Odyssey) Belfast BT3 9QQ United Kingdom +44 28 9046 7700 http://www.w5online.co.uk |
W5 refers to "who, what, where, when, why," thus the name of this latest museum to open in the city. Aimed at the young, and the young at heart, this is the place to bring the kids on a rainy day. Have a go at playing a laser harp, building a robot, defying the lie detector or just try hanging out in the wind tunnel. You will find W5 inside the Odyssey, Belfast's millennium landmark project and the latest architectural addition to the spectacular waterfront skyline. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Jewel of Laganside Redevelopment |
2 Lanyon Place Belfast BT1 3WH United Kingdom +44 28 9033 4400 http://www.waterfront.co.uk |
This dazzling building on the banks of the Lagan is the original signature building of the Laganside redevelopment and one of the architectural stars of the city. The superb auditorium, which has a capacity of 2,235, has witnessed concerts from all walks of life: from Jesus Christ Superstar to Robbie Williams (superstar), from opera, ballet and classical music through to pantomime and stand-up comedy. This thoroughly modern complex features handsome bars and restaurants with fine views of the surrounding area, as well as the NTL Studio, a smaller auditorium with a capacity of 400. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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