Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a city steeped in rich history and industrial heritage. Once known as the linen capital of the world, it played a central role in the global textile trade during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The city is also famed for its shipbuilding legacy, most notably as the birthplace of the RMS Titanic (yes, that Titanic), constructed at the Harland & Wolff shipyard. Towering over the skyline, the iconic yellow cranes, Samson and Goliath, remain enduring symbols of Belfast’s maritime might.
Belfast wears its industrial past with pride, but it’s also full of surprises. Its warm hospitality, incredible food, and creative energy make it unexpectedly enchanting.
The city has also produced cultural and sporting legends, including CS Lewis and footballer George Best – the city airport we land in has been named in his memory. From there, it’s just a short drive to our base for the weekend, the Grand Central Hotel.
It’s accurately named. Our hotel is both grand and central, a glittering tower soaring into the sky. We step into the magnificent two-storey high, marble-clad lobby to a warm welcome and swift check-in before being whisked up to the Brunswick Suite on the 20th floor.
It’s a large, light-filled space with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Belfast skyline, including the distant hills, Stormont, and those iconic cranes. There’s a giant bed, spacious seating area, a dressing area with tea and coffee facilities and a fridge and a huge bathroom complete with double basins, bathtub, and shower. There’s everything we could possibly wish for.
We soon discover that a weekend in Belfast isn’t long enough to enjoy all the city has to offer. The streets just a short stroll from our hotel are lined with shops, pubs and restaurants, and local landmarks like the Opera House, Ulster Hall and The Crown Bar are right on our doorstep. There are also botannical gardens, museums and churches aplenty to explore.
But our first port of call has to be Titanic Belfast. I never imagined I’d find myself standing at the very birthplace of Titanic, where the museum, rising 38 metres like Titanic’s hull, sits on the actual slipways where she once stood. It’s a fascinating (and tragic) interactive homage to what was once the world’s greatest ship (if briefly).
We also enjoy a tour and whisky tasting at McConnell’s Distillery, now beautifully reimagined within the legendary Victorian-era Crumlin Road Gaol. Yes, really, whisky where prisoners once paced! It’s a brilliant blend of Belfast’s gritty past and golden present and another great way to soak up the city’s layered history. And to discover that we’re rather partial to a drop of their smooth, rich blend.
After a busy day sightseeing, we return to the luxury of our suite for some downtime. We dine both nights in the hotel after visiting the Observatory cocktail bar on the 23rd floor for pre-dinner drinks with stunning views of the twinkling streets below.
Those cocktails are impossible to resist.
The Grand Central has two fabulous spots to eat. The Grand Café on the ground floor is all sleek lines and soft buzz, just the place for relaxed dining with an eclectic menu that covers everything from crisp salads to rich pastas. Upstairs at The Seahorse, Executive Chef Damian Tumilty works magic with seasonal, local ingredients. Fine dining with none of the fuss, just beautifully balanced plates in an elegant space.
And let’s not forget breakfast (how could we?), served in both venues – plump sausages, perfectly cooked eggs, and the tastiest of white pudding. Honestly, no one does breakfast quite like they do in Ireland.
Belfast truly got under our skin in the best way. Warm people, fabulous food, and stories around every corner waiting to be uncovered. It’s one of those cities that wraps itself around you quietly, until you suddenly realise you don’t want to leave.
From whisky tastings in old gaols to Titanic discoveries, pints in pubs, easy wanderings and relaxation in our beautiful hotel, it was a weekend that hit all the right notes. And there’s still more to discover. Next time we’ll go for longer.
www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com
To find out more about what to do in Belfast and Northern Ireland generally visit www.ireland.com/northernireland
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith