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Here, you’ll get panoramic views of the city and sea below as well as a glimpse into the city’s past. Belfast Castle dates back to the 12th century when it was built by the Normans. Today, it’s a great place to amble around and enjoy the gardens and walking trails with gorgeous views. Alternatively, head to St George’s Market, one of Belfast’s oldest, yet best attractions. Serving fresh produce, gifts, and souvenirs, this market is a one-stop shop for visitors from near and far. The food offer includes crepes, sandwiches, cakes, burgers, tapas, curries, and paella, all of which you’ll find conveniently located under one roof.
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Belfast Closes a Record 2023 Cruise Season - Cruise Industry News
Belfast Closes a Record 2023 Cruise Season.
Posted: Sun, 22 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Translink operates a range of services that connect the port to other areas of Belfast and Northern Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Northern Ireland’s top tourist attractions. The natural wonder features basalt columns that were formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Crumlin Road Gaol is a former prison that has been converted into a museum. Visitors can take guided tours of the prison and learn about its history, including its use as a high-security prison during the Troubles. Titanic Belfast is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the Titanic’s history.
View All Belfast Shore Excursions
Some small shops may not accept card payments, so you may wish to carry a little cash with you on your visit. Make the most of Belfast’s idyllic countryside by hiking the hillside trails and ancient ruins. Trek the unbeaten meadow paths as you pass ancient forts, caves, and a wealth of natural beauty at Cave Hill Country Park. Founded in the 19th century, Belfast Harbour is the maritime gateway to the island of Ireland and a world-leading industrial centre that dominates the coastline. On the northeast coast of Ireland, Belfast Harbour sits among the high hills, sea lough, and sea banks of the River Lagan. Antrim Coast is an area of County Antrim, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of the loveliest and most spectacular in Europe.
Shopping Opportunities
There are plenty of ways to get to the Belfast Port, for your cruise from Belfast, including by car, taxi or coach. If you are travelling here by car, you can get your car parking permit arranged through us. I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins. Clifftop Experience Walk departs from the ruins of Dunseverick Castle along the coastline to the Giant’s Causeway. This experience is recommended for visitors in good health conditions and fitness levels.
St. George’s Market
St. George’s Market is a vibrant indoor market that sells local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. Ulster Museum is one of the largest museums in Ireland and features exhibits on art, history, and science. The museum’s collections include ancient artifacts, contemporary art, and natural history specimens. Your cruise to Belfast will pull into the harbor situated in Belfast Lough, the large sea inlet located on the east coast of Northern Ireland that connects to the Irish Sea via the North Channel. Belfast’s centre is relatively compact, with all its main attractions in close proximity, making it one of the easiest ports to explore on foot.
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It was built in 1906 to celebrate the appointment of Belfast as a “City” by Queen Victoria in 1888. The neighborhoods of Belfast boast a rich cultural offer and the city’s turbulent and interesting history is displayed through its art and architecture. Unlike in the Republic of Ireland, you'll rarely find Gaelic signage in the north. If you've been to Dublin, the differences between that city and Belfast may seem striking. Belfast, of course, is part of Northern Ireland, which itself is part of the United Kingdom; the Republic of Ireland is part of... Game of Thrones fans can explore some of the show’s most iconic filming locations on a guided tour from Belfast.
Shore Excursions from Belfast
You cannot leave Northern Ireland without having visited this natural wonder and one of the biggest tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. To get to Belfast Castle, you can take public bus #1 from Upper Queen Street (located one block away from the City Hall) to Newtownabbey Serpentine Road and from there you need to walk 10 minutes to Belfast Castle. Today the magnificent castle is a private center where banquets, weddings, meetings, and other large events are held. On the castle’s grounds, you can find a beautiful garden and park, an adventure playground, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a visitor center. “The team is also looking forward to welcoming 18 ships for their inaugural call to these shores, which will further enhance Belfast’s and the wider region’s reputation as a must-visit cruise destination.
Due to environmental issues, the project was delayed 2 years (initially scheduled for completion in 2015). The new cruise terminal was built on seaport's outskirts (close to Belfast City Airport) and officially opened/inaugurated on July 29, 2019. During no-ship days and off-season, at the new dock are berthed cargo- and container ships.
Coal imports and exports (by LCC) grew over 37% (to over 1 million tons). STENA's freight vehicle volumes grew 3% (to 532,000 units) and the ferry passengers - to 1,5+ million. Belfast is directly linked by ferries with Cairnryan (Scotland), Liverpool (England) and Heysham (England). All these ferry routes are operated by STENA LINE with regularly scheduled daily crossings. STENA LINE is the largest ferry company on the Irish Sea, with the biggest fleet and the most routes operated between Ireland and UK (a total of 228 weekly crossings).
From traditional Irish fare to international dishes, there is something to suit every palate. For those who are interested in shopping, there are a variety of duty-free shops at the port where you can find a wide range of products, from clothing and accessories to local souvenirs and gifts. These shops offer a convenient opportunity to purchase unique items and mementos to remember your visit to Belfast. There is nothing interesting to see close to the Belfast cruise port terminal. Stormont Dock (Belfast Harbour) has wharf length 457 m (1500 ft) and is located approx 3 mi (5 km) north of downtown, and is used by larger liners. Pollock Dock has a wharf length of 177 m (580 ft) and is used for berthing of smaller vessels.
From the facilities available at the cruise port to the nearby attractions, dining options, shopping opportunities, and transportation options, we will cover everything you need to know to have an unforgettable time in Belfast. In 2023 (March through October), Port Belfast Harbour had scheduled 165 cruise calls (+15% over 2019) from 62 different ships (34 different cruise brands) with estimated ~340,000 tourists (passengers+crew). The record season featured 6x embarkations by the new UK-based brand Ambassador Cruise Lines (ship Ambition), and 15x maiden/first-time visiting ships. Eventually, in 2023, the cruise port handled 158 ship calls (+8% over 2019) from 57 different vessels (32 companies/brands) of which 13 were maiden visits.
Whether you’re seeking a shopping spree in well-known stores or prefer to explore the markets and boutiques for unique finds, Belfast offers a diverse and exciting shopping experience. From fashion and accessories to local crafts and artwork, you’re sure to find something special to take home as a memento of your time in this vibrant city. The port itself offers modern and well-maintained facilities, including spacious terminals with seating areas, restrooms, and accessible facilities for those with mobility challenges.
Belfast, Northern Ireland’s vibrant and historic capital, offers a wealth of attractions, experiences, and cultural treasures for cruise ship passengers. From its convenient location to the variety of facilities at Belfast Cruise Port, visitors are greeted with a warm welcome and provided with everything they need for a memorable stay. Transportation options in Belfast are diverse, with walking, taxis, public transportation, and bike rentals providing convenient ways to explore the city and its surroundings. It’s worth venturing out on day trips to discover the stunning landscapes and natural wonders that Northern Ireland has to offer.
Belfast Harbour is Northern Ireland’s leading gateway for trade, services and tourism, handling more than two thirds of the imports and exports that come into and out of the region by sea. The Port is essential to the smooth running of day-to-day life in the region and a major contributor to Northern Ireland’s economy. These tours take visitors to top attractions such as the Belfast City Hall, the Peace Wall, and the Cathedral Quarter. Small ship and luxury cruise lines such as Crystal Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Silversea Cruises also depart from Belfast. These cruise lines offer a more intimate and luxurious cruising experience, with a focus on personalized service, fine dining, and exotic destinations. Belfast has become a popular departure port for many major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
If you are coming from the city center to the museum, the distance is approximately 2 miles and takes about 25 minutes on foot. Exploring Belfast is a journey through time and culture, with fascinating landmarks such as Titanic Belfast, Belfast City Hall, and the Cathedral Quarter waiting to be discovered. Beyond the city, nearby excursions to the iconic Giant’s Causeway, charming coastal villages, and majestic mountains present opportunities for adventure and natural beauty. The city houses the biggest Titanic museum in the world - Titanic Belfast (maritime heritage monument built at the site of the shipyard Harland & Wolff). Among the other popular tourist attractions is Game of Thrones, Crumlin Road Gaol Giant's Causeway, Walls of Derry, Ulster Museum, Exploris Aquarium.
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