If you are looking for an ideal city break, have you considered Belfast in Northern Ireland?
It is a must visit destination. Forget the ‘tired and done it’ Dublin, travel north and savour a small city with a big punch.

In which city do you find a Big Ben, Berlin Wall, and Union flags flying with Eire tricolour?
Belfast

The city is set among the beautiful County Down countryside with the Irish Sea and the River Lagan bringing its lifeblood. It is also the second safest to visit in the world after Tokyo.

Much has changed since Prince William of Orange set foot on the shores in 1690.
The merchants from the early 1600’s earned money from trading with the Americas, shipping and later the linen trade gave them the money to achieve the grand architectural style.
Today Bushmills whiskey is a well known export.

The ‘troubles’ of the 70 and 80’s did much to alter the image but never has a city excelled so much in reinventing itself from the war zone it once was.

The new buildings that replaced the bombed sit comfortably alongside the old majestic ones. Now travel to the Falls Road and Shankill and view the street murals. Today the dividing wall is called the peace wall.

Peace has brought a modern vision to all that live here and now a city has emerged that seems to have it all. The Europa Hotel bombed and closed 28 times is now a modern, friendly central hotel and ideal as a base to explore.

The famous Harland and Wolf shipyard (founded in 1862) were the proud builders of the ill fated Titanic. The ship building area renamed the Titanic uarter in the east is having mega money spent on redeveolpment and in doing so will create a centre for recreation and living history .
Close by is the modern Odessey entertainment centre with world class acts appearing on its stage.

Belfast, Gaelic beal for mouth of the Fastey River that still runs hidden under the city gave its name to a once thriving port that refused to deal with slave traders but made money none the less through commerce.

The older Cathedral Quarter now hosts hip bars and restaurants for a nightlife to rival Temple Bar in Dublin .Try out the Vaudeville Cafe, a stunning old banking hall converted to host bar, live music and good food. The mirrored room with a dome and chandeliers is OTT but a great party venue.
Along with famous Robinson’s and Crown Bar there are alleys to explore and bars and local pubs to find. The local people if you can understand the broad Ulster Scott dialect are welcoming friendly and very talkative. The wicked sense of humour obviously helped them endure the troubles. Also visit the University area where the university building founded in 1862 is surrounded with cheap and cheerful watering holes and eateries.

The city offers something for everyone besides the nigh time partying. Try the Red Bus tour, a Lagan cruise, a guided walk pub tour, a round of golf, a visit to the living Ulster folk museum or the Botanic gardens. Or visit Belfast Castle and zoo on Cave Hill for a day with a beautiful view of Belfast Lough thrown in for free. The countryside of Down and Antrim are stunning. What better base to see the Giants Causeway and Antrim coastal road.

The chef Ian Rankin is leading a food renaissance. But also George Best, Alex Higgins, C W Lewis Van Morrison and Eamonn Holmes hail from here.

But for the shopperholics Belfast attracts stars from London and elsewhere as the locals have money and style. This has attracted designer boutiques that are all in one small area.
The Victoria Centre being the most recent addition to pull on those purse strings.
With a strong Euro, the Pound goes 15% further and Dubliners are heading north in droves.

The city itself is set out on a road grid pattern like New York and so easy to walk around. Each junction gives a new panorama to the viewer.

The two airports are serviced well by low cost airlines making this an accessible destination. Arrive at Dublin Airport and travel north by train or coach right into the centre with good value tickets and 2 hours away.

A small but beautifully formed city bursting with life.
Belfast ‘sure it is’ as the locals say……

So just as King Billy came so should you.

Useful sites :
www.gotobelfast.com
www.visitnorthernireland.com