Under a palette of russets, ochres and chestnut browns, autumn might just be the prettiest time to explore the capital of Northern Ireland. Here are 10 brilliant reasons why you should make a Belfast trip during the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.
1. The Belfast International Arts Festival is on
This annual autumn staple will celebrate its 60th edition in 2022, and from 5 October to 6 November BIAF will be packed with over 320 events spanning music, theatre, dance, film, visual arts and discussion. A new play, Dinner with Groucho, by renowned Irish writer Frank McGuinness, will launch the festival, and subsequent events will have a special focus on Canada, the Middle East and North Africa.
2. The Titanic story is at your fingertips
There’s a fantastic tour inside Titanic Belfast, the world-leading museum that tells the story of RMS Titanic, but outside there’s The Discovery Tour, a one-hour jaunt around the Titanic Slipways. On this tour you’ll hear emotional and tragic personal stories that are forever intertwined in the Titanic legend, why and how ‘the ship of dreams’ was built and what really happened in its final hours.
3. Black taxis are waiting
The city’s black taxi tours can show you hidden gems, giant adventures and a unique perspective on Belfast. There are several distinctive and entertaining operators to choose from but try Taxi Tours Belfast, well-known for showing celebrities around the city.
4. There’s so much craic in the pubs
The Belfast pub crawl list is a long one, and the craic – fun – will be fantastic pretty much wherever you go. You can’t go wrong in the Cathedral Quarter, so cosy up in the Duke of York in Commercial Court, easily one of the city’s most photographed streets, or in the nearby Spaniard or Harp Bar.
5. You can stroll through crisp autumn leaves
Belfast is full of neat, tree-laden parks, so a crunchy autumnal morning walk will set you up for a day’s exploring. Whether you choose the leafy Botanic Gardens, a riverside trail on the Lagan Towpath or the glories and views of Cave Hill Country Park, in the autumn sunshine the experience will be absolutely stunning.