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BELFAST
Wall Warrior
Meet West Belfasts
super-sized superhero
Land of Legends
Celebrate the legacy
of St. Patrick and Titanic
February - March 2009
N22
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Contents
3
Contents
February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
E S S E N T I A L C I TY G U I D E S
Arriving & Basics 6
And a wee word from the Lord Mayor
Belfast Nashville Festival 8
Nanci Griffith heads the big country line-up
St. Patricks Celebrations 9
Snakes begone, parades begin
Titanic Made In Belfast 12
A legend is born
Culture & Sport 14
Kill for a ticket (not literally)
Where to Stay 15
Nighty Night
Restaurants & Cafes 21
Table talk for every budget
Contents
Nightlife 30
Cosy pubs and cosmopolitan clubs
Stags & Hens 37
Chills and thrills for the condemned
What to see 41
Walls with daubs
West Belfast & Shankill 48
Be honest, its the reason youre here, isnt it?
History 50
Thousands of years condensed
NI Highlights & Hidden Gems 52
Because Belfasts just the start of it...
Shopping 55
Credit crunch this little lot
Getting Around 59
Maps & Index
City Centre 62-63
Greater Belfast & Street Index 64
Northern Ireland 65
Index 66
14 Callender Street
(rear of Marks & Spencer)
Belfast
Tel: 028 9032 2727
Open mon - sat 10am - 5.30pm
Beautiful Irish Linens
Tyrone Crystal
Belleek Pottery
Aran Handknits

Gift parcels posted worldwide
VAT free export scheme
irish linen stores
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Foreword
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
Its gone all iconic this issue with St. Patrick and Titanic
headlining the bill. The man with the crook, aka Irelands
Patron Saint, is honoured at parties and parades in
Belfast and his chosen town of Downpatrick. Find
out the best places to shake your shamrock and
shimmy with the snakes in our special St. Patricks
Celebrations feature (p.9).
Built right here in Belfast, the story of the worlds
most famous liner is now a regular fixture on the citys
calendar of events. The Titanic Made in Belfast
Festival (p.12) takes a look back at how this mighty
ship rose up among the gantries of the Harland &
Wolff shipyard, only to sink on its maiden voyage with
the loss of over 1500 lives. An engineering celebration
and poignant recollections await visitors to the many
exhibitions and tours at this all-encompassing event.
Continuing the iconic theme, Belfasts Murals (p.47)
showcases wall art featuring some legendary figures.
Footballer George Best, Narnia author CS Lewis and
our cover hero the High King Nuada await your cameras
at large scale canvases across the city.
And international singing stars are poised to entertain
real musi c devotees as the Belfast Nashville
Songwriters Festival swings into town for its 5th
annual appearance. Nanci Griffith and Steve Harley
are among the bill toppers, so find out how to bag a
ticket on p.8.
Whil e other ci ti es sl umber before the summer
onslaught, Belfasts already in party mode. Enjoy.
Celtic hero the High King Nuada
looms large on a West Belfast wall
as part of the newly unveiled Art
Alley public art project. Find him,
and other work, next to Frank Cahill
Resource Centre at the top of the
Whiterock Road (see p.47),
Mural painted by Gerard Mo
Chara Kelly based on work by Jim
Fitzpatrick.
Cover story
E S S E N T I A L C I TY G U I D E S
Editorial
Managing Editor
Heidi McAlpin (+44) (0)28 9091 3510
heidi.mcalpin@inyourpocket.com
Editorial Assistant
Gerald McCusker
gerald.mccusker@inyourpocket.com
Advertising Director
Sinead Faulkner (+44) (0)28 9147 4098
sinead.faulkner@inyourpocket.com
Advertising Sales
Alan Groves (+44) (0)28 9146 7815
alan.groves@inyourpocket.com
Layout & Design Sean Lynch
Copyright notice
Text copyright Belfast In Your Pocket
2000-2008. Maps copyright Northern
Ireland Tourist Board. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be
reproduced in any form, except brief
extracts for the purpose of review, without
written permission from the publisher and
copyright owner. The brand name In Your
Pocket is used under license from UAB
In Your Pocket (Vokieciu 10-15, Vilnius,
Lithuania tel. (+370-5) 212 29 76).
Editors note
The editorial content of In Your Pocket
guides is independent from paid-for
advertising. We welcome all readers
comments and suggestions. We have
made every effort to ensure the accuracy
of the information at the time of going to
press and assume no responsibility for
changes and errors.
Belfast In Your Pocket
belfast@inyourpocket.com
www.inyourpocket.com
ISSN 1747-0021
Belfast In Your Pocket
Published six times per year.
15000 copies per issue.
Next issue April-May 2009

Published by In Your Pocket Ltd.
For all enquiries and comments
contact belfast@inyourpocket.com
Odesa In Your Pocket, a mini-guide to the jewel
of the Ukrainian coast, became the 50th In Your
Pocket guide when published back in November. It
was followed quickly by Maribor In Your Pocket,
a mini-guide to the second largest city in Slovenia.
This year will see more new, full, In Your Pockets,
in Sarejevo, Glasgow and Vienna. If you want to
join the Pocket Revolution and publish your own
guide, to your city, get in touch with us at pub-
lisher@inyourpocket.com. You should also make
sure you take a look at our new, much improved
website. It is packed with exclusive content, and
offers you the chance to really get involved, writing
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Go surf at inyourpocket.com.
Europe In Your Pocket
Foreword
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
5
news
IYP Belfast 08 AGM
Wel come t o Bel f ast !
Drawn by i ts vi brancy,
warmth and charm, i n-
creasing numbers from
around the world are mak-
i ng Bel fast one of the
most popular city destina-
tions in Europe. Visitors
are discovering a thriving
cultural scene combined
wi th a uni que heri tage,
in a city transformed by
astonishing levels of investment over the last
few years.
A city has emerged where history is all around you,
whose legacy and tradition lives on in the stories,
humour and vibrant culture of its people. You can
enjoy magnificent visitor attractions, award-win-
ning restaurants, a range of superb hotels, from
budget to luxurious boutique, and an ever-growing
number of fascinating tours; by bus, taxi, foot and
boat. To these you can add atmospheric bars,
cutting-edge clubs, a burgeoning shopping scene
from the prestigious Victoria Square development
to speciality shops, world-class theatres, galler-
ies, live music and fabulous festivals throughout
the year. Belfast is a dynamic European destina-
tion for all to enjoy and this guide uncovers the
best of Belfast for you to enjoy at your own pace.
I hope you enjoy your stay here in Belfast! The
Right Honourable Lord Mayor, Councillor
Tom Hartley.
A Welcome from the Lord Mayor
In Your Pocket people know a good city when they
see one. Which is why Europes finest travel experts
chose Bel fast for their recent annual gathering. The
fi fty-strong posse descended on the city for the
pre-Christmas get-together and wasted no time in
familiarising themselves with Belfasts trad bars and
live music scene.
First stop was the Empire Bar, a damn fine Botanic
Avenue establishment for folk in need of top notch
jazz and blues in a suitably unpretentious setting.
The following days conference at the Express by
Holiday Inn on University Avenue put the IYP world
to rights as the company looked back on the year
past and ahead to 2009.
Then, later that evening a Belfast City Sightsee-
ing Bus turned up to whisk us the short journey to
the Lord Mayors Parlour at Clarendon Dock for a
civic reception. Festooned with sparkly lights and
boasting a giant Christmas Tree, this historic setting
is the temporary home of the citys first citizen while
Bel fast City Hall undergoes major renovations.
Lord Mayor Cllr. Tom Hartley impressed the IYP con-
tingent with his obvious affection for his home city.
This West Bel fast native is a member of Sinn Fein
and has experienced first-hand the citys Troubles
and 21st Century renaissance.
In between ensuring his guests wine glasses were
topped up, Tom talked about the citys origins and
gave a private tour of his office. He then presented
an engraved crystal goblet and coffee-table book
about Belfast, and received a framed copy of Belfast
In Your Pocket together with his own Welcome Note
for our readers.
Pocketeers revelled in the Lord Mayors reception,
taking photos and posing questions about Bel fasts
past, present and future. It was generally agreed that
no other In Your Pocket city dignitary would welcome
guests with such warmth and enthusiasm.
The evening continued with nibbles and those ubiq-
uitous pints of Guinness at The Kitchen Bar. This
city centre venue, beside Victoria Square, is a bit of
a Bel fast institution. Moved from its original location
to facilitate the new shopping mecca, the bar retains
its trad vibe and dedicated clientele.
Shapes were pulled and larynxes stretched as other-
wise professional travel editors and their staff let rip
to yet more live music. The party continued well into
the next day, so were told, as the United Nations of
In Your Pocket made Bel fast their party capital.
Weekend bus tours and shopping expeditions domi-
nated the rest of the trip. And one IYP delegate got
an extra tour courtesy of his NBF, the Lord Mayor.
IYP co-founder Matthias Luefkens hopped off the
City Sightseeing bus to explore the Falls Road, only
to be spied by Cllr. Hartley and treated to a person-
alised tour of the political and historic murals. The
impromptu roadtrip was captured on camera and
can be viewed on IYPs You Tube page.
Bel fast In Your Pocket would like to thank everyone
involved in making IYPs 08 AGM such a success.
We have been assured the city and NI can expect
plenty more visits as delegates book a return trip
and spread the word...
Drinkipoos with the Lord Mayor
6
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
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Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
arriVinG
By train & By bus
Translink (tel. 9066 6630, www.translink.co.uk)
operates all NI bus and rail services; its three main Belfast
transport hubs are listed below. There are no left luggage
facilities at any Translink stations.
Central Station (D-2), East Bridge St. All maj or
destinations are served including Derry and Dublin (the latter
a 2hr journey on the super sleek Enterprise). ATMs dispense
Euros and Sterling. Keep your rail ticket for a free bus ride into
town; catch any Metro, Airlink N600 or Ulsterbus 500 service
outside the main entrance. Alternatively, turn left outside the
main entrance and stroll into the city centre.
Europa Buscentre (B-2), Great Victoria St. The citys
most centrally located transport hub has the usual array of
modern facilities and an info desk. Buses serve the South and
West, including Dublin, Derry, and Belfast and Dublin airports.
National Express buses from GB and continental Europe also
terminate here. There is a railway stop at the far end of the
concourse. though youre much better railing it from Central.
Laganside Buscentre (D-1), Donegall Quay. The citys
second shiny bus station serves the North and East including
Portrush, Bangor and the Ards Peninsula.
By boat
Liverpool: Norfolkline (D-1), Victoria Business Park,
9 West Bank Rd, tel. 9077 9090, www.norfolkline-
ferries.co.uk.
Scotland: Stena Line (D-1), Victoria Terminal 4, West
Bank Rd. tel. 9074 7747, www.stenaline.co.uk.
By taxi (incl. Taxi Tours)
Fonacab (9033 3333, www.fonacab.com)
Taxi Trax (9031 5777, www.wbta.net). See below.
By plane
George Best Belfast City Airport
H-1/2, tel. 028 9093 9093, www.belfastcityairport.
com. On 22 May 2006, what would have been George Bests
60th birthday, Belfast City Airport unveiled its new name. The
signage bears Bests signature and provides a lasting tribute
to this footballing legend born in East Belfast. The airport is
3km east of the city centre, off the A2 Sydenham bypass.
The airport has conference facilities, ATMs, foreign exchange,
a small selection of shops and food outlets and wifi internet.
Pick up a free copy of Belfast In Your Pocket and plenty
more besides at the friendly tourist information desk. To get
to town by bus, hop on the Airlink N600; tickets cost 1.50
single and 2.60 return, and the bus runs every 20mins at
peak times Mon-Sat, with a reduced service Sun. Approved
airport taxis charge around 8 for the 10min ride into the
city centre; all are wheelchair friendly. You can take a less
frequent train into the city or, in the opposite direction, to
Holywood and Bangor, from the nearby Sydenham halt.
Belfast International Airport
Tel. 9448 4848, info.desk@bial.co.uk, www.bial.
co.uk. Situated 29km north of the city centre along the M2
motorway, facilities include postal services, ATMs, currency
exchange, a business lounge, wifi and a tourist information
desk. Lost property is open 07.00 - 23.00 and a Quiet Room
is available 24hrs. There is no left luggage facility. To get to
town by bus, Airport Express 300 to the Europa Buscentre
runs every 10mins at peak times Mon - Fri, (reduced fre-
quency Sat & Sun) and hourly through the night. The 30min
journey costs 7 single and 10 return. A taxi to the city
centre will take 30mins and costs about 30; a list of other
sample fares is displayed in the exit hall.
www.inyourpocket.com
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
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Northern Ireland or Ulster?
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland which is part
of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
(or UK for short). You may also hear Northern Ireland
referred to as Ulster or the North (or North of Ireland).
The former is mostl y used by the Loyalist or Protestant
community, though Ulster encompasses NIs six counties:
Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry, Fermanagh and
Tyrone together with the Republic of Ireland border counties
of Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan. The latter is used
mostl y by people from a Nationalist or Catholic background
and indicates their all-Ireland allegiances.
Pets
Cats and dogs arriving from the UK can enter all-Ireland
without quarantine. For all other countries, the animal has to
arrive via an approved transport route and company in GB.
Check with the UK Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), tel +44 (0)870
241 1710 Mon - Fri 08.30 - 17.00, www.defra.gov.uk.
Post Office
C-1, 12 Bridge St. Open Mon-Sat 09:00 - 17:30, Tues
09:30 - 17:30.
Safety
Despite its reputation, Bel fast is very safe for tourists.
However, if you feel unsafe, freephone 999 or track down a
police officer - usually found pounding the city in pairs.
Smoking & Alcohol
It is against the law to smoke in any public place in NI. The
legal drinking age is 18. Guinness is the obvious first choice
and best supped in a traditional pub. Harp is a perfectly
adequate Irish lager, and whiskey connoisseurs simply must
try a Bushmills.
Telephone dialling codes
If calling from a UK landline or mobile, add the prefix 028
before all eight digit numbers. The international dialling code
is (+44)(0)28. From the Republic of Ireland you can also
use the prefix 048.
Visas
EU citizens, and those from most other western countries,
do not usually require a visa. Check with the British Embassy
in your home country or contact UK Visas, www.ukvisas.
gov.uk.
Border
Northern Irelands border with the Republic is 360kms
long and stretches from Carlingford Lough to Lough Foyle.
Crossing it is a non-stop, seamless affair. Drivers from
outside the EU should hold an International Driving License.
Dont forget to drive on the left on both sides of the border,
but look out for speed limit changes - these are marked in
kph in the Republic and mph in NI.
Customs
For details of exactly what you can and cant bring into and
out of NI, check out the Imports & Exports section of the HM
Customs & Excise website www.hmce.gov.uk.
Disabled travellers
Under the Disability Discrimination Act all public places must
provide access for people with a disability. Contact Disability
Action, tel 9029 7880, www.disabilityaction.org.
Electricity
Bel fast buzzes with 240V coursing through its domestic
electricity supply. Plugs are of the bulky three-pin variety so
pack your two-pin adaptor for a closer shave.
Money
Northern Irelands unit of currency is the Sterling, the same
as used in the rest of the UK. Banks open Mon-Fri 09:30-
16:30 and some city centre branches open Sat 09:00-12:00.
Note that when getting cash from an ATM or in change you
will often be given Northern Irish notes. These are different
in design to those used in England though they remain legal
tender in all parts of the UK. Publicans and shopkeepers in
England have been known to turn their noses up at the sight
of a Northern Irish tenner, so best to change them if traveling
to mainland Great Britain.
Belfast Welcome Centre C-2, 47 Donegall Place,
tel. 9024 6609, www.gotobelfast.com. Open Mon-Sat
09:00 - 17:30, Sun 11:00 - 16:00. Info desks also at both
airports.
Smyths Irish Linens C-1, 65-67 Royal Ave, tel. 9024
2232. Browse the selection of literature - including us of
course - and ask the very nice staff anything you wish of a
tourist nature. They also sell tickets for the Citysightseeing
Bus, Lagan Boat and Walking Tours. Look out for the big red
Tourist Information Centre sign opposite the main entrance
to CastleCourt. Open 10:00 - 17:30, Sat: 10:00 - 17:00,
Sun: 12:00 - 16:00
West Belfast Tourist Information Point E-3,
An Cultrlann, 216 Falls Rd, tel. 9096 4180, www.
culturlann.ie. Open Mon-Fri 09:30 - 17:30.
The pound in your pocket...
1 = 1.10, US$1.41, CAD$1.75,
AUD$2.24, 4.45Z (xe.com: 02/02/09)
The Weather
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Tourist Information Centres
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BeLFast nasHViLLe FestiVaL
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
Country star Nanci Griffith (pic), Cockney Rebel Steve
Harley and Raul Malo of The Mavericks headline this years
5th Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival.
The inspired event in the city from Wed 18 - Sun 22nd
Feb celebrates the Sister Cities shared musical culture by
bringing together 100 songwriters in 30 concerts at intimate
venues across Belfast. The Festival also gives newcomers
a unique opportunity to hone their skills with the best in
the business at 20 workshops in the accompanying Song
Writing Convention.
Lovingly describing the Festival as my annual vacation and
an extraordinary event, the incomparable Nanci Griffith
returns for two shows. The first in the round concert at the
Empire Music Hall (Thurs 19, 19:30, 24) also features
local singer songwriters Declan Rourke and Ken Had-
dock. And her second solo performance takes place in the
majestic May Street Church, behind the City Hall (Sat 21,
19:30, 24). Nanci will also perform two numbers as part of
the Festivals 5th Birthday Concert at Madisons Hotel,
Botanic Ave (Sun 22, 15:30, 8).
Steve Harley brings his Behind The Songs Live Show to the
Kings Head pub, 829 Lisburn Rd, opposite the Kings Hall
(Thurs 19, 20:00, 18). As well as performing hits such as
the timeless Make Me Smile, Harley will also be discussing
his career with BBC Radio Ulsters Ralph McLean.
The Kings Head is also the venue for Raul Malos solo con-
cert (Sat 21, 20:00, 18). And the Mavericks Grammy Award-
winning frontman brings his distinct American Cuban sounds
to Hill Sts Black Box. This in the round event also features
Nashvilles Benita Hill and Irelands Anthony Toner.
Neil Youngs seminal 70s album, Harvest, is reconstructed
track-by-track with the help of local performers. The aptly-
named Harvest Revisited (Wed 18, 20:00, 10) brings
together singer songwriters who will each perform a song
from the classic album. This innovative collaboration takes
place at the Oh Yeah Music Centre (15-21 Gordon St, off
HIll St.). The alcohol-free event is open to everyone. For more
info, visit www.ohyeahbelfast.com.
Irelands indigenous Lambeg and Bodhran drums combine
to create the islands most emblematic musical fusion. Dif-
ferent Drums of Ireland have been performing their distinct
blend of percussion, pipes and other assorted instruments
since 1992, and their concert at the Grand Opera Houses
Baby Grand (Sat 21, 20:00, 5) showcases the groups Irish
and internationally-inspired sounds.
And to mark UNESCOs International Mother Language Day,
the group will be accompanied in Spanish by Chilean-born
singer Victor Henriquez, Irish and Ulster-Scots by local song-
writer Malachy Duffin and Polish by Pawett Bignell.
Cash-strapped fans can also indulge in two nights of free
music Live @ Madisons (Wed 18, Thur 19, Fri 20) and the
John Hewitt pub, Donegall St. (Fri 20, Sat 21). Both nights
will feature a top line-up of local and visiting performers in a
laid-back and sociable setting filled with fellow music fans. The
only thing you need to worry about buying is a pint or two.
Designed to unravel the music business and uncover your inner
songwriting muse, the Festivals Song Writing Convention.
(Wed 18 - Sat 21 Feb) sees Grammy Award-winning songwrit-
ers and music industry insiders sharing their skills in a series
of workshops (50 incl. two concerts). Steve Harley, Mark
Selby, writer of the Dixie Chicks Grammy-winning Theres
Your Trouble, and Phil Kaufman, Road Manager to the Rolling
Stones and Frank Zappa are among the contributors.
With so many great gigs and masterclasses, the 5th Belfast
Nashville Songwriters Festival is poised to reaffirm the magic
of a beautifully crafted, powerfully performed song. Live mu-
sic in fine venues the perfect night out. For more info on the
full line-up, and to book tickets, visit www.belfastnashville.
com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Belfast Welcome
Centre, 47 Donegall Place, tel. 9024 6609.
Nanci Griffith
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
9
st. PatriCks CeLeBrations
in bownpatrick
www.st-patricksdayfestiva|.com
p - 1, March zoop
St Patrick's bay
Cross-Community CarnivaI Parade
1uesday 1, March, z.opm
Live Music Exhibitions Wa|ks Crafts
Chi|dren's Entertainment and much more...
1el: o:8 ||6r ::
Many myths surround the worlds best known patron
saint. But what is known about the real li fe of the saint
they call Patrick?
Patrick was from Bannavem Taberniae, a 5th Century
Roman Briton settlement. No-one knows exactly where
this was, but several English, Scottish and Welsh sites
lay claim including Somerset, Dumbartonshire and
Holyhead.
Though his father was a deacon, and grandfather a
priest, the young Patrick showed no signs of religious
conviction. Aged 16, Patrick was captured and brought
to Ireland as a slave. He tended sheep on Slemish
Mountain where he found God (scholars now believe
he was brought to Co. Mayo, but never let truth get in
the way of a good marketing opportunity).
Every St. Patri cks Day pi l gri ms cl i mb 437m to the
summit of this 60million-year-old volcanic plug, 48km
from Bel fast and si gnposted from the pi cturesque
village of Broughshane, near Ballymena. The site has
washroom facilities and a small display recounting the
early li fe of St. Patrick.
Patri ck escaped to Bri tai n si x years later but, after
spendi ng around 20 years i n Europe, heard voi ces
calling him back to Ireland. This time, he arrived via the
mouth of Strangford Lough and built his first church at
Saul, Co. Down. Patrick died at Saul having devoting
the remaining three decades of his li fe converting the
Irish to Christianity.
Patri ck used Pagan symbol i sm, most notabl y the
shamrock and the banishing of the snakes from Ireland,
to conver t the I ri sh to Chri sti ani ty. Snakes were a
metaphor for the devil and the shamrocks three leaves
symbolised the holy trinity. Legend also suggests Patrick
designed the Celtic Cross by uniting the Pagan symbol
of the moon with the Christian cross. Irelands largest
Cel ti c Cross i s on the si de of Bel fasts St. Annes
Cathedral.
The first St. Patricks Day celebrations werent in Ireland,
but in Boston in 1737. Nearly two decades later - and
16 years before the Declaration of Independence - Irish
sol di ers in the English mili tary commemorated their
cul ture and common bond wi th a St. Patri cks Day
celebration in New York. The citys first parade was
in 1762, and today around 2m people line the famous
5th Avenue route.
Over the years, St. Patricks Day Stateside has been
used by politicians to lobby for Irish votes. On March 17
youll find the Irish Prime Minister hobnobbing with Mr.
President at the White House, and other prominent
political figures from Ireland and NI popping across the
pond for a bit of tactical shamrock waving.
St. Patricks Day is also a public holiday in Canadas
Newfoundland and the Caribbean island of Montserrat
where, ironically, it marks not only the islands strong
Irish lineage, but also its unsuccessful slave uprising
against the Irish settlers.
St. Patri cks Day i s cel ebrated i n ci ti es as di verse
as Tokyo, Sydney, Munich, Moscow, Beijing. and
Buenos Aires But its in the US and Canada where this
patron saint will really feel at home.
Will the real St. Patrick please stand up?
10
st. PatriCks CeLeBrations
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The citys St. Patricks Day Parade wends its way along
Royal Avenue from 12:00 and culminates in a mid-
afternoon concert at Custom House Square. Drummers,
dancers, snakes and a giant St. Pat will feature in the
colourful flotilla. Catch up on the latest details at www.
belfastcity.gov.uk/events.
Heralded as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and City
of St. Patrick, Armagh is Irelands oldest city with records
showing inhabitants as far back as 4500BC. It was granted
official City Status by Queen Elizabeth ll in 1995.
The Archbishops of the Catholic Church and Church of
Ireland are based here, and both Churchs Cathedrals
share St. Patricks name.
The Saints links wi th Armagh began at St. Patricks
Church of Ireland Cathedral where he buil t his first church
in 445 and decreed Armagh the home of Christiani ty
in Ireland.
Remnants of the current building date back to 1261 and
todays Cathedral stands testament to centuries of wars,
fires, erosion and painstaking restoration.
The hill top setting and twin Gothic spires of St. Patricks
Catholic Cathedral make it a particularl y prominent city
landmark. Inside its renovated interior a series of stained
glass windows depict important moments in St. Patricks
life. Two statues straddle the imposing door; on the right
is local boy made good St. Malachy and on the left our
hero St. Patrick.
Legend has it that the Cathedrals site was propheticall y
chosen 1400 years before i ts construction when St.
Patrick saved a fawn from capture and carried it to safety
on the hill. Construction work began on St. Patricks Day
1840, but was suspended during the Great Famine. The
final consecration ceremony took place in 1904.
For more info on both Cathedrals, including tours, visit
their excellent websi tes at www.stpatricks-cathedral.
org and www.armagharchdiocese.org.
English St, Downpatrick, Co. Down, tel. 4461 4922,
www.downcathedral.org. Dating back to 1220, Down
Cathedral is the site of St. Patricks grave, and the first
Kodak moment for any green-gilded pilgrim.The graves
carved Mourne granite stone was laid in 1900 by the
Belfast Naturalists Field Club and, while many dispute
the sites authenticity, we wouldnt advise standing over
it and casting aspersions... especiall y not on March 17,
the supposed date of St. Patricks death. Ever the altruist,
Irelands patron saint shares his final resting place with St.
Brigid and St. Columcille - both of whom are also depicted
in the Cathedrals Saint Patrick window. QOpen 09:30 -
16:00, Sun 14:00 - 17:00. Free admission. L
Armaghs Cathedrals
Down Cathedral
St. Patricks Belfast Parade
www.inyourpocket.com
ST PATRICK'S DAY
Guided Walk of Cathedral Hills
ARMAGH
12 noon - 2 pm
12 (incl Irish Stew)
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
(028) 37 551 119
07740 511442
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
11
st. PatriCks CeLeBrations
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
Join us for our Ecumenical St. Patricks Day service
Tuesday 17th March
Service at 11.45am
followed by placing of wreath on St. Patricks grave

English Street, Downpatrick, Co. Down,
Tel: 028 4461 4922, www.downcathedral.org
DOWN CATHEDRAL
e Burial Place of St. Patrick
Downpatricks saintl y celebrations centre on the St.
Patricks Festival, one of the biggest in the country. As
the reputed burial place of Irelands Patron Saint, the
Festival holds special significance for the town, and a
nine-day programme of events and activities is planned
from Mon 9 - Tues 17 to mark St. Patricks life.
The saintl y vestiges include A Day Exploring The World
of St Patrick, Celebrating St Patrick Exhibition, Stories of
St Patrick told in Irish and a historical coach tour uncover-
ing The Life and Times of St Patrick. And outdoor types
should lace up their boots for a St Patrick Themed Walk
of the Hill of Down and the popular St Patricks Day Walk
through the breathtaking Co. Down countryside.
Musi cal hi ghli ghts include ALTPAT, an al ternati ve St
Patricks experience encompassing an all-ages rock gig
with some of the countrys best rock bands. And the
award-winning Al tan in Concert sees the Irish traditional
supergroup perform a dynamic set ranging from sensi-
tive and touching old Irish songs, to hard hitting reels
and jigs.
Craft demos, live music, childrens entertainment, danc-
ing, circus acts, treasure hunts and plenty of entertain-
ment on the Festival Stage all culminates in the famous
St. Patricks Day Cross Community Carnival Parade.
Embracing the theme the Sun, the Moon and the Stars,
a fantastic cavalcade of floats, bands and fancy dress
will snake its way through the streets of Downpatrick as
thousands of spectators gather to enjoy this special day.
So grab a kerbside seat, give your face a lick of green
paint and let your hair down in the town that bears St.
Patricks name. For more info or to request a free festival
programme, call the Festival Office, tel. 4461 2233, www.
st-patricksdayfestival.com.
St. Pats Festival Downpatrick
To appreciate and celebrate the legacy of St. Patrick in
Armagh, Barbara Ferguson of Armagh Guided Tours is once
again planning her very popular St. Patricks Guided Walk to
the historical cathedral hills of this beautiful Georgian city.
Adorn yourself with the ubiquitous sprig of shamrock and join
Barbara and fellow Paddys Day devotees in this enlightening
journey. The walk starts from Armagh City Hotel at 12pm
and heads to St. Patricks Church of Ireland Cathedral. The
walk continues up the flight of steps to the overwhelming
twin spires of St. Patricks Roman Catholic Cathedral. Inside
this majestic building the colourful evidence of the saints
journey through Ireland is revealed. Take time to reflect on
St. Patricks early Christian life in Armagh as you survey the
city from your hilltop vista.
The tour finishes back at Armagh City Hotel where celebra-
tions continue with a warming bowl of traditional Irish stew
and an afternoon of traditional music and craic with the
locals. Where better to spend March 17 than in the footsteps
of the Patron Saint himself?
This annual St Patricks Day tour costs 12pp and is very
popular, so book early by contacting Barbara on 038 2755
1119 or 07740 511442 (evening calls welcome) or info@
armaghguidedtours.com.
St. Pats Armagh Walking Tour
Railway buffs will relish this homage to the great era of
the steam and diesel train. Local enthusiasts have laid
over two miles of track to create Irelands only full-sized
heritage railway. Steam locos from the 1920s and 30s,
or 60s diesels, take passengers from Downpatrick town
centre past rebuilt railway buildings to 12th Century Inch
Abbey. Hop on-board for special Easter, St. Patricks Day
and Summer trips departing from their town centre station
(beside the gleaming St. Patricks Centre - another worthy
daytour). And check out the Railway Museum where you
can admire the workmanship of these lovingly preserved
carriages and locomotives. For more details tel. 4461
5779, www.downrail.co.uk.
Down & Co. Down Railway
The N.Ireland
telephone code is +44 28
12
titaniC Made in BeLFast
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titaniC toP ten
Everyone knows the story of RMS Titanic, yet few realise
the ship was built right here in Belfast. In fact, no other city in
the world can lay claim to having lived beneath its magnificent
shadow for so long.
The emerging superstructure dominated east Bel fasts
Harland & Wolff shipyard for just over two years, from the
moment its keel was laid in March 1909 to its launch on 31
May 1911. Only the cold North Atlantic seabed has been
its home for longer 96 years from the early hours of April
15 1912 when the mighty ship collided with an iceberg and
came to its final resting place.
The Sat 11 - Sun 19 April Titanic Made in Belfast
Festival - now an annual fixture on the citys calendar
- cel ebrates and commemorates our connecti on wi th
this famous liner by hosting nine days of tours, talks and
interactive exhibitions. It may be a wee while off yet, but there
are still events, tours and attractions in and around the city
centre and shipyard showcasing this engineering feat. To
help you navigate your way through these, and the Festival
highlights, heres our at-a-glance guide.
TITANIC: DESIGNED AND BUILT IN BELFAST
EXHIBITION
W5 at Odyssey
Sat 14 March - Sun 19 April
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 12:00 - 18:00. Adults 6.80,
children 4.90, family 20
This years showcase exhibition returns to W5 at the Odyssey.
And the setting couldnt be more appropriate, overlooking
as it does the shipyard and sea where Titanic was built and
launched.
The meticulously researched multi-media experience focuses
on the local craftsmen and engineers whose skills and
dedication brought Titanic, and her sister ships Olympic and
Britannic, to life. At the time, Harland & Wolff was a world-
leader in ship building and design and these White Star
liners symbolised the epoch of the shipyards achievements.
It was a time of ambition and industrial dominance; yet no-
one would ever have imagined what was about to befall their
most famous creation.
Visitors to the exhibition are immediately engul fed in the
shipyards sheer scale as supersized images from Harland &
Wolffs official photographer, R.J. Welch, present a powerful
record of the Yards heyday. The exhibition also looks at the
ambition of Lord Pirrie and his management team to produce
the worlds largest and most luxurious ships.
The visual stimulation continues with three short films
recounting and recreating the shipyards and Titanics story
through the experiences of Lord Pirrie, Chairman of Harland
& Wolff, and Artie Frost, a foreman fitter and member of the
nine-man Guarantee Group chosen to sail with the ship.
Priceless artefacts will also be on display, including a letter
from Milvina Dean, Titanics last remaining survivor. Dated
24 February 1913, the letter informs Millvinas mother of her
allowance awarded from the Titanic Relief Fund. This poignant
document was acquired by the Nomadic Charitable Trust and
forms part of a section devoted to the S.S. Nomadic, Titanics
tender for First and Second Class passengers and the last
surviving vessel of the White Star Line afloat.
The history of White Star is truly influential in terms of
modern history, especially the lessons learnt from the terrible
tragedy, and the relationship between America and Europe.
The exhibition also focuses on the wider context of industrial
Belfast and the wealth that came into the city during this
pivotal period in its history.
The W5 exhibition is designed to appeal to people aged 10+
and will be open during normal W5 hours .
TITANIC BOAT TOURS
Every Sat & Sun from 14 March - 5 April.
Dep. 12:30 and 14:00. Dur. c.75mins. Tickets: Adults
10, conc. 8, family 28.
Daily Sat 11 - Sun 19 April.
Dep. Mon-Fri 12:30, 14:00 and 15:30. Special Festival
price 7pp.
Take this truly unique boat trip from Donegall Quay to the
actual place on Belfast Lough where Titanic was launched at
12:13 on 31 May 1911. Get the cameras ready for sea-level
shipyard scenes, including its three dry docks, and learn about
Harland & Wolffs highs and lows from your well-informed guide.
Tickets on sale at Lagan Boat Company ticket office, Donegall
Quay (facing the Big Fish), open daily 11:30 - 15:30 on event
days. Tel. 9033 0844, www.laganboatcompany.com.
BUS TOURS OF QUEENS ISLAND
Every Sat & Sun in March and 4 & 5 April. Daily Sat
11 - Sun 19 April. Dur. c2hrs.
Dep. 11:00 and 14:00 from City Hall. Free but ticket
required.
An experienced guide tells the story of Titanic, and Belfasts
maritime history, as the bus takes the short journey to
Harland and Wolffs main offices where Titanic was planned
and designed, the slipway where she was constructed and
the Thompson Dry Dock and Pump House built especially
for Titanic and her sister ships. Appropriate footwear and
clothing is recommended, but note that the tour is not
suitable for children U-7.
WALKING TOURS - THOMAS ANDREWS BELFAST
Sat 11 - Sun 19 April. Dur. c.40mins.
Dep. 14:00 from Titanic Memorial, City Hall grounds.
Free but ticket required.
This guided city centre Edwardian walk focuses on the life of
Titanic designer Thomas Andrews and the 1906 opening of
Belfast City Hall. Hailed as the Stone Titanic, the landmark
buildings magnificent exterior and marble interior embodied
for many the pride in Belfasts thriving commercial core. The
city still retains the sights that would have been familiar to
Thomas Andrews, and the experienced guide brings this era to
life with tales of the people and property of that elegant bygone
age. Visit Thomass school, the church where he worshipped
and the gentlemans club of which he was a member.
TITANICS DOCK AND PUMP-HOUSE TOUR
Daily 11:00 and 14:00. Dur. c.1hr. Adults 5, conc. 4,
5-16 3, family 12. Tickets from Belfast Welcome
Centre or Tour Guide.
Experience the sheer scale of the Titanic by visiting its only
surviving footprint. The Thompson Dry Dock and Pump-
S.S Nomadic Charitable Trust
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13
titaniC Made in BeLFast
House was once the beating heart of Harland & Wolff, and
this feat of Edwardian engineering is brought to life through
a fully integrated sound and light show. A fully-guided tour
covers both indoor and outdoor sites, so dress appropriately
for the weather. For more info visit www.titanicsdock.com.

BELFAST TITANIC SOCIETY DINNER
Sat 4 April HMS Caroline
This year, Belfast Titanic Society hosts its annual dinner on
board HMS Caroline, moored near the Thompson Dry Dock
on Queens Island. This dinner celebrates the day Titanic
sailed away from Belfast, carrying the hopes and pride of
the locals who built her. Guests are invited to come along in
Period or formal attire and tickets are 50pp. For more info
tel. 028 9145 6565 or 07969 464750.
TITANIC COMMEMORATION SERVICE
Wed 15 April, 12:00.
Titanic Memorial, Belfast City Hall grounds (beneath
the Big Wheel)
The Bel fast Titanic Society hosts this simple ceremony
commemorating everyone, especially all the local people,
who lost their lives that fateful night. The ceremony marks
the 97th anniversary of the ships sinking. Everyone is
welcome to attend.
NB: Many sites mentioned above are industrial by nature.
Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for outdoor
weather. Tickets available from the Belfast Welcome Centre,
Donegall Place: Tel: +44 (0)28 9024 6609, info@belfastvisitor.
com, www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events. All information is correct
at time of going to print. Belfast City Council and Belfast In Your
Pocket cannot be held responsible or liable for any amendments,
changes or cancellations to the programme.
Thompson Pump House, Queens Island
Follow in the footsteps of Titanics builders in the Titanic
Walking Tour. Guide Colin Cobbs extensive knowledge
leaves no fact unearthed even down to the number
of apples on board the doomed liner (36,000 if youre
asking). From the Odyssey, the c.2hr tour heads down
Queens Island, past the Drawing Offices, H&W cranes,
Ti tanics slipway, HMS Caroline and Thompson Pump
House and Dry Dock. Colins entertaining and detailed
commentary i s an enj oyabl e and authenti c experi-
ence commemorating the achievements of Ti tani cs
creators. Tours 10/8/4pp (incl. Pump House Tour).
To book tel. 07904 350339, www.titanicwalk.
com.
Step into a sleek sil ver Merc and be chauffeured round
the ci tys most evocati ve Ti tanic si tes wi th Titanic
Tours Belfast. Guide Susie Millar is the great grand-
daughter of Tommy Millar who worked on, and perished
wi th, the famous ship. The homes of former Harland &
Wol ff supremo Lord Pirrie and Ti tanic designer Thomas
Andrews are en route, followed by Queens Islands fa-
mous shipyard si tes. Susies 2hr 30min tour concludes
at the Ci ty Halls Ti tanic Memorial which includes the
name of her grandfather. Tours 25pp, tel. 07852
716655, www.titanictours-belfast.co.uk.
Take a tour of the Thompson Pump House (daily
11:00 & 14:00, 5/4/3/12 - 2+2), once the
beating hear t of Harland & Wol ff shipyard. Insi de
i s a 12m deep pump-well whose four engines coul d
drain t wo 23-gall on dr y docks in j ust 100mins. Of
the t wo, the adj acent Thompson Dr y Dock i s the
largest and the place where Ti tani c had i ts final
fi t-out. Find i t on Queens Rd, behind the Odyssey
Arena. Vi si tor Centre open Mon-Fri, 10:30 - 14:30.
Gen. admi ssi on free.
Foll ow the Belfast & Titanic Interactive Trail us-
ing a hand-hel d GPS-devi ce that combines images,
text and audi o to bri ng the ci t ys i ndustri al and
mari ti me hi stor y to l i fe. Pi ck up thi s ni f t y gadget
at the Bel fast Wel come Centre.
Stop at the grounds of Bel fast Ci t y Hall and refl ect
on the tragedy at the Titanic Memorial, statue
of shi pyard founder Si r Edward Harl and and pl i nth
dedi cated to Lord Pi rri e, shi pyard chai rman at the
ti me of Ti tani c. Or vi si t the City Cemeter y (p.48)
where both men are buri ed.
More Titanic Tours
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14
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
CULtUre & sPort
NIs somewhat forlorn
quest for Worl d Cup
2010 qual i f i cat i on
cont i nues wi t h an
easy (surel y) tri p to
San Mar i no i n Feb
followed by two tough
encounters at Windsor
Park agai nst Pol and
and Slovenia. All must
wins, of course, but will that happen?
Sat 28 March : NI v Poland K.O. 17:15
Wed 1 April : NI v Slovenia K.O. 19:45
Domestically, as with many aspects of NI society, politics
does permeate the sport with Glentoran, Linfield and
Crusaders drawing a predominantly (though bitterly
opposed) loyalist fanbase while Cliftonville supporters
are maj ori ty nati onal i st. Matches are pl ayed on
alternating Sats from mid-August to early May:
Linfield - Reigning Irish League, Irish Cup and League
Cup hol ders. Wi ndsor Park, South Bel fast. www.
linfieldfc.com
Glentoran - All-Ireland Setanta Cup runners up 08. The
Oval, Parkgate Drive, East Belfast. www.glentoran.net
Cliftonville - Co Antrim Shield winners 2008 and oldest
club in Ireland. Solitude, Cliftonville Rd, North Belfast.
Hear the fans chant at www.cliftonvillefc.net.
Crusaders - Theyre red, theyre black, the Hatchet Men
are (still) back. Seaview, Shore Rd, North Belfast. www.
crusadersfc.com.
For more info on NIs local and international fixtures,
check out www.irishfa.com. And follow the fans views at
the refreshingly irreverent www.ourweecountry.co.uk.
NI International and Domestic
Football
Cinema
MovieHouse C-3, 14 Dublin Rd, tel. 028 9024
5700/028 9075 3300, www.moviehouse.co.uk. Mul ti-
screen cinema showing the latest Holl ywood blockbusters.
Also at City Side Shopping Centre, York Road.
Queens Film Theatre B-4, 20 University Square, tel.
9097 1097, www.queensfilmtheatre.com. Known locally
as the QFT, NIs premier arthouse cinema has been the home
of classic, Irish, foreign, avante garde and cul t cinema since
1968. Now boasting two screens and a full y licensed caf
bar, so buy yourself a coffee and sink back into the comfiest
cinema seats in the country. Q K
Theatre & Concert Venues
Belfast Waterfront D-2, 2 Lanyon Place, tel. 9033
4455, www.waterfront.co.uk. Opened in 1997, Belfasts
newest concert hall and conference centre is a striking ar-
chitectural riverfront addition. The glass-fronted three-storey
building holds two bar areas, a gift shop, several coffee spots
and the Arc Brasserie. The spacious foyer also hosts regular
free art exhibi tions. Performances in the main 2245-seat
arena range from big-name performers and classical music
to cheesy tribute bands and international opera and ballet.
Many of the ci tys business conferences are based here,
and the 380-seat Studio provides a more intimate setting
for drama, comedy and music events.
Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey L-3, Ballyearl
Arts and Leisure Centre, 585 Doagh Rd, Newtownab-
bey, Co Antrim, tel. 9084 8287, www.newtownabbey.
gov.uk/courtyardtheatre. Idyllically situated in landscaped
gardens, this entertainment venue is renowned for its pro-
gramme of local am-dram shows and musical performances.
The theatre also hosts year-round arts and crafts events,
classes and festivals designed to bring out your creative bent.
And, you never know, you too could be following in the chariot
tracks of Ben Hur film star, and local hero, Stephen Boyd who
is commemorated with a plaque in the mezzanine.
Grand Opera House B-2, Gt. Victoria St., tel. 9024
1919, www.goh.co.uk. Catch a show at this striking Vic-
torian theatre and gaze in awe at its opulent gil t moldings,
carved plasterwork, angels-and-cherub fresco and elephant
boxes. Designed in l894 by the famous theatre architect Frank
Matcham, the landmark buildings contemporary atrium-style
extension has a Baby Grand performance space for smaller
shows and Lucianos restaurant, named after opera giant
Pavarotti who made his UK debut on these very boards.
Catch a varied year-round programme of drama, musicals,
ballet, opera and the hugel y popular Christmas panto.
Odyssey D-1, 2 Queens Quay, tel. 9045 1055, www.
theodyssey.co.uk. This modern entertainment complex at
the edge of the old shipyard is Belfasts landmark Millennium
Project and a major symbol of the citys rejuvenation. When
the Belfast Giants ice hockey team isnt in residence, the
main 10,000-seat Arena pulls in music big guns including
REM, Britney and Oasis.
Old Museum Arts Centre B-2, 7 College Square North,
tel. 9023 5053, www.oldmuseumartscentre.org. This
19th-century listed building is home to one of Irelands leading
centres for visual and performing arts. OMAC runs a packed
programme of music, theatre, comedy, dance and workshops,
and the ground floor gallery holds regular exhibitions. Theres
even a cute coffee bar for that trul y boho moment.
Ulster Hall C-2, Bedford St, tel. 9032 3900, www.
ulsterhall.co.uk. Over the years this grand old Victorian
building has hosted international boxing, orchestra recitals,
rock bands, comedy and dancing horses. Its main interior
feature is the magnificent Mulholland Organ, named after a
former Belfast Mayor who funded its purchase. During WW2,
the venue was used as a dance hall to entertain US troops
based in the city. The hall has long been the citys social
heartbeat and, following a major renovation, continues to
attract a diverse range of year-round events and entertain-
ment. The Hall reopens in March 09.
Sport
Belfast Giants D-1, Odyssey Arena, Queens Quay, tel.
9073 9074, www.belfastgiants.com. The Belfast Giants
debuted at the sparkl y new Odyssey Arena in December
2000 and, to everyones amazement, quickl y established a
huge following. The non-sectarian, community-friendl y team
ticks all the right boxes and, with Canadian players dominating
the squad, the Giants continue to attract an impressive fan
base. The season runs Sept-April.
Ulster Rugby G-3, Ravenhill Stadium, 85 Ravenhill
Pk, tel. 9049 3222, www.ulsterrugby.com. The 12,500
capacity Ravenhill Stadium is home to Ulster Rugby - one of
the four rugby teams representing Irelands provinces (the
others being Leinster, Munster and Connacht). The most
illustrious moment in the clubs history was in January 1999
when the team lifted the European Cup. Each season the team
competes in the Cel tic League and Heineken Cup.
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International names, boutique one-offs and gloriously homely
guest houses and B&Bs are plumping their collective pillows
ready for your weary wee head. Budgeting backpackers are
also spoilt for choice in the citys evolving overnight scene.
Our categories are based on the star ratings as dished out by
our wonderful friends at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Hotel prices are rack rates - book on-line for best deals.
Always check ahead to confirm rates.
Cream of the Crop
Culloden Hotel L-3, Bangor Rd, Holywood, tel. 9042
1066, fax 9042 6777, res@cull.hastingshotels.com,
www.hastingshotels.com. Set amid landscaped gardens
overlooking Belfast Lough, this former 19th century bishops
palace offers a secluded, rural al ternative to the downtown
mle. The sumptuous interior boasts fine antiques, Louis
XV chandeliers and the elegant Mitre Restaurant. The Cul tra
Inn, a second, more relaxed bar/restaurant is situated in the
grounds, just in front of the hotels helipad - handy for all those
visiting VIPs from U2 to Tony Blair. Its suites, Spa and new
extension confirm the hotels five star status. Q105 rooms
(singles 185 - 210, doubles 230 - 250, suites 380 - 660).
Breakfast 15-20. HRFLKDCW hhhhh
Europa Hotel B-2, Gt. Victoria St., tel. 9027 1066,
fax 9032 7800, res@eur.hastingshotels.com, www.
hastingshotels.com. Heads of State, movie icons, rock gods
and sports stars have all bedded down at the Europa, one of
the citys most enduring landmarks. Its location, standing tall
between the Grand Opera House and Gt. Victoria St. Bus and
Rail Station, makes it a great base from which to explore the
city and beyond. Grab a window seat at The Piano Bar Res-
taurant for excellent people-watching opportunities or drop in
on the more informal ground floor Brasserie. Delegates can
network to their hearts content at the new Exhibition Centre,
then retire to an executive bedroom replete with CDs, plasma
TVs and Ralph Lauren bedding. And every room has a little
rubber duck to call your own. Q240 rooms (singles 135
- 185, doubles 200 - 220, Junior suite 300, Presidential
suite 420). Breakfast 12-16. JHREKW hhhh
Hilton Belfast D-2, 4 Lanyon Place, tel. 9027 7000, fax
9027 7277, reservations.belfast@hilton.com, www.hil-
ton.co.uk/belfast. This centrally-located 12-storey hotel is a
relatively recent red-brick addition to the city skyline. Outside
its imposing but inside the atmosphere is much more refined.
Natural light floods through the glass-fronted foyer, and many
of the immaculately presented bedrooms offer fabulous views
along the River Lagan. The top three floors have executive
bedrooms (Molton Brown goodies for the ladies, Irish whiskey
for the men) and a classy airport-style business lounge. The
Sonoma restaurant serves Irish fusion food and Cables Bar
is ideal for a pre-Waterfront tipple or post-shopping espresso.
Q195 rooms (singles 97 - 184, doubles 107 - 194).
JHFLKDCW hhhhh
Malmaison C-1, 34 Victoria St., tel./fax 9022 0200,
belfast@malmaison.com, www.malmaison-belfast.
com. One of the UKs most stylish hotel chains has landed
in Belfast... and not before time. This former seed warehouse
with whimsical flora and fauna friezes gives way to an interior
draped in gothic opulence. Crushed vel vet boudoirs, black
leather sofas and roll-top baths adorn the Samson and Goliath
suites named after Belfasts landmark cranes. The urban
theme extends to the restaurant with fabulous canvases fea-
turing the citys political wall murals. A wonderland of flickering
tealights, extensive cocktail menu and flat screens showing
classic films bring diners back to the hotels goth-chic ambi-
ence. Gorge yourself on the restaurants speciall y selected
steaks from the Duke of Buccleuchs Scottish estate. Youve
never had it so good. Q64 rooms (suites 450, Deluxe
double 220, Loft suite 290). HKR hhhh
Merchant Hotel C-1, 35 Waring St, tel. 9023 4888, fax
9024 7775, www.themerchanthotel.com. A walk through
this sumptuous hotel is like stepping inside a Sothebys cata-
logue. The wow factor never lets up - from the magnificent
foyer chandelier to the perfectly groomed, antique-festooned
rooms. And each of the five elegant suites are named after
well-known local writers including Seamus Heaney and CS
Lewis. Ollies nightclub and The Cloth Ear trad pub attract hotel
guests and Belfasts nightowls ever in search of the next in
place. With a 10m price tag, this listed former bank building
is most definitel y the citys latest place du jour. Q26 rooms
(doubles 220, sui tes 320 - 450). JKW hhhhh
Radisson SAS D-3, 3 Cromac Place, Ormeau Rd., tel.
9043 4065, fax 9043 4066, info.belfast@radissonsas.
com, www.radissonsas.co.uk. Set in the revamped Gas-
works complex, Bel fasts newest big-name hotel reveals
a minimalist mantra refl ecting i ts stylish Scandinavian
origins. Glass panorama lifts spirit guests to their choice of
two rooms: warm, contemporary Urban, with its dark woods
and burnt ochres, and cool chic Nordic featuring ice tones and
natty pin-stripe chairs. If moneys no object, check into Suite 7
- NIs largest one-bedroom suite - and check out spectacular
views along the River Lagan. Bellissimo Italian nosh is served
downstairs in Filinis restaurant. Q120 rooms ( Standard
Room 150, Business Class 180 - 190, Sui tes 300,
Suite 7 405 - 415). HRLKW hhhh
Ten Square C-2, 10 Donegall Square South, tel. 9024
1001, fax 9024 3210, reservations@tensquare.co.uk,
www.tensquare.co.uk. A favouri te of the ci tys visi ting
celebs, and recentl y voted one of the worlds sexiest hotels,
this super-chic boutique hotel stands out for many reasons.
The renovated linen houses cream exteri or bl ends in
beautifull y with its envious position overlooking the back of
City Hall. Look up and youll see Michelangelo, Washington,
Newton and Shakespeare staring out from their plasterwork
portholes. Inside, the Asian-themed bedrooms are individually
designed with one - the Bradley Suite - a veritable private art
gallery featuring paintings by Terry Bradley, one of Irelands
most acclaimed artists. The hotels sel f-styled Oriental
opulence spills over into The Grill Room & Bar, an exquisite
restaurant with carnivore-friendl y menu and colonial-themed
watering hole attracting the citys aspirational sophisticates.
For business and pri vate events wi th a glossy sheen, try
the mul ti-functional Porcelain Events Sui te. Room rates
include full Irish breakfast. Q23 rooms ( Superior room
170, Superior corner room 180, Bradley Suite 265).
HRBK hhhh
Upmarket
Holiday Inn C-3, 22 Ormeau Ave., tel. 9032 8511, fax
9062 6546, belfast@ichotelsgroup.com, www.belfast.
holiday-inn.com. Situated opposite the BBC and a favourite
H Conference facilities R Internet W Wi-Fi
L Parking F Fitness centre
K Restaurant J City centre location
D Sauna C Swimming pool
Symbol key
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with suits and creative types, this city centre hotel offers top
class business and leisure facilities. The bright, contempo-
rary rooms come with Playstations and pillow menus with
a choice of fi ve plumps. The good nights sleep theme
continues with wooden shutters, complimentary cocoa and a
selection of dream-inducing meals at The Junction Restaurant
and Bar. Q170 rooms (suites 216 - 315, Room 66 - 165).
JHRFKDC hhhh
Malone Lodge Hotel A-5, 60 Eglantine Ave., tel.
9038 8000, fax 9038 8088, info@malonelodgehotel.
com, www.malonelodge.com. In a short space of time
this locall y-owned, Queens Quarter hotel has become one
of the best four stars in city. The spacious bedrooms are
elegantl y decorated in calming cream and stylish charcoal
tones, and their large bay windows posi ti vel y encourage
the sun to shine. Macklins Bar serves snacks and more
substantial meals from its grill menu while The Green Door
Restaurant offers a great value Sunday Carvery.Q50 rooms
(singles 95, doubles 105 - 120, triples 120 - 140).
HRFLKD hhhh
Ramada off F-4, 117 Milltown Rd, Shaws Bridge, tel.
9092 3500, fax 9092 3600, mail@ramadabelfast.com,
www.ramadabelfast.com. Three miles south of the city
centre sits this sprawling hotel overlooking the picturesque
Lagan Valley Regional Park and a stones throw from charming
Shaws Bridge and the Neolithic Giants Ring. The bedrooms are
four-star standard, but its the host of conference suites, huge
ballroom and extensive leisure facilities that make this hotel a
businesspersons dream. The Belfast Bar & Grill offers great
food, the more relaxed Suburbia bar is handy for bistro dining
and The Spice Club serves up superb Indian cuisine. Being away
from the centre, parking is free and plentiful: and isnt it nice to
wake up to birdsong instead of bustling traffic? Q120 rooms (
Rooms 80 - 160). HRFLKDC hhhh
Stormont Hotel off H-3, Upper Newtownards Rd., tel.
9065 1066, fax 9048 0240, res@stor.hastingshotels.
com, www.hastingshotels.com. This large, contemporary
hotel is one of Belfasts most popular corporate centres.
I ts purpose-buil t Confex Centre ful fills every conferencing
desire, and the hotels bright and airy reception is a Mecca for
networking execs. Its proximity to the eponymous parliament
building makes it popular with politicos and public sector VIPs.
Join the movers and shakers at the cocktail bar or eavesdrop
at La Scala or Shiraz eateries. Q105 rooms (singles 135 -
155, doubles 170 - 190, Execuitve Suite 295, Presidential
Suite 310). Breakfast 13-16. HRILK hhhh
Mid-range
Crescent Townhouse B-4, 13 Lower Crescent, off
Botanic Ave., tel. 9032 3349, fax 9032 0646, www.cres-
centtownhouse.com. This charming boutique hotels elegant,
19th century exterior certainly promises something different in
the Queens Quarter area. The deluxe rooms offer stylish extras
such as a Belfast-style sink, plasma TV and internet access,
while the suites crank the luxury up a notch with Victorian roll top
baths and canopy beds. The Metro Brasserie is one of the best
hotel restaurants in the area and Bar/Twelves comfy leather
sofas, good lunch menu and live music nights go down a treat
with well-heeled professionals and media luvvies. Q17 rooms
(singles 90, doubles 110, triples 135, Suites (single) 110
- 125, Suites (double) 130 - 150). JREK hh
Days Hotel B-3, 40 Hope St, tel. 9024 2494, fax 9024
2495, reservations@dayshotelbelfast.co.uk, www.day-
shotelbelfast.co.uk/. This huge, eight storey monolith is the
biggest hotel in town and a great base for city centre shopping
and nights on the tiles. The short stroll to Great Victoria St.
Bus and Rail Station makes daytrips and International airport
connections a doddle. Many of the great value bedrooms have
superb views across the city and feature spacious power
showers and video games for hire. If you can tear yourself
away from that little lot, grab a pre-nightlife drink in the bar
with prices cheaper than nightclubs!!. The free car parking
is a nice city centre bonus. Q244 rooms ( Room 80 - 105).
Breakfast 8. JHRLKW hhh
Express by Holiday Inn C-4, 106a University St, tel.
9031 1909, fax 9031 1910, mail@exhi-belfast.com,
www.exhi-belfast.com. This may be Holiday Inn without
the frills but, with free breakfast and car parking thrown in for
good measure, the price is hard to beat. Some rooms have
fine views of Cavehill, and Chambers restaurant aims to lure
diners to this convenient Queens Quarter location. Q114
rooms ( Rooms 65 - 95).. HRLK hhh
Jurys Inn B-2, Fisherwick Place, Gt. Victoria St., tel.
9053 3500, fax 9053 3511, jurysinnbelfast@jurysdoyle.
com, www.jurysdoyle.com. Yet another fantastically locat-
ed hotel: literally a minutes walk from the Grand Opera House
and on the doorstep of some of the citys best shopping and
nightlife. The foyers surprisingl y squishy sofas afford great
views of Church House. Rooms are clean and functional and
the corner rooms have nice vistas across the lawns of Inst.
Grammar School. Six meeting rooms are ideal for business
pow-wows, then you can digest your deals or daytrips over
a pint in the contemporary Inntro Bar or bite to eat at the In-
nfusion restaurant. For value and location, Jurys is one of the
citys best options. Q190 rooms (singles 89, doubles 95,
triples 120). 95 per room. All rooms max two adul ts and
two children, or three adul ts. JHRKW hhh
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Park Inn C-3, 4 Clarence St. West, tel. 9067 7700/9067
7701, info.belfast@rezidorparkinn.com, www.belfast.
parkinn.co.uk. The ci tys central and affordabl e hotel
choice has received yet another boost with the opening of
this three star hotel. Rooms reflect the international chains
design concept - block primary colours, functional and modern
rooms, and all the features youd expect including tea and
coffee, wifi (10/24hrs), laptop-sized safe and satellite TV.
Standard rooms come with super-sleek shower rooms and
branded toiletries. Upgrade to Business Friendl y and wallow
in the bath, recline in the seating area or direct your gaze at
the double aspect vista. The adjoining RBG restaurant and
bar is the perfect spot for a spot of lunch, dinner or drinks
(see separate listings for more details). And the fi tness
centre with sauna and steam room, and seven conference
sui tes, keep this hotel punching above i ts weight. When
youre checking in, check out the wall of Belfast photos in the
double height foyer. Loving their work... Q Rooms from 70.
Breakfast 10. Parking 7/24hrs at nearby NCP multi-storey.
JHRFKDW hhh
Premier Inn C-3, Alfred St, tel. 0870 850 63 16, bel-
fastcitycentre.pti@whitbread.com, www.premierinn.
com. This sleek new budget hotel has a fantastic city centre
location - with great views on higher floors - and sparkly clean
rooms as befits its newcomer status. Premier Inn patrons will
instantl y recognise the bedrooms mul ti-channel TVs, tea/
coffee-making facilities, hairdryers and squeezy soaps in the
ensuites. The hotel prides itself on quick turn-around times
and A good night. Guaranteed. (Sssshhh! signs and special
mattresses shore up their promise). Single female travellers
are reassuringl y looked after and deals with a nearby fitness
club (5 per day) and business centre ensure suits and swim-
mers have everything they could possbil y need. Q (singles
70). 148 rooms (65 per room). Eat All You Like breakfast
7.50, U-16 free. JLKW hhh
Premier Inn, Cathedral Quarter C-1, 2-6 Waring St,
tel. 0870 423 6492, www.premierinn.com. Another great
value hotel rises up in the city centres historic heart - right
next to Cathedral Quarters bars and restaurants and a very
short stroll from all the main shops, tours and attractions.
Abundant with all Premier Inns expected features, including
that Good Night Guarantee or your money back, this latest
arri val also offers meeting rooms, chargeable wifi access
and the contemporary-style Four Corners Bar & restaurant.
The sympatheticall y restored brickwork facade of this listed
building lends the hotel a touch of elegance and continues the
areas stylish renaissance. Q171 rooms ( Rooms 70). Full
breakfast 7.50, continental 5.25. JLKW hhh
Travelodge B-2, 15 Brunswick St., tel. 0871 984 8484,
fax 9023 2999, www.travelodgebelfast.co.uk. If youre
after a great value, no frills room with an excellent city centre
location then this could be it. Great Victoria Street Rail and
Bus Station are across the road and the surrounding area
is replete with all manner of cafes, bars, shops and restau-
rants. Back at base, newl y spruced up bedrooms feature flat
screen TVs and streamlined furniture to make the most of the
space. The first floor conservatory-style Bar Caf serves up a
buffet-style breakfast and, come the night, transforms into an
informal drinks area complete with jukebox accompaniment...
just the spot for a wind-down tipple with famil y, friends and
fellow guests. Q90 rooms ( Room (average rate, up to 3
people) 59 - 79). Breakfast 6.95. JW hhh
Guesthouses
Ash-Rowan Town House A-5, 12 Windsor Ave, tel.
9066 1785, fax 9066 3227, ashrowan@hotmail.com.
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A master bedroom with luxurious linens, antiques peppered
throughout the house and a choice of nine gourmet break-
fasts make the Ash-Rowan a real stand-out on the guesthouse
scene. Its near the Lisburn Road and a walkable distance,
or 10-minute bus journey, from the city centre. History buffs
will also be enamoured to learn i t was once the home of
Ti tanic designer Thomas Andrews and birthplace of his
daughter Elizabeth. Q5 rooms (singles 59 - 66, doubles
89 - 96). UL hhh
Maranatha G-3, 254 Ravenhill Rd., tel. 9046 0200, fax
9059 8740, info@maranatha-guesthouse.com, www.
maranatha-guesthouse.com. This restored 18th century
South Belfast townhouse overlooks Ormeau Park - home
to one of Irelands oldest golf clubs where members of the
public are welcome to play its nine-hole course. If citylife is
more your thing, hop on the bus for the ten-minute ride into
town. Bedrooms are en-suite and famil y and childrens rate
are available on request. Q10 rooms (singles 35, doubles
55, triples 75). L
Marine Guest House A-5, 30 Eglantine Ave., tel. 9066
2828, marine30@utvinternet.com, www.marineguest-
house3star.com. This imposing red brick guesthouse, with
neatl y-manicured front lawn, commands a corner position on
leafy Eglantine Avenue. Its award-winning and certainly one of
the biggest of its kind in Belfast. The spacious bedrooms
are en-suite and the off-road parking is an added boon. With
Queens Quarter and the Lisburn Road right on the doorstep,
Marine House is an ideal base for a bit of city centre and South
Belfast shopping and sightseeing. Q10 rooms (singles 45,
doubles 60, Famil y 85 - 100). L hhh
Rayanne House L-3, 60 Demesne Rd, Holywood,
tel. 9042 5859, rayannehouse@hotmail.com, www.
rayannehouse.com. Exuding all the charm and elegance
of a boutique hotel, this sumptuous Victorian guesthouse
i s respl endent wi th eye-catching anti ques and styli sh
design. Each of the 11 en-sui te bedrooms has i ts own
unique decor, ranging from Chinese to Art Deco, and some
boast fabul ous sweeping vi ews across Bel fast Lough
(binoculars available for close-up views). And the atten-
tion to detail continues through to the breakfast menu
which, qui te frankl y, has to be the best in the business.
Delicacies such as Compote of Warmed Spicy Breakfast
Frui ts and Organic Pork & Prune Rayanne Sausages have
already captured the imagination of ki tchen doyenne Delia
Smyth who describes i t as simpl y the best. Ask about
their pri vate dining available for 10-34 people. Rayannes
close proximi ty to Bel fast Ci ty Airport and the ci ty centre,
as well as free wi fi, ensures business and leisure guests
stay in touch wi th the 21st Century. Q11 rooms (singles
80, doubles 110, triples 135). LK hhh
Roseleigh House G-4, 19 Rosetta Pk., tel. 9064
4414, info@roseleighhouse.co.uk, www.roseleigh-
house.co.uk. Crisp bedlinens, sil ver service breakfasts
and freshl y brewed coffee and home-baked scones tempt
visi tors to this South Bel fast Victorian guesthouse. The
foodie delights continue wi th smoked salmon, French toast
and the cheese and tomato Roseleigh Omelette available
on the am menu. Laundry and child minding services are
thoughtful touches, and owner Donna is happy to help
wi th onward travel, sightseeing or gol f breaks. Q9 rooms
(singles 45, doubles 65, Famil y 70 - 75). RLhh
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B&B
Botanic Lodge B-4, 87 Botanic Ave., tel. 9032 7682.
Its great location makes this B&B popular with backpackers,
businesspeople and parents visiting their beloved student
offspring. The building is over 100 years old and the same
famil y has been running the business for almost 50 of those
years. Inside the chandeliers, antiques and kitsch decor com-
bine OTT opulence with a warm, homel y feel. Q17 rooms
(singles 30, doubles 45 - 54, Famil y 60).
Bowdens H-3, 17 Sandford Ave, off Cyprus Ave., tel.
9065 2213. This delightful old townhouse serves up an
outstanding gourmet breakfast, wi th free-range eggs,
organic tomatoes, dry cured bacon and local potato bread
all jostling for space on your plate. Nestled in a tree-lined
suburb to the east of the ci ty, i ts handy for Bel fast Ci ty
Airport and a 10-minute bus ride into town. Each bedroom
shares a bathroom with power shower. Q3 rooms (singles
25, doubles 45).
Emerald House F-2, 2 Chichester Ave, tel./fax 9059
4315, tel. 077 80948 182, emeraldhousebedandbreak-
fast@hotmail.com, www.emeraldhousebedandbreakfast.
com. Relaxing earthy tones dominate this North Belfast Victorian
home which retains many original features including a huge cast
iron fireplace in the dining room. Berlin-born owner Silke is a
trained chef and her husband a Black Taxi driver so, between
them, they can conjure up tasty extras such as organic break-
fasts (5am - 10am), evening meals, airport pick-ups (at taxi rate)
and city, Causeway (incl. Silkes picnic basket) and Political Tours.
Free wifi keeps you connected with the folks back home. The
house is non-smoking and does not accept stag or hen groups.
Q3 rooms (singles 33, doubles 55, Twin 60). FROM JAN-
DEC 2009 5th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL REDUCED ROOM
RATES: Single 25, Double 45, Twin 55.. LKW
W
Springf ield B&B F-2, 16 Springf ield Rd./07711
971188, k.obrien@live.co.uk, www.springfieldbnb.
net. While most people choose to stay in the city centre or
its southerl y suburbs, more and more visitors are opting to
head west. This recentl y revamped B&B is one such option
and particularl y handy for the ever-popular Falls and Shankill
Roads. And with the city centre a short bus ride away, youre
never far from the action. All rooms are ensuite - a unique
touch in the area - and have hairdryers and satellite TV. Ask
accommodating owner Kevin about sporting activities, excur-
sions and tours. Q Singles 37.50, Doubles 65.. RW
Tara Lodge C-4, 36 Cromwell Rd., tel. 9059 0900, info@
taralodge.com, www.taralodge.com. More a hotel than a
B&B, the award-winning Tara Lodge is a modern building located
right in the heart of the happening hub that is the Queens
Quarter. Its tastefully decorated rooms all contain the usual
hotel-standard extras including modem points, satellite TVs and
tea & coffee making facilities. The secure free parking is a big
bonus on this busy thoroughfare, so leave the car behind and
hoof your way round the eminently walkable city centre. Q19
rooms (singles 70, doubles 85, triples 85). RIL
Hostels
Ark Hostel C-4, 44 University St., tel. 9032 9626, www.
arkhostel.com. Yet more much-needed budget accommoda-
tion arrives in the shape of this Queens Quarter terraced house.
Its 40 beds are divided into dorms. Book ahead by phone and get
reduced dorm prices, leaving more cash for the nearby watering
holes. Be aware, however, of the 02:00 curfew. Internet available
from 2.1p per minute. Q ( dorm beds 11). R
Arnies Backpackers B-4, 63 Fitzwilliam St, tel. 9024
2867, info@arniesbackpackers.co.uk, www.arniesback-
packers.co.uk. Share the fun of this small, independent
Queens Quarter hostel with resident Jack Russells Rosie and
Snowy. Avail of biscuits and free tea or freshly brewed coffee on
arrival and stretch the budget by using their kitchen and dining
room. Real fires complete the cosy ambience. Accommodation is
in four to 10-bed dorms. Q5 rooms ( dorm beds 9 - 11). R
Belfast International Youth Hostel B-4, 22 Donegall
Rd., tel. 9031 5435, fax 9043 9699, belfast@hini.org.uk,
www.hini.org.uk. This huge hostel is the biggest in Belfast
and the only one affiliated with Hostelling International. Its a
short walk from all a tourist heart desires, from Queens Quarter
Somerton House F-1,
22 Lansdowne Rd, tel.
0044 28 9037 0717,
fax 9077 2462, somer-
tonhouse@yahoo.co.uk,
www.somer tonhouse.
co.uk. Beauti full y deco-
rated in peri od col ours
and dotted wi th antiques
and curios, this grand old Edwardian townhouse is a
real North Belfast gem. Close to Cavehill, Belfast Castle
and Belfast Zoo, and a 10-minute bus ride into the city
centre, Somerton is ideal for couples who crave a bit of
homel y peace and quiet. Its the right side of town for the
Liverpool and Stena ferry terminals, not to mention the
M1 motorway should you fancy a daytrip to the Giants
Causeway. Q9 rooms (singles 30 - 45, doubles 48 -
58, Famil y (2 + 1) 70).
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restaUrants
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
pubs and attractions to city centre shops and restaurants. A
recent renovation has heralded a slew of top class amenities
including en-suite rooms, left luggage, currency exchange and
laundry facilities. The Causeway and Internet Cafes serve up
good value grub and keep you connected with all your lovely
new travel chums. Minicoach tours are based at the Hostel for
trips to the Giants Causeway and north coast. Q202 rooms
(singles 19 - 25, doubles 14 - 20, triples 14 - 17, quads
11 - 14, 6-bed dorms 10 - 13, large ensuite dorms 11 -
12). Child rates available. All rates 1 extra June-Aug and during
Bank and Public Holiday weekends. JHRLK
Belfast Palace Hostel B-4, 68 Lisburn Rd, tel. 9033
3367, www.paddyspalace.com. This hostel is part of the
Ireland-wide Paddy Wagon tour circuit with a minibus connect-
ing hostels in Dublin, Derry, Dingle and Killarney. Black Taxi
and walking tours operate dail y and theres free breakfast
for all you lucky backpackers... and dont forget to sort out
that fermenting laundry for 5 per load. Accommodation
available in 3-12 bed dorms and private rooms. Q (singles
27, doubles 37, dorms from 9.50, twin 33). RLW
Farset International Hostel E-2, 466 Springfield Rd.,
tel. 9089 9833, fax 9089 9839, info@farsetinterna-
tional.co.uk, www.farsetinternational.co.uk. Set in private
grounds on a small wildfowl reserve, this community-based
hostel boasts spectacular views across the city. The hostel
is well-positioned for energetic walks up Divis Mountain or
explorations of West Bel fast. A 10min bus ride or 20min
brisk walk takes you into the city centre for extra sightseeing
fun. More budget hotel than hostel, Farset offers ensuite twin
rooms with TVs and tea/coffee making facilities. Continental
breakfast is included in the price, but you can get a cooked
breakfast for just 2 extra. Theres also a self-catering kitchen,
laundry and secure parking. The Foundry Restaurant and
Mackies Bistro serve up good food and can cater for large
and small on-site conferences. Q38 rooms (singles 34,
doubles 48). HLK
Linen House C-1, 18 Kent St., tel. 9058 6400, fax 9058
6444, info@belfasthostel.com, www.belfasthostel.com.
Tucked down a none-too-salubrious side street at the top
of Royal Avenue, the location of this hostel is nothing if not
central. The front door has a combination lock (ie no curfew!)
and, once inside, guests can enjoy hot power showers, cooking
facilities, bike storage, and metered internet & laundry facilities.
The usual array of Troubles Tours is readily available for the
hotspot-hungry backpacker. Car parking 4 per night, 8 per
day. Q130 rooms (singles 20 - 25, doubles 30 - 36, 4 bed
dorm 12, 6-8 bed dorm 10, 10-12 bed dorm (en suite) 9,
18 bed female dorm 7, 20-bed mixed dorm 6). JRL
Apartment Rental
Cordia Serviced Apartments F-3, 355 -367 Lisburn
Rd, M9, tel. 9087 8782, mail@cordiaapartments.
com, www.servicedapartmentsbelfast.net. Situated on
the ber sophisticated shopping mecca that is the Lisburn
Road, these stylish apartments are great if youre looking
for private accommodation with all the facilities. The dcor
is simpl y executed and, you know what they say, less is most
definitel y more. Modern kitchens combined with spacious
dining and living areas, and enticing bedrooms set off with
subtle feature walls and soft, comfortable beds make these
urban pads a classy city base. If you fancy a change from a
hotel, and like to sprawl, give them a try. Q One Bedroom
Apartment (1 Double Room) 89 per night, Two Bedroom
Apartment (2 Double Rooms) 119 per night, Executive Two
Bedroom Apartment (2 Double Rooms + study) 125 per
night. All rates include VAT for 1-28 nights. LW
International airport
Hilton Templepatrick Hotel & Country Club L-2,
Castle Upton Estate, Templepatrick, tel. 9443 5500, fax
9443 5511, reservations.templepatrick@hilton.com,
www.hilton.co.uk/templepatrick. This sprawling 88 hect-
are estate is located five miles from the International Airport,
close enough for convenience yet surrounded by rolling green
fields. Step inside the grand foyer and youre immediately hit
by the undoubted wow factor: an 18-hole golf course right
on its doorstep. If youre more prone to chipped nails than
chipped shots, check out the manicure bar at the extensive
health and fitness complex. Foodies should be more than
happy with the restaurants eclectic breakfast menu (anyone
for haggis?) and extensive wine selection. Q129 rooms (
Room 139, Deluxe Room 159, Family Room 159, Junior
Suite 189). HRFLKDCW hhhh
Park Plaza Hotel K/L-3, Belfast International Airport,
tel. 9445 7000, fax 9442 3500, reception@parkplaza-
belfast.com, www.parkplaza.com/belfastuk. Popular
with tourists and business types catching an early flight, this
modern hotel is a 50m walk from the airport entrance and offers
helicopter transfers and in-room flight information for execs on
the move. Its internal balconies overlook the bright, spacious
foyer and provide a panoramic view across the airport. The
contemporary-style rooms feature black and white photos of
Northern Ireland and the conference rooms are named after
Irish and Scottish islands. Circles restaurant is perfect for pre-
flight networking or a bite of fusion cuisine before the airline
food beckons. Q106 rooms ( Superior 70 - 145, Executive
90 - 165, Suite 200). HRLK hhhh
Templeton Hotel L-2/3, 882 Antrim Rd, Templepatrick,
tel. 9443 2984, fax 9443 3406, www.templetonhotel.
com. This family run hotel is a big hit with locals and wedding
parties, and a handy 10 minute dri ve to the International
Airport. The large modern yet rustic exterior continues inside
with exposed brick dominating its spacious lounge bar. Rooms
are of the usual three star standard, with some overlooking a
lake and small landscaped garden. There are plenty of eating
options to choose from, with four restaurants and bars all
vying for your palate. On Sundays the hotel does a roaring
carvery trade. Pity theres no gym to work off the calories.
Q24 rooms (singles 75 - 97, doubles 125, Executive room
145). HLEK hhh
Lynwood Pr oper ty
L-3, 102b Bangor Rd,
Holywood, Co. Down, tel.
07515 852865, info@
lynwoodproperty.co.uk,
www.lynwoodproperty.
co.uk. This elegantly reno-
vated 18th Century apart-
ment provides spacious and
secluded self-catering accommodation on the Co. Down
shores of Belfast Lough. Just a few miles from the city on the
main Belfast-Bangor road, and a 1min walk to Marino railway
station (with direct links to Belfast, Holywood and Bangor),
the delightful coastal setting offers a harmonious city/
country meld. Three large double bedrooms (one en-suite)
overlook the leafy garden. And the modern fully-equipped
kitchens skylights spill sunlight into the stylish open-plan
living space. Perfect for families, businesspeople or visiting
friends and relatives who want the privacy and comfort of
home. Rates and durations of stay flexible. Q (One night
from 75, One week from 450). L
wHere to stay
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
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Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
(1-9) - Literally as cheap as chips. If youre after a
coffee, a sandwich or quick snack, youre quids in here
(10-19) - Plush cafes, agreeabl e bistros and
delicious takeaways that wont break the bank
(20-34) - Upmarket lunches and good value
evening meals in relaxed surroundings
(35- 49) - Fine dining served wi th a touch
of class
(50 upwards) - Exquisite dishes prepared by
top-class chefs, this is luxurious dining at its very best
Symbol key
Read up and chow down on the citys best eats at every
price level. Many bars and hotels also serve magnificent
gourmet and trad food, so dont forget to check out those
particular listings, too. (Symbol key based on average meal
per person
American
RBG C-3, 4 Clarence St. West, tel. 9067 7700, www.
rezidorparkinn.com. Gleaming marble counters, dark wood
panelling, stained glass chandeliers and framed Americana
prints and magazine covers lend a NYC Central Station-
inspired art deco ambience to this impressi ve downtown
dining space. Part of the Park Inn hotel, this elongated,
el egant restaurant runs from cosy booths wi th plasma
screens near the entrance, to low level fireside armchairs
in the middle and sofas and tables towards the back. The
secluded mezzanine level is ideal for parties and corporates,
and the outdoor smoking terrace must be one of the citys
most stylish. Steaks, scallops and chicken served with sauces
and sides, including big chips (five fill the plate!), reflect the
upmarket bar food menu. Chocolate brownies and classic
ice creams are among the desserts, and plenty of tea and
coffee choices make this a good pre or post shopping option
for tired limbs and weary wallets. QOpen 06:30 - 01:00, Sun
06:30 - 23:00. -. J
TGI Fridays C-2, Level 2, Victoria Square, tel. 9024
9050, www.tgifridays.co.uk. Candy-striped dcor garnished
with an eye-catching collection of pop culture and sporting
memorabilia greets diners at this super-sized Victoria Square
restaurant. Sizzling steaks, bounteous burgers, flabbergasting
fajitas and sensational salads all grace its mammoth menu...
and those US-sized portions are large enough to satisfy even
the biggest appetite. Speaking of which - the cornucopia of
cocktails with 500 (yes, 500!) intoxicating concoctions should
really get the party started. Fabulous for a family treat and per-
fect for a pals night on the town. Find it on a prominent corner
position on Level 2. QOpen 12:00 - late. . J
Tony Romas B-4, 25 University Rd, tel. 9032 6777,
www.tonyromasbelfast.com. Herbivores beware... Ameri-
cas rib and steak supremo has hit town with a belly-busting
menu boasting a big selection of US-sized platters. The setting
is refreshingly contemporary considering the Dukes of Hazzard-
style menu. And, if ribs aint your thing, chicken, seafood and
salad dishes offer an alternative to the Flintstone-esque fayre.
QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Mon, Tue, Wed 17:00 - 23:00.
Asian
Dim Sum B-4, 82 Botanic Ave, tel. 9043 9590. Get your
gnashers around this tasty lot... crispy fried pork intestines,
tripe in black bean sauce and steamed white eel. You know
from the adventurous menu that Dim Sum serves the real
deal. More conservative eaters can choose from recognisable
options including thirty of those delicious dumplings. But when
youre this close to exotic, why not give those other gourmet
delights a try? QOpen 12:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 24:00,
Sun 11:00 - 22:00. .
Fat Buddha B-4, 92-94 Lisburn Rd, tel. 9068 9777.
A stony-faced Fat Buddha surveys all who enter this grand,
modern restaurant. Sprawling across several open-plan
spaces, the high design interior is an impressive meld of
contemporary lighting, funky furniture and bamboo curtains...
and theres even a koi carp water feature. Watch chefs prepare
Asian Fusion cuisine on the open-flame Japanese Robata Grill,
or order pan-Asian dishes from the a la carte or set menus.
QOpen 12:00 - 14:30, 17:00 - 00:00, Sat 17:00 - 00:00,
Sun 13:00 - 22:00. .
Ginger Tree B-3, 23 Donegall Pass, tel. 9032 7151.
With almost two decades of wisdom, tradition and fabulous
cooking, the Ginger Tree has long been the restaurant of
choice for local foodies. In fact, so renowned is the Japanese
nosh that Sir Paul McCartney, former wife Heather and rock
gods Razorlight have feasted on its delicious dishes (though
not at the same time). For the rest of us ordinary folk, the
restaurant offers minimalist monochrome decor and Japanese
artefacts that gel well with the authentic cuisine. Q Open
12:00 - 14:30, 17:00 - 21:30; Sun 17:00 - 21:30.
Harbour View D-2, 1 Lanyon Quay, tel. 9023 8823,
www.harbourviewbelfast.co.uk. This Teppanyaki restau-
rant, beside the landmark Waterfront Hall, features a large
outdoor terrace which gives way to an equally spacious lounge
with sofas, chandelier and those great views. The highlight,
however, is the Japanese Teppanyaki dining experience in the
more formal dining area. Sit back and enjoy as chefs slice,
stir fry and sizzle fresh food on large hot plates set into your
table. Not cheap, but certainl y unique among the citys dining
choices. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. . J
Lee Garden B-4, 14-18 Botanic Ave, tel. 9027 8882,
www.leegardenbelfast.com. I f you like your Sweet and
Sour Chi cken or Stir Fried Seafood served in spacious,
chic surroundings then this latest addi tion to the Chinese
scene will defini tel y impress. Light pours into the open
plan atrium from the restaurants two storey glass edi face,
and delicatel y spiralling lights cascade from i ts high ceil-
ing. Wooden floors and brightl y coloured leather seating
exude 21st Century class, and the pri vate function room
wi th karaoke ensures wayward warblers dont disturb the
rest of the diners. Already a big hi t wi th the locals and
Chinese communi ty... what more endorsement do you
need? QOpen 12:00 - 00:00. .
Sakura C-4, 82 Botanic Ave, tel. 9043 9590, www.
sakurabelfast.com. Si t by the sushi train and pick your
meals as they trundle past, or order from their extensi ve
menu at this li ttle bi t of Tokyo on Botanic Avenue. Japa-
nese cuisine has taken off big-time in Bel fast and this is
a great spot to join fellow saki and sushi fans. QOpen
12:00 - 22:30, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 23:00, Sun 13:00 - 22:30.
. S
Sun Kee C-3, 43 Donegal Pass, tel. 9031 2233. This
legendary restaurant has long been a favouri te wi th the
ci tys Chinese communi ty, media darlings and discerning
gastronomes. The black and red interior is resplendent
wi th Chinese art and lanterns and the delectable dim sum is
simpl y bursting wi th flavour. Wi thout doubt one of Bel fasts
most authenti c Chinese restaurants, and thats saying
something. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. . S
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Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
Zcn Rcstaurant
bltra Chic japancsc Dining

SSS Adclaidc Strcct, 8clfast
Tcl. 28 23 2244
Opcning Rours.
MonFri. 12pm 3.pm, Spm Latc
Sat. Spm Midnight
Sun. 1.3pm 1.3pm
AWARDS
8clfast 8usincss Awards
Thc Thcmc Awards 'lrcland Final 8cst 8artcndcr` 2324
Thc Thcmc Awards 'National Final 8cst Ncw Rcstaurant` 24
Thc Thcmc Awards 'lrcland Final 8cst Ncw Rcstaurant` 24
NAS Dcsign Partncrship Awards 24
Thc 'Fatc Awards` for 8cst Rcstaurant of 8clfast 2627
'Co 8clfast Award` thc 8cst Rcstaurant 27
Suwanna B-3, 117 Gt. Victoria St, tel. 9043 9007,
www.suwannabelfast.com. Attenti ve staff adorned in
elegant Thai dress deftl y manoeuvre their way around this
intimate restaurant thats crammed with Asian artefacts and
courting couples. The food takes a while to arrive but, boy
when it does, its well worth the wait. Freshl y prepared and
lovingl y presented, in our opinion Suwannas Thai cuisine is
the best youll get in town. Booking advised. QOpen 18:00 -
22:30, Fri, Sat 18:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun. . JS
Water Margin C-3, 159 Donegal Pass, tel. 9032 6888.
At the corner of Donegall Pass and the Ormeau Road stands
this magnificent church, now home to a large-scale Chinese
eating emporium. I ts so big the managers communicate
via earpieces ensuring the legion of diners want for nothing.
Re-live that Lost In Translation moment in a private karaoke
room or join the throngs tucking into the mouth-wateringl y
imaginative menu. Crispy duck feet and frogs legs anyone?
QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Sun 12:00 - 21:00. .
Zen C-3, 55 Adelaide St, tel. 9023 2244. So this is what
1m looks like in a restaurant. Likened to a James Bond
set, Japanese restaurant Zen is a phenomenal addi tion to
the ci tys cuisine scene. Inside theres a cocktail bar, wall
of glistening water and gilded lilies, ul tra violet stairway and
sunken ta-tammi dining area. Groups are catered for in a
series of wood-wrapped circular tables and encouraged to
avail of the slippers. The spectacular glass-floored corridor
of beaded light columns and mirrored ceiling is a nightmare
to navigate when youve sipped too much sake. But who
cares when youre in one of the funkiest restaurants in
town. All this and the foods fantastic too! Q Open 12:00
- 15:00, 17:00 - 23:00, Sat 17:00 - 24:00, Sun 13:30 -
22:30. . J
Indian
Gingeroot B-3, 75 Gt. Victoria St, tel. 9031 3124,
www.gingeroot.com. Dine on delectable Northern Indian
tandoori-cooked cuisine as you sing along to TVs brandish-
ing Boll ywood movies. This large, modern restaurant does
a particularl y good trade in business lunches and has plenty
of sectioned off space for private parties. Its food and spices
are all freshl y prepared and the famil y-owned establishment
takes personal pride in their menu and service... al ways a
nice touch. Q Mon - Fri: 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 23:30, Sun
17:00 - 22:00. . JS
Indie Spice F-2, 159 Stranmillis Rd, tel. 9066 8100,
www.indiespicecafe.com. Indian cuisine doesnt get much
funkier than this. The decor is bursting with oranges, limes
and purples and the metal staircase and cool seating comple-
ment the contemporary vibe. Crayfish biryani and Murgh
Makhanwala - chicken in butter with spices and cream - are
too tempting to resist. Q Open 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 23:30,
Sat 12:00 - 23:30, Sun 12:30 - 22:30. . S
International
Aldens F-4, 229 Upper Newtownards Rd, tel. 9065
0079, www.aldensrestaurant.com. The award-festooned
entrance indicates the success this East Belfast restaurant
has achieved since opening in 1998. Though not centrall y
located, the 10min car trip is well worth it to experience the
areas stand-out restaurant and taste the seafood and game
specialities, or savour afternoon coffee and scones. Look
out for the slick black exterior and take home some gourmet
goodies from the gift shop. QOpen 10:00 - 22:00, Fri 10:00
- 23:00, Sun 12:00 - 16:30. .
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Beatrice Kennedy B-4, 44 University Rd., tel. 9020
2290, www.beatricekennedy.co.uk. Amid the brash
glitz of the citys more familiar restaurants sits this intimate
brasserie filled with dusky candlelight, muted tones and a
devoted clientele. Popular wi th the pre-theatre crowd (i ts
a ten-minute walk to the Lyric and Grand Opera House) and
romantic couples, its relaxed, homel y vibe will never go out
of fashion. Game and fish dishes are the chefs speciality
- try the pan-fried Donegal salmon with mussels & fennel.
Q Open 17:00 - 22:30, Sun 12:30 - 14:30, 17:00 - 20:00.
Closed Mon. .
Bourbon B-3, 60 Gt. Victoria St., tel. 9033 2121, www.
bourbonrestaurant.com. This extravagant colonial-style
bar/restaurant is regularl y packed to the rafters with pre-
theatre patrons and celebratory crowds. Its lavish interior is
resplendent with glittering chandeliers, palm fronds, Grecian
pillars and bronze statues. The rich palette of verdigris,
creams, burgundys and golds ensure the eye is kept well fed,
and the Cajun and Polynesian-influenced food reflects the res-
taurants eclectic feel. Q Open 12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 01:00,
Sat 17:00 - 01:00, Sun 17:00 - 22:00. . J
Cayenne B-3, 7 Ascot House, Shaf tesbury Sq., tel.
9033 1532, www.rankingroup.co.uk. The jewel in the
crown of the Rankin empire, Cayennes Asian-influenced
menu is al ways innovative and rarel y disappoints. The dark
wood interior is lit in amber and the pale walls are etched with
culinary prose. Al though the haunt of the citys self-styled
gastronomes, dont let its potential air of intimidation put
you off... the award-winning food is surprisingl y affordable.
Q Open 12:00 - 14:15, 18:00 - 22:15, Fri until 23:15, Sat
18:00 - 23:15, Sun 17:00 - 20:45. . J
Deanes B-2, 36 Howard St, tel. 9033 1134, www.
michaeldeane.co.uk. Proprietor/chef Michael Deane shook
up the local dining scene, and gave Paul Rankin a run for his
money, when he introduced NIs second (and currentl y onl y)
Michelin star restaurant. Since then, Deane has spawned a
culinary empire but this original restaurant remains his finest
work. Bare lightbulbs dangle contemporary-art style from
the ceiling as cool diners enjoy the minimalist ambience and
expected fine dining a la Deane. The attention-to-detail dishes
featuring locall y sourced produce are exquisitel y prepared...
and so they should be at these prices! Jealous? Us? Q
Tues-Sat 12:00 - 15:00, 18:00 - 21:00. . J
Deanes at Queens B-5, 1 College Gardens, tel.
9038 2111, www.michaeldeane.co.uk. Award-winning
chef Michael Deanes downtown portfolio extends to the
Queens Quarter with this cool, contemporary bar and grill.
The laidback space is all dark woods and minimalist lines,
and the walls feature original pieces by local artist Oliver Jef-
fers. Business people, tourists and sophisticated students
(yes, there are some) dine on Deanes celebrated array of
distinctive dishes and locall y sourced ingredients. Find it in
the Queens University Common Rooms opposite Method-
ist College. QOpen 11:30 - 22:00, Mon, Tue 11:30 - 21:00.
Closed Sun. .
Ginger Bistro B-3, 7 Hope St, tel. 9024 4421. Locall y-
sourced food is served with an imaginative twist and me-
ticulous attention to detail at this casuall y chic bistro where
redhead chef Simon McCances ever-changing menu and
meet-the-crowd congeniality makes for a refreshingly unstuffy
atmosphere. A real delight. Q Open 12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 -
22:00. Closed Sun. . J
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Hill Street Brasserie C-1, 38 Hill St., tel. 9058 6868,
www.hillstbrasserie.com. Up Bel fasts cute cobbl ed
Hill Street sits this stylish, yet informal, restaurant with an
inventive selection of fusion cuisine. Were talking Roasted
Rump Lamb with Morrocan Braised Fennel or Roast Breast of
Duck with Blueberry Compote. And the desserts are equall y
alluring - wi th Raspberry Ruffle Tart and Jamaican Ginger
Pudding particularl y tickling our fancy. The Lunch and Earl y
Bird specials make this an affordable dining experience in the
extremel y chic Cathedral Quarter. Q Open Tues - Fri 12:00 -
15:00, 17:00 - 23:00, Sat 12:00 - 23:00, Sun 16:00 - 21:00.
Closed Mon. . J
James Street South C-2, 21 James St. South, tel. 9043
4310, www.jamesstreetsouth.co.uk. Over recent years,
this sophisticated restaurant has quickl y established a loyal
fan base as epicureans seek out the citys great plates. The
19th century converted warehouse faade belies a strikingl y
clean and airy white interior broken up by a fine selection of
contemporary Irish art. The big round tables and intimate bar
are conducive to girl y nights, corporate bashes and special
occasions. Indulge in an international menu offering the finest
selection of food locals have come to demand at this level.
Q Open 12:00 - 14:45, 17:45 - 22:45, Sun 17:30 - 21:00.
. J
Mollys Yard C-4, 1 College Green Mews, Botanic Ave,
tel. 9032 2600. Inside this quaint eaterie is a laid-back
downstairs bistro and rusticall y elegant upstairs restaurant.
Local produce such as beef, sea bream and venison, perme-
ates the Irish-inspired menu. And, as befi ts ownership by
the good people behind Hilden Brewery, the former stables
house Belfasts first micro brewery. Moll ys Chocolate Stout
and Belfast Blonde are among the inventivel y-named, and
pleasing to the palette, tipples. The restaurants bijouness
and enduring popularity demand pre-booking to ensure a pew.
QOpen 12:00 - 21:30. Closed Sun.
.
Nicks Warehouse C-1, 35 Hill St, tel. 9043 9690,
www.nickswarehouse.co.uk. Propri etor Ni ck Pri ces
pioneering spirit transformed this former Bushmills whiskey
warehouse into a top class restaurant way back in 1989
- at a time when the citys dining options were somewhat
limited. Downstairs the red-brick wine bar and informal Anix
still packs in the punters as does the more formal, intimate
upstairs restaurant. The menu offers local and international
cuisine and prides itself in its range of locall y-sourced foods.
Service is friendly and meticulous. Q Mon-Fri 12:00 - 15:00,
Tues-Sat 18:00 - 22:00. . J
No. 27 Talbot Street C-1, 27 Talbot St, tel. 9031 2884,
www.no27.co.uk. Along the side of St. Annes Cathedral,
and down one of Belfasts oldest streets, sits this shiny new
restaurant. The exterior may boast historic red brick but,
once inside, its a different story. Dazzling white open-plan
dining is broken up with splashes of modern art. And, rather
uniquel y in the city, mul ti-hued lighting changes graduall y as
you enjoy your meal. Speaking of which, seafood, steaks,
pasta, chicken and duck is all on offer and accompanied
by a complementary array of classic and inventive sides. A
minimalist space to tempt the cool set... perfect for the ever-
more gentrified Cathedral Quarter. Q Mon-Fri 12:00 - 15:00,
Tues-Sat 18:00 - 22:00. . J
Oxford Exchange Bar & Grill D-2, 1st Floor, St.
Georges Market, Oxford St, tel. 9024 0014, www.
oxfordexchange.co.uk. During Market mornings, diners can
drink in birds-eye views of the colourful action from their first
floor perch. As you enter from Oxford Street, read up on the
Markets history before ascending to the contemporary dark
wood and pale-walled interior. The menu reflects the Markets
local gourmet produce and includes venison, smoked had-
dock, and steamed muscles for starters. A stylish joint in a
unique setting. Q Wed-Sat 12:00 - 14:30, 17:00 - 22:00.
Also Fri & Sat 10:00 - 12:00. . J
Porterhouse off A-5, 245 Lisburn Rd, M9, tel. 9038
2211, www.porterhousebelfast.co.uk. Carni vores can
sink their teeth into big, succulent steaks at the citys latest
restaurant that prides itself on serving the best cuts in town.
The owner is a butcher who chooses the highest grade beef
from locall y reared steers. And dont worry if youve got a
vegetarian in your company, theres also has a veggie menu,
as well as chicken and seafood dishes and an exquisite wine
list. Oh, and dont forget to check out the uber-sexy website
- what is that woman doing... QOpen 17:00 - 22:00, Sun
13:00 - 21:00. .
Roscoff C-2, 7 Linenhall St., tel. 9031 1150. Celeb chefs
the Rankins transported their original French brasserie to this
downtown location. Now under new ownership, the food and
atmosphere are as top notch as ever, with delicious cuisine
served on stylish linen-clad tables. Brush up on your school-
boy Francais before wrapping your tongue around the sole
paupiettes or assiette of offal followed by apricot clafoutis
or millefuille of fig and orange. Ooh la la. Q Mon-Thu 12:00
- 14:15, 18:00 - 22:15, Fri 12:00 - 14:15, Fri & Sat 18:00 -
23:15, Sun 13:00 - 17:00. . J
Shu A-5, 253 Lisburn Rd, tel. 9038 1655, www.shu-
restaurant.com. One of the most upmarket restaurants in
town and a sure indication that the citys dining out scene
has matured with age. The impeccabl y attired waiting staff,
exquisitel y prepared fusion food and contemporary interior
attract a discerning clientele. Upstairs theres a private dining
room for small groups, while downstairs the Shu Bar stirs up a
cocktail of retro funk beats and bistro eats... perfect for late
night divas dripping with sophistication. QOpen . Closed Sun.
Mon-Sat 12:00 - 14:30, 18:00 - 22:00, Fri 17:30 - 21:30. Shu
Bar Fri & Sat 19:00 - 01:00. .
Square B-3, 89 Dublin Rd, tel. 9023 9933, www.
square-restaurant.com. Go upmarket at this downtown
bistro wi th i ts name etched large on the steel and glass
frontage. Inside neat wood tables and chairs, upstairs and
down, fill with power-lunching execs and earl y evening din-
ers. The global gourmet selection satisfies townies who
like good food.Q Mon - Fri 12:00-15:00, 17:30-21:30; Sat
18:00-21:30. J
Italian
Speranza2 B-3, 16 Shaftesbury Ave, tel. 9023 0213,
www.speranza2.com. Join the hordes sucking strings of
spaghetti to the strains of Happy Birthday in this famil y-
friendl y grande-I talian restaurant. Wi th seating for up to
250, its the biggest - and one of the oldest - food fests in
town. The high-rise glass and wood exterior puts diners on
display as they tuck into feasts of pizzas, salads and meat
dishes. Children get their own menu and Hen parties get to
nip the waiters bums. Magnifico! QOpen 17:00 - 23:30,
Sun 15:00 - 22:00. . J
Seafood
Mourne Seafood Bar C-1, 34-36 Bank St, tel. 9024
8544, www.mourneseafood.com. Situated beside Kell ys
Cellars Irish pub, this extremely popular eaterie serves locally
sourced mussels, oysters, langoustines and lots of other
delicious marine morsels in a cool and unforced atmosphere.
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restaUrants
6 Fountain Street, Belfast
T: +44 (0) 28 9032 3087
info@labocabelfast.com
www.labocabelfast.com

Mon - Wed 10.30am - 7pm
Thu 10.30am - 9pm
Fri & Sat 10.30am - 10pm
Food is cooked tradi tional style or wi th a continental or
Asian twist; hal f dozen oysters and Mourne mussel pots
make particularl y appealing snacks. The gamut of gastro
creations ranges from beer battered fish and chips to whole
hot buttered lobster, with everything from locall y-brewed ale
to bottles of bubbly complementing the cuisine. Theres even
a cute fish shop at the front (open Tues-Sat 10:00 -17:30) for
take-home treats. And, if fish aint your thing, the restaurant
also offers prime rib eye steak and veggie options.One of the
citys finest restaurants.QOpen 12:00 - 22:30, Mon 12:00 -
18:00, Tue, Wed 12:00 - 21:30, Sun 13:00 - 18:00.
. J
Tedfords D-1, 5 Donegall Quay, tel. 9043 4000,
www.tedf ordsrestaurant.com. Thi s former shi ps
chandl ers has changed i ts exteri or from landmark blue
to pal e taupe and added steak to i ts acclaimed seafood
menu. Inside, the mariner theme may have gi ven way to
a more contemporar y dining experi ence, but the food is
of the same excepti onal standard, and the second fl oor
is desi gned to refl ect the decor of a luxur y liner (albei t
a small one). Inventi ve fish dishes such as curr y roast
monkfish and grill ed sea bass wi th crab and chi ve mash
share the bill wi th Iri sh Angus beef and other meaty
deli ghts. Still a Bel fast insti tuti on, despi te the repaint.
QOpen . Cl osed Sun. Wed-Fri 12:00 - 14:30, Tues-Sat
17:00 - late. . J
Spanish & Latin Ameri ca
2Taps C-1, Cotton Court, 30 Waring St, tel. 9031
1414, www.2tapswinebar.com. Fi nd thi s Spani sh
dining experi ence in the oh-so-trendy Cathedral Quar ter
opposi te the Merchant Hotel. Outdoor seating and eating
oozes continental sophisti cation, so order several dishes
to share over a bottl e of Ri oja and dream of those balmy
Benidorm ni ghts. Q Mon-Sat 12:00 - late. J
La Boca C-2, 6 Fountain St, tel. 9032 3087, www.
labocabelfast.com. Vi vid tones and cool canvases domi-
nate this dining space recalling the bohemian dockside
distri ct of Buenos Aires. Argentinean-born owner Pedro
Donald has paid homage to his spiri tual homeland wi th a
Spanish-infused bistro sel ecti on of food and drink - most
notabl y the authenti c tapas, jui cy steaks and Argentin-
ean wines. Coffees and chocolate browni es will soothe
snack pangs and ar t l overs will relish the ever-changing
exhibi ti on of l ocal work. I f youre l ooking for a cool ci ty
centre dining experi ence, you cant get much better than
this. Find La Boca near the side of the Linenhall Librar y.
QOpen 10:30 - 19:00, Thu 10:30 - 21:00, Fri, Sat 10:30
- 22:00. Cl osed Sun. -. J
Out of town
Coffee Yard and Yard Gallery L-3, 102-104 High
St, Holywood, Co. Down, tel. 9042 7210, www.cof-
feeyard.com. Hol ywoods beauti ful peopl e congregate
at this great contemporary space to partake of the exten-
si ve teas, coffees and eats before perusing two fl oors of
fabulous art. Prints, photographs and original art are all on
display and availabl e for sal e including Coll ectors Edi ti on
Illustrated prints from popular childrens books such as
the Roald Dahl Stori es, Beatri x Potter, Shirl ey Hughes,
Di ck Brunas Mi ffy and Sam McBratneys Guess how
much I l ove you. Check out the Gall er ys on-going mi xed
exhibi ti on featuring work by hi ghl y regarded l ocal ar tists
including ori ginal coin j ewell ery from innovati ve artist Ben
All en.QOpen 08:00 - 17:00. Cl osed Sun. . HLS
Dundonald Old Mill Coffee House & Gif t Shop
L-3, 231 Belfast Rd, Dundonald, tel. 9048 5030.
Heading east out of Bel fast, past Stormont and before
Newtownards, youll see a si gn for thi s uni que cafe and
gi f t shop. What makes i t so special i s the large wooden
water wheel whi ch, at 32f t in diameter, i s said to be the
largest in Ireland. Ori ginall y buil t in 1752, the Ol d Mill
once powered a linen bl eaching mill before conversi on in
1850 to a corn mill powered by the wheel you see today.
Af ter cl osure in 1920, the mill fell into decline but was
restored to i ts former gl or y in 1987. Todays wheel turns
wi th el ectri ci ty but still makes a magni fi cent first impres-
si on before you head into the cute gi f t shop and equall y
cottage-like upstairs cafe. Grab a home-cooked lunch
or coffee and scone before purchasing a posh pressi e
or t wo and heading onwards for a daytrip down the
pi cturesque Ards Peninsula... nothing coul d be quainter.
QOpen 10:00 - 16:30, Sun 11:00 - 16:30. . L
Old Moat Inn off H-3, 933 Upper Newtownards Rd,
Dundonald, tel. 9048 0753, www.oldmoatinn.co.uk.
For decades l ocals have been frequenting this li vel y bar/
restaurant whose black and whi te exteri or i s a bi t of a
landmark on the Bel fast to Newtownards Road. Upstairs,
the spacious and stylish restaurant serves hear ty meals
wi th a gourmet edge - and at pri ces that beat i ts down-
town ri val s. Steak, scampi and seafood gouj ons fill the
plates of fri ends, famil y groups and coupl es who reli sh
the Ol d Moats fri endl y, unforced atmosphere. And i f
youre stopping for lunch, why not walk off the cal ori es
and climb the nei ghbouring Norman motte from whi ch
the Inn gets i ts name. QOpen 11:30 - 23:00, Fri, Sat
11:30 - 01:00, Sun 12:30 - 00:00. . L
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27
CaFes & Bistros
Cafs & Bistros
Caf Conor B-5, 11a Stranmillis Rd., tel. 9066 3266.
Once the studio of local painter William Conor, this modern
bistro caf is a great place to relax after exploring the
nearby Ulster Museum. The artistic theme continues wi th
canvases displayed throughout i ts lofty skylighted interior.
Theres a great selection of gourmet grub and the convi vial
atmosphere ensures a steady stream of stylish regulars.
One of the most appealing restaurants in town. QOpen
09:00 - 24:00. . T
Caf Renoir B-4, 93 Botanic Ave., tel. 9031 1300,
www.cafe-renoir.com. This famil y-run cafe/restaurant is a
three-pronged attack on the tastebuds. Every evening, Pizza
Renoir dishes up the I talian classics wi th an incredible array
of exotic and tradi tional toppings. To i ts left, cosmopoli tan
types shoot the breeze over a creamy cappuccino and
devilishl y decadent home-baked cake. And upstairs, friends
and lovers work their way through an eclectic international
menu washed down wi th a hoppy German beer. One of the
friendliest, most laid-back cafes in town... and wi th some
of the best food, too. QOpen 08:00 - 23:00, Sun 09:00
- 22:00. . T
Deanes Deli C-3, 44 Bedford St, tel. 9024 8800,
www.michaeldeane.co.uk. Owned by Michael Deane,
one of NIs top restaurateurs, this New York-style deli of-
fers a chance to sample the Deane experience at a more
affordable price. Eavesdrop on media types (the BBC is just
around the corner) or a make a beeline to the next door shop
stuffed wi th all manner of delicious grub-to-go and Deanes
branded goodies. The si t-in menu reads like a hymn to all
things glorious about good, fresh food. Seafood, salads,
sausages, steak... i ts all here and looking as fabulous as
the sparkl y clientelle. Q Mon - Fri 12:00 - 15:00, Mon &
Tues 17:00 - 21:00, Wed - Fri 17:00 - 22:00, Sat 12:00 -
22:00. . J
Delaneys C-1, 19 Lombard St, tel. 9023 1572. Safari
lodge meets old Holl ywood in this bizarre, yet hugel y popular,
sel f-service diner. Popping into this local legend for a small
snack is almost impossible once you see and smell the
array and aroma of tradi tional food. Onl y those wi th a will
of steel can resist their classic desserts, and you can ac-
company your meal wi th a wine or beer. I f youre dropping
by for lunch, be prepared to queue. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00,
Thu 09:00 - 21:00, Sun 12:00 - 17:00. . J
Kainan Cafe C-1, 109 Royal Ave, tel. 9043 6580,
http://kainancafebelfast.blogspot.com. This Philippine
cafe serves the islands authentic Spanish-influenced food,
including chicken, beef, fish and pork stir fries, soups and
stews. Wonderfull y hot and good value too. The shop also
stocks Filipino groceries, magazines and phone cards for
cheap long-distance chats. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00, Thu
10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. . J
Made In Belfast B-2, Wellington St. Industrial ware-
house collides stylishl y wi th thrown-together chic at this
urban diner. Miss-matched furni ture, lampshades and mir-
rors populate i ts double height expanse and scuffed floor-
boards hark back to the buildings fashion emporium past.
The menu is as nostalgic as the decor, wi th retro fish finger
sandwiches, coronation chicken salad and toffee flavour
pokes (thats an ice cream cone to you) all for the asking. And
everything is locall y sourced and organic where possible.
Find i t off Donegall Square West. QOpen 08:00 - 22:30, Fri,
Sat 08:00 - 02:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00. . J
Muriels Cafe Bar C-1, 12-14 Church Lane, off High St,
tel. 9033 2445. Nestled between High Sts In Shops and St.
Georges Church is this glorious little retreat named after its
former resident milliner and sometime angel of the footpath.
Damask drapes, velvet seating and dark walls are illuminated
with mirrors, chandeliers and an open fire. And, downstairs, a
display of hat paraphernalia reflects Muriels less lascivious
past. A great breakfast selection (croque monsieur, eggs
benedict, oak smoked salmon...) and all-day meat, cheese and
seafood platters grace the menu. And, come the weekend, DJs
play suitably eclectic background music for the stylish clientele.
QOpen 08:30 - 01:00, Sun 10:00 - 00:00. . J
Olive Tree Company F-3, 353 Ormeau Rd, tel. 9064
8898. Just a mile or so south of the city centre sits this de-
lightful little deli with a charming upstairs cafe. Warm salads,
soups, risottos and other Med-inspired morsels populate the
menu, while authentic tapas, including vine leaves, tapenade
and tuna stuffed peppers, enhance the gourmet milieu. An all
day patisserie serves delicious desserts alongside coffees.
And, if you like what you eat, grab some take-away treats
from the street-level shop or, on Fri and Sat, at their stall in St.
Georges Market. QOpen 08:30 - 17:30. Closed Sun. .
Printers Cafe Bar C-1, 33 Lower Donegall St, tel. 9024
8000, www.daniellemcq.com. This stylish li ttle bistro
shares a side-street with the Duke of York bar and, like its
neighbour, attracts journos, arty types and hungry business-
folk. The small, yet impressively global, Friday evening menu is
as aspirational as the clientelle. A real Cathedral Quarter find.
Q Mon-Fri 12:00 - 15:00, Fri 17:30 - 21:30. . JS
Spires Restaurant & Coffee Shop B-2, Spires Mall,
Great Victoria St, tel. 9031 2881. At the heart of Spires
Mall sits this open-plan cafe with a great self-service selection
of salads, paninis and hot dishes - including the all important
cooked breakfast - to shore up all you hungry shoppers.
Tea, coffee and traybakes keep the munchies at bay, and
the soothing blues music prepares you for further retail fun.
News junkies can keep an eye on the plasma TV or choice of
dail y reads, and offices can also order in corporate catering.
QOpen 08:30 - 17:30. Closed Sun. . J
Swantons Gourmet Foods off A-5, 639 Lisburn Rd,
M9, tel. 9068 3388, www.swantons.com. Located on
the sophisticated Lisburn Road, this fine food emporium
serves gourmet-class breakfasts and lunches in its intimate
black and red cafe space. And, not onl y can you dine in style,
but Swantons also doubles as a deli selling fine global foods,
gourmet gifts and bespoke hampers. Efficient staff know their
stuff so dont be afraid to ask if you have a particular delicacy
in mind. Pop in for a coffee and sandwich or, if youre feeling
decadent, organic ciabatta filled with artisan cheeses, home-
made hummus or smoked salmon. Magnificent muffins, mini
brownies and luxurious lemon tarts round off your gourmet
hit. The perfect place for a leisurel y lunch that borders on the
divine. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. . S
Totally Mojo G-2, 52 Upper Newtownards Rd, www.
totallymojo.co.uk. Laid back locals and office workers in
search of a new lunch stop love this funky east Belfast cafe.
Bold floral print wallpaper, leather seating and citrus tones
exude a 70s-chic ambience and the upstairs art gallerys
Belfast and NI-themed photos and paintings are all avail-
able for sale. The menu oozes delicious hot and cold treats
including 20 choices of fillings for your wrap, bagel, panini or
pitta pocket. Yummy coffees with home-baked scones and
other indulgent desserts - as well as free wifi - will have you
lingering a little longer than planned. QOpen 08:00 - 20:00,
Sat 08:00 - 22:00, Sun 10:00 - 15:00. . W
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CaFes & Bistros
The N.Ireland
telephone code is +28
Coffee & Snacks
Bookfinders B-4, 47 University Rd., tel. 9032 8269.
Grab a dusty novel and join the intelligentsia plotting the
next socialist revolution at the back of this shabby-chic
second-hand bookshop. No table or chair is alike, but that
just adds to i ts no-frills charm. Hot drinks, filled pi tta pock-
ets and home-made traybakes go down a storm wi th the
bookworms. An absolute must for hungry hippies and soul-
searching scribes. QOpen 10:00 - 17:30. Closed Sun. .
La Patisserie B-2, Spires Mall, Upper Queen St. en-
trance, tel. 9031 2881. This bijou food kiosk offers a bi t
more than the average city centre sandwich bar. Burgers, hot
dogs, homemade soup, toasties and dail y specials sit along-
side salads, snacks and those all-important sandwiches.
Theres a couple of stools and tables on which to perch as
you eat before you hi t the shops inside the stylish Spires
Mall. QOpen 08:30 - 14:30. Closed Sat, Sun. . HS
Original Roast Coffee Company F-2, 407 Lisburn
Rd, tel. 9066 6038, www.originalroast.com. This ever-
popular Lisburn Road cafe is renowned for i ts super-sweet
New York desserts and fantasti c coffees served up by
barista-trained staff. Sandwiches, salads and other heal thy
options complete the great array of eats and theres a sui t-
abl y retro feel wi th greens, oranges and browns dominating
the sofa-strewn space where local artists work is also on
display and available to buy. Break up your Lisburn Road
shopping expedi tion and join the eclectic band of caffeine
junkies, young mums (theres lots of pram space) and - wi th
free wi fi as an added bonus - busy businessfolk at this laid-
back joint. QOpen 07:30 - 23:30, Sat, Sun 08:30 - 23:30.
. ESW
Roast C-1, 95 Royal Ave, tel. 9027 8776. This downtown
coffee emporium offers a decent range of snacks and sweets
but with the added bonus of delicious scoops of locally-made
Mauds ice-cream. Internet access, big TVs and comfy sofas
lure backpackers from the nearby hostel, while caffeine junk-
ies with a conscience are free to enjoy the Fairtrade brews.
Keep an eye out for comedy nights.QOpen 08:00 - 17:00.
Closed Sun. . JRS
Streat C-2, Upper Arthur St, tel. 9024 7969, www.thes-
treat.com. Part of a locally-owned chain serving coffees, sand-
wiches, ice cream and a particularly pleasing champ menu. And
if youre not sure what thats all about, read our guide to NIs
unmissible Local food. New locations are springing up across
the city and NI as we speak... look out for the distinct orange
and blue branding and youre there. Q . JS
Urban Soul C-2, 23 May St, tel. 9032 5554, www.
maystreetchurch.co.uk. Located in the basement of May
Street Church, this unique spiritual oasis is a world away from
the citys insistent noise and buzz. Theres nowhere else like
i t in Belfast - a cafe/alcohol-free nightclub that practises
Christian ideology with freedom of expression and creativity
at the forefront of its ethos. Head down on Thursday evenings
and check out the jazz sessions, or pop in for a lunchtime
coffee and dessert. QOpen 07:30 - 14:30, Thu 17:30 - late.
Closed Sat, Sun. . JE
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29
CaFes & Bistros
Fish & Chips
Beatties A-1, 220 Shankill Rd, M11, tel. 9024 0273.
Born in 1962, this enduring local legend has served manys
a punter with some of the finest fish and chips in town. Fresh
catches of cod, whiting and scampi arrive dail y from the Co.
Down village of Portavogie and are cooked on site. And tra-
ditional homemade pasties, bell y busting burgers and large
fries (Ulster, not French) keep the hungry hoardes coming
back for more. Slip into church pew booths and admire the
gallery of Belfast photos as you feast like a Shankill native
(no ci ty centre prices here). Authentic, unpretentious and
great value - Beatties is undoubtedl y the real deal. QOpen
11:30 - 19:00, Sat 11:30 - 18:00. Closed Sun. . S
For Cod & Ulster G-3, 281 Albertbridge Rd, tel. 9020
0160, www.forcodandulster.co.uk. First came the name,
then came the chips. Whatever side of the fence youre on,
youve got to admire the sheer genius behind this inspired
piece of marketing. Its eye-catching mural, with Paisley and
Adams declaring their mutual love of the deep fried fodder,
has garnered national media attention. And the Sinn Fein
leader is also available as a 100% beef burger, alongside
the Ian Paisley, George Best chicken & beef combi (bird on
top, beef below) and, if youre reall y ravenous, King Bill ys
Famil y Feast. Price? 16.90. Books and TV footage on our
troubled history complete the theme and, with a couple of
Norn Iron football murals nearby, you can eat your take-away
and enjoy some fine artwork to boot. QOpen 11:30 - 22:00,
Sat 11:30 - 20:00. Closed Sun. . S
Longs Fish Restaurant B-2, 39 Athol St, tel. 9032
1848. For almost a century, Longs has been serving misers,
minions and millionaires its classic chips-with-everything fast-
food fodder. The wood-panelled walls and formica booths
provide an authentic chip shop backdrop for folk who like their
food sans the fancy trimmings, designer vibe or faux-retro
decor. Honest-to-goodness fried food from the oldest chippy
in town. As they say in Belfast, you cant beat it with a big
stick. Find it off the Grosvenor Rd. QOpen 11:45 - 18:30,
Sat 12:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. . JS
Spuds B-4, 37 Bradbury Place, tel. 9033 1541. We simply
love this counter-service chip shop for daring to offer students,
suits and the slightly sozzled (its on the pub-strewn Golden
Mile) a fantastic array of fast food. Yes theyve got the usual
chips and burgers, but how about a baked potato filled with
chicken in pepper sauce, lasagne and slaw or bacon, cabbage
& mash to take away or eat in at their tiny metal tables. These
Belfast guys and gals do it better than the big boys, so get stuck
in.QOpen 11:00 - 02:00, Sun 11:00 - 01:00. . JS
You want chips with that?
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The N.Ireland
telephone code is +28
Whether youre after a quiet pint in a traditional pub, giggles
over girlie cocktails or a hedonistic night of hardcore dance,
Bel fasts nightli fe scene has the lot (Club entry prices can
range from free to around 10 depending on day and time).
The Cathedral Quarter, around City Hall, Golden Mile (Gt.
Victoria St, Botanic Ave and Bradbury Place) and Queens
University are the main social hubs. To help you navigate
your way around the citys bar-strewn streets, check out
this chapters handy sections.
Bars
Trad/trendy tags elude this salient selection who seamlessly
straddle both sections.
McCrackens Cafe Bar C-1/2, 4 Joys Entry, off High
St, tel. 9032 6711, www.mccrackenscafebar.co.uk.
Formerl y ONeills, this modernised bar is very easy to miss
tucked, as i t is, down one of the ci tys famousl y narrow
alleyways. Joys Entry, and the bar itself, was named after
Mary Ann McCracken, the sister of United Irishman Henry
Joy McCracken, who was tried and hanged in Cornmarket
in Jul y 1798. The bars front step proclaims fine dining and
downtown drinking. Inside, its dark wood snugs and bar get
busy when the DJ releases an R&B vibe at Saturdays Club
ON. Q Closed Sun JEK
Old Moat Inn off H-3, 933 Upper Newtownards Rd,
M4, tel. 9048 0753, www.oldmoatinn.co.uk. Come
the weekend this Dundonald bar/restaurant is packed with
locals letting their well-preened hair down and shakin their
thang to Friday and Saturday night live music. Great fun...
but hold back on that final Seabreeze and keep your brain
alert and mobiles charged (cheaters never prosper) for the
Tuesday night quiz.
Robinsons B-2, 38 Gt. Victoria St, tel. 9024 7447,
www.robinsonsbar.co.uk. This colossal complex of fi ve
bars spread over three floors features Fibber Magees - an
Irish back bar with regular folk music sessions, BT1 - a stylish
basement bar with unisex toilets, Bistro Lounge and Roxy
nightclub on the first floor and the main Robinsons bar at
street level. The big Victorian buildings diverse decor is de-
signed to appeal to all ages and nightlife tastes. And with the
Grand Opera House right across the road, its very handy for a
pre-theatre nosh-up. Big, as they say, is beautiful JEK
Rockies D-1, Odyssey Pavilion, 2 Queens Quay, tel.
9046 7020, www.rockiessportsbar.com. From Wayne
Gretzky to Wayne McCullough... local and North American
sports stars memorabilia adorns every spare space of
this shrine-like sports bar. Canadian owner, and former ice
hockey professional, Jim Graves has left no puck, ball or
jersey unturned in his quest to represent sporting legends
from his native country, the USA and NI. And his dedication
to the search has unearthed quite a few Irish emigrants who
became big players across the pond... providing Rockies with
a fascinating Wall of Fame devoted to our forgotten heroes.
Fans of the Belfast Giants and visiting teams should head to
the bar pre- and post-match to shoot the breeze. A pool table
and plasma screens enhance the sports theme.
Contemporary bars
Its all self-tans and hair straighteners for the citys 20, 30
and, dare we say, 40-somethings. Join them for a night of
dining, drinking and dancing in one of Belfasts many one-
stop night haunts. With everything under one roof, theres
simply no need to crawl.
Advocate C-2, 81 Chichester St., tel. 9032 1331,
www.advocatebar.com. Within a wigs throw of the Law
Courts, this restaurant/bar hybrid is a stylish addi tion to
the city centres evol ving scene. Aiming to attract females
and families fresh from the facing House of Fraser, the bars
decor is all glistening glass chandeliers, gil t-framed mirrors
and comfy leather seating. Designer beers, champers and
cocktails permeate the drinks menu. And diners can enjoy
good meals through the day and into the evening when
live and DJ music provide a classy background to a girlie or
romantic evening. Q JEK
AM:PM C-2, 38 Upper Arthur St, tel. 9024 9009, www.
ampmbelfast.com. Tucked down a city centre side-street
is this bijou bar that makes up with champagne what it lacks
Licensing hours are Mon-Sat 11:30 - 23:00 and Sun
12:30 - 22:00. Bars and clubs with a late license can
play music and serve food and drink until 01:00 - and
stay open even later. Yello at Mynt and Event at the
Kremlin are the citys two main early hours club nights
(see Gay Belfast). A 30min drinking up time applies to
all the above - but only at the managers discretion. So
listen up, drink sensibly and - if youre not based within
walking distance - try and have your lift there and back
organised in advance. Finding a taxi at closing time can
be the led lining on an otherwise good night out.
Opening Hours
Eglantine B-5, 32 Ma-
lone Rd, M8, tel. 9038
1944, www.egbar.co.uk.
Known by all as The Eg, this
bar/nightclub is slicker than
the average student haunt.
Rows of wine bottles back-lit
in red are displayed behind the bar to stylish effect. Cosy
leather sofas, dark wood tables and chairs and plasma
TVs provide armchair sports fans wi th ample viewing
opportunities. Closing time can descend into a drunken
taxi grab as hordes of lads and over-emotional girlfriends
loiter outside. Be ye warned... Q K
Laverys B-4, 12 Bradbury
Place, tel. 9087 1106,
www.laverysbelfast.com.
This three-storey drinking
den has long been home to
a colourful clientele of old
boys, bikers, students and
dead-heads. I ts enduring charm makes Lavs one of
Belfasts hardy old bars and an absolute must for pub
crawlers and music enthusiasts. Upstairs, the deep down
and dirty Bunker attracts high profile guest DJs and live
acts, and runs al ternative club nights. The grungy back
bar also has free al ternative entertainment every night.
Hearty pub grub is served 12-9, and the Attic Pool Room,
with 19 tables, is an added bonus for all you cue sharks.
Q JEK
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in size. Gil t-edged mirrors break up dark painted walls, and a
large fish tank vies for space with the resident DJ. Meanwhile
if youre prone to claustrophobia but like the designer vibe,
head south to its bigger Botanic Avenue (t. 9023 9443)
brother with three floors of dining space evoking a similar style
DJs and jazz musicians treat weekenders to laid-back tracks.
The venue also offers private space for special functions. Is
it a bar? Is it a restaurant? Hell, its a bit of both. Dress to
impress and enjoy the moment. Q JEK
Apartment C-2, 2 Donegall Square West, tel. 9050
9777, www.apartmentbelfast.com. A familiar haunt for
trendy young things searching for future bedmates through
the haze of bison grass vodkas and other assorted potions.
The views across the City Hall are spectacular - day or night
- and the Asian and trad-modern food is superb value. The
Ground Floor Apartment pavement-level space deli vers a
sleek menu dedicated to freshly blended coffees and designer
beers. Delish. Q JK
Bar Bacca C-2, 43 Franklin St., tel. 9023 0200, www.
barbacca.com. Subdued lighting, pot-bellied Bhuddas and
fusion food lure ci ty slickers in their droves for a cheeky
apres-work tipple or pre-nightclub cocktail (La Leas upstairs).
Snuggle up in cushioned corners and enjoy a devilish Choco-
late Martini before the crowds arrive and music rises to an
ear-splitting volume. Q JK
Caf Vaudeville C-2, 25 Arthur St, tel. 9043 9160,
www.cafevaudeville.com. A riot of ritzy glamour and rich
hues, the onl y things missing from this downtown watering
hole are a girl on a swing and a bird in a gilded cage... but were
sure theyre working on it. Beneath the stained-glass dome of
this neoclassical former bank building is an upstairs Bolli Bar
and ground floor flirting zone favoured by the second chance
at romance brigade (you get the picture). Cheesy retro tunes
sit incongruousl y with the sumptuousl y ornate, chandelier-
strewn wonderland, but the glammed up natives seem happy.
Food is served late morning to evening.QJKW
Cutters River Grill & Bar E-2, Lockview Rd, Stranmillis,
M8, tel. 9080 5100, www.cuttersrivergrill.com. If the sun
slips from behind its cloudy cover, grab a bus or taxi and join the
throngs of revellers at this great riverside bar. Perch on a terrace
picnic table and enjoy the scenery as rugby boys, rowers and
other assorted sporty types compare muscles and swill back
the beer. The foods not bad too. Refreshing stuff! Q K
Irene and Nans B-2, 12 Brunswick St, tel. 9023 9123,
www.ireneandnans.com. Time the bar staff with the kitsch
1950s Bakelight and starburst clocks, as you jostle for position
among the baying hordes. You could be waiting a while, as this
popular city centre bar can get crammed at weekends. The
dining area, cocktail list, DJ and lounging sofas provide day-
to-night diversions for an upbeat crowd clinging to their fading
youth: and any half-decent passer by. Q JK
Morrisons C-3, 21 Bedford St, tel. 9032 0030. Students,
young professionals and media luvvies from the nearby BBC
gravitate towards this popular downtown bar. Inside, theres
a cool, modern vibe with comfy alcoves, window seats and
high bar stools & tables breaking up the ground floor. The
contemporary upstairs bar benefits from subtle lighting, stud-
ded aluminium panels, laid back sofas and a deep red and
monochrome dcor. A great place to grab some pub grub and
indulge in a civilised drink or three... Q JK
Northern Whig C-1, 2 Bridge St, tel. 9050 9888, www.
thenorthernwhig.com. Once the offices of an old Belfast
newspaper, this 19th century listed building was reborn in
1997 as a big, bold bar/nightclub. The Soviet Revolution-
inspired interior boasts three colossal socialist statues
imported from Prague. And the cocktail list features bolshy-
faves Lenin and Archangel. The space is cavernous - rising up
three floors - but its still packed every weekend with trendy
sorts of varying wrinklage. Good food is served throughout
the day. Q JK
Potthouse Bar & Grill C-1, 1 Hill St, tel. 9024 4044,
www.potthouse.co.uk. Take a former 17th century pottery
and transform into a modernist glass and concrete mecca to
tempt even the most jaded nightowls. Nowhere else in town
will you get such a stylised look with concrete tables, yellow
lighting and giant wine glasses filled with white flowers. The
ground floor bar and grill is an all-encompassing food and
drink space. And the upstairs Sugar Room nightclubs glass
dancefloor allows downstairs diners a peek up ladies skirts.
Nice. The Soap Bar Guestroom provides a more exclusive am-
bience and can be booked for private functions. Q.JK
RBG C-2, 4 Clarence St. West, tel. 9067 7700, www.
belfast.rezidorparkinn.com. Part of the Park Inn hotel,
though very much a stand-alone venue, this stylish American-
themed city centre bar and restaurant is perfectl y poised to
attract nearby office workers for post 9-5 drinkies and all you
visiting weekenders. Behind its long, shiny marble-top bar sits
a good selection of spirits and wines. The beer ranges from
international labels to local faves on tap. And the cocktail
menu (the Raspberry Mojito caught our eye) and marinated
olives will appeal to gals gearing up for a Big Night Out. Plasma
screens with rolling news and sport subtly populate the grand
double height space, and smokers can indulge in the heated
outdoor terrace. Live music is also in the pipeline, so book a
hotel room, let your hair down and avoid the souless search
for a taxi home. Q.JK
RBG Bar & Grill
Park Inn Belfast
4 Clarence Street West BT2 7GP Belfast Northern Ireland
Tel +44 (0) 28 90677700 info.belfast@rezidorparkinn.com
www.belfast.parkinn.co.uk
Healthy, convenient and affordable food from the
RBG charcoal grill. Rib eye steak, free range chicken,
the best gourmet burgers, shakes and smoothies.
2 courses, 2 people and a bottle of wine 25
Valid Sunday-Wednesday on New York menu
Now Open
the thrill
of the grill
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Spaniard C-1, 3 Skipper St, tel. 9023 2448, www.
thespaniardbar.com. Wallpapered with vintage 80s record
sleeves, and with just enough room to swing a straw donkey,
this little watering hole is as cosy as it is cool. After-work and
pre-club tipplers have made this Cathedral Quarter haunt their
home. Its relaxed retro style is as kitsch as a Benidorm ash-
tray and, if you closed your eyes while sipping a cervesa, you
could almost believe you were in Spain. We said almost. Look
for the smiling Sal vador Dali down the side of The Merchant
Hotel and youre there. Q JK
Traditional Pubs
Many of these haunts are cooler than their contemporary
counterparts - and offer all you tourists that authentic drinking
experience youve all been craving.
Botanic Inn B-5, 23 Malone Rd, M8, tel. 9050 9740,
www.botanicinns.com. A mecca for sports enthusiasts,
The Bot (yes, thats what the locals call it) is littered with
giant TVs and packed to the rafters with a mostl y student
clientele. Upstairs the cheesy Top of the Bot disco goes down
a storm with the locals, and the belly-busting Sunday Carvery
is a sure-fire hangover cure. They must be doing something
right judging by the infuriating queues: both inside and out.
Beware of closing time when drunken throngs scrap for every
available taxi. Q EK
Crown Liquor Saloon B-2, 46 Gt. Victoria St, tel. 9027
9901, www.crownbar.com. Owned by the National Trust
and without question Belfasts most famous bar, this city cen-
tre landmark is the first place tourists head for their inaugural
pint of Guinness. Outside its a remarkable riot of mosaic tiles,
and the opulence continues inside with more tiles, etched
windows and an intricatel y carved ceiling. The snugs, gas
lamps and long granite bar all hark back to the bars Victorian
origins but the eclectic crowd helps this grand old dame keep
her youth. Good nourishing food is served both in the bar and
upstairs in the Crown Dining Rooms. Q . JK
Duke of York C-1, 7 Commercial Court, off Donegall St,
tel. 9024 1062. Hidden down a cobbled Cathedral Quarter
alley off Donegall St. this fantastic pub pays homage to
Belfasts industrial past and centuries-old newspaper trade.
Art students, old hacks and media types come together to
enjoy great live music and retro disco tunes in a decidedl y
unpretentious, super-friendl y setting. Poli ticos among you
may be interested to learn that Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams
used to be a barman here. And nicotine junkies can rejoice in
the outside heated smoking area - a common theme among
city pubs. Q JEK
Errigle Inn F-2, 312 Ormeau Rd, M7, tel. 9064 1410,
www.errigle.com. This 1930s South Bel fast pub is a
labyrinth of bars, the most appealing of which is the Oak Bar
with its wood panelling and stained glass windows. The Real
Music Club is a haven for folk, country rock and blues and
gives local singer-songwriters the opportunity to mingle with
visiting muses. Good food, renowned entertainment, laid-back
regulars and, come summertime, glorious hanging baskets
give this bar a particularl y inviting atmosphere. Q EK
Garrick C-2, 29 Chichester St, tel. 9032 1984, www.
thegarrickbar.com. One of Bel fasts oldest bars, the
revamped Garrick is a great city centre pub. Dark wood ceil-
ings strewn with big glass lanterns, booths with button down
leather and copper pumps and pipes retain the traditional
Victorian feel in the downstairs bar. And the elegant aura
extends to the top floor room and back bar which also features
a fabulous Venetian mirror, quirky display of barometres and,
somewhat disturbingl y, a dilapidated doll dangling overhead.
Footy fans can watch live matches on the big screens and
music fans can enjoy trad sessions and the Belfast Music
Clubs DJ sets on Wed and Fri-Sun nights. Good food is served
seven days a week. Q JEK
Hercules B-1, 61 Castle St, tel. 9032 4587. A favouri te
wi th tradi tional Irish music aficionados, this ci ty centre bar
takes i ts name from the original Royal Avenue moniker of
Hercules Street. I ts Baileys Cream and iron bar exterior
tempts the traveller wi th those weekend music sessions
and some great dining options including locall y sourced
chicken, steaks and seafood. Q JEK
John Hewitt C-1, 51 Donegall St, tel. 9023 3768,
www.thejohnhewitt.com. This much-l oved Cathedral
Quarter stal wart is as tradi tional as they come. Named
after a local poet and socialist, the bar is pri vatel y owned
by the Bel fast Unemployed Resource Centre. All dark wood,
real fires and board games; i ts the perfect place to relax
wi th a pint and shoot the breeze wi th the customary band
of scribes and boho-types. Wi th award-winning food, and
regular jazz and Irish music sessions, i ts easy to forget this
fantastic mel ting pot onl y opened in 1999. Q JEK
Katy Dalys C-3, 17 Ormeau Ave, tel. 9032 5968,
www.katydalysbelfast.com. This cool trad pub has long
been a favouri te wi th Bel fasts music fraterni ty; Ash, David
Gray and Radio 1 DJ Colin Murray have all cut their teeth
for the KD fai thful. Depending on the night, your ears will
be bombarded wi th anything from lo-fi and al t country to
metal and al ternati ve. And open mic nights gi ve wannabees
a chance to wow the crowd. All this, and theres great pub
grub for the daytime crowd filling KDs indoor and, in fine
weather, outdoor seats. Q JEK
Kellys Cellars C-1, 30 Bank St, tel. 9024 6058.
Down a sidestreet off Royal Avenue lurks this 16th century
black and whi te bar, one of the ci tys oldest and, in our
opinion, most authentic. Posi ti vel y no pandering to tourists,
designer cocktail lists or faux-trad nonsense. Instead, i ts
all about the serious business of imbibing as the congrega-
tion worships at the high al tar of Arthur Guinness and co.
Regular outbursts of Irish music add to i ts unforced charm.
Q JEK
Kitchen Bar C-2, 38 Victoria Square, tel. 9032 4901,
www.thekitchenbar.com. Exposed bricks, painted girders
and wooden beams retain a trad air amid a distinctl y modern
warehouse vibe. Visitors can enjoy a legendary Paddys Pizza
(wi th hot soda bread base) and pint of real ale. Li ve music
sessions attract a di verse blend of raconteurs, artisans,
trendy types and shoppers from nei ghbouring Vi ctoria
Square. Q JEK
Front Page C-1, 106
Donegall St, tel. 9032
4269, www.thefrontpage-
bar.com. Establi shed in
1871 and remodel l ed i n
1986, the Front Page si ts
directl y opposi te the Irish
News daily newspaper and close to the Belfast Telegraph
building. The pub survived a spate of 1970s bombings
and today journos, art students and long-time regulars
are devotees of this appealingl y unpretentious joint. Its
another good live music and underground club venue in
the rejuvenated Cathedral Quarter. Q JEK
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38-42 Great Victoria Street Belfast Telephone 028 9024 7447 Fax 028 9031 4173
One Premise, Five Great Venues
Roxy NightClub
Fridays
DJ Peter Wright
Saturdays
DJ Gino Wilson
BT1
Fridays & Saturdays
DJ Mark Midgley
Fibber Magees
Traditional Music 7 Nights a Week
Robinsons Bistro
Food Served Every Day 12.00-9.00pm
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Maddens B-1, 74 Smithfield, tel. 9024 4114. City centre
bars dont come much more Irish than this one behind Castle-
Court. Traditional Irish music instruments line the walls and
provide the perfect backdrop for top-quality live music seven
nights a week. A real escape from the 21st Century and one of
the citys most authentic drinking dens. Q JEK
McHughs D-1, 29 Queens Square, tel. 9050 9999,
www.mchughsbar.com. This revamped Grade A listed
building dates back to 1711, making it Belfasts oldest bar
(though others contest the claim). The beautifull y restored
faade faces pedestrianised Custom House Square - venue
for many open air concerts and cul tural events. Inside the
bar youll find nooks and crannies crammed with sal vaged
emblems of Belfasts industrial past. The restaurant serves
an imaginative traditional menu and the basement bar heaves
with an older crowd tempted by its traditional music sessions,
live bands and discos. Q JEK
Pavilion F-2, 296 Ormeau Rd, M7, tel. 9028 3283,
www.pavilionbelfast.com. Not known for nothing as The
Big House, this three-storey bar has long been a favourite
with students and locals. Older drinkers prefer the lower bar
and TV sport while more sprightl y types gallop upstairs for a
bite of food or some live music in the middle bar or a game of
pool at the top of the house. With DJs playing classic tracks at
the weekends, free entertainment Thurs-Sun in Public Bar and
food served to 9pm dail y, its no surprise that its sister bar is
the equall y eclectic legend that is Laverys. Q EK
Roost C-1, 46 Church Lane, tel. 9023 3282. Newl y
refurbished and given a long overdue breath of fresh air, The
Roost has transformed from an old mans pub into a funky,
far-out den thatll tantalise your senses as soon as you
saunter through the door. Bedecked with old works of art,
slightl y macabre animal heads complete with sunglasses,
empty bird cages, antique Disney puppets and - to top it all
off - an 8ft ostrich, this bar looks like its been decorated by
Dr Who after hes just returned from a safari on the island of
Dr Moreau. Head down for a few drinks before the DJ kicks
off on Saturday night and, if youre anything like us, youll be
getting hurled out at closing time along with all manner of arty,
sophisticated trendsetters. Splendid!Q JEK
Whites Tavern C-1, 2 Winecellar Entry, off Lombard
St., tel. 9024 3080, www.whitestavern.co.uk. Youll find
one of Belfast oldest bars tucked down a back alley complete
wi th honest to goodness cobblestones. Downstairs is all
dark and brooding with peat fires and trad music to warm
the soul. At weekends the upstairs bar becomes the haunt
of locals in the know, from boho-chic students to those who
wish they still were. The relaxed melee of eclectic styles
and sounds embraces a cool clientele draped across sofas
and a DJ perched in his lofty balcony. Dance, dont dance: no
pressure. NB: Entertainment license currentl y revoked so, er,
dont dance. For now. Q JEK
Live music
Auntie Annies C-3, 44 Dublin Rd., tel. 9050 1660,
www.auntieanniesbelfast.com. A grungy student crowd
flocks to this dark wood pub in search of good live music and
a beery night out. Emerging bands and singer-songwriters get
up close and intimate with the hordes who also clamour to
the bars al ternative club nights. Q JEK
Black Box C-1, 18 Hill St, tel. 9024 4400, www.black-
boxbelfast.com. The Cathedral Quarters latest intimate
arts venue is home to music, theatre, comedy and many
other eclectic nights out. Join the boho set in this delightful
renovated building which consistentl y throws up some of the
citys most cul tural y diverse nights out. JE
Empire B-4, 40 Botanic Ave, M7, tel. 9032 8110,
www.thebelfastempire.com. This 19th centur y con-
verted church is a two-in-one venue wi th a comprehensi ve
programme of li ve comedy, music and clubbing. Upstairs
the Vi ctorian musi c hall theme provides a sumptuous
backdrop for li ve music performances. The basement bar
serves great value food and, at night, becomes a hi ve of
acti vi ty for beer connoisseurs. During term time (Sep-June),
Bel fasts longest running comedy club attracts top acts
attempting to win over one of the toughest audiences on
the circui t. Q EK
Limelight C-3, 17 Ormeau Ave, tel. 9032 5942, www.
the-limelight.co.uk. On ei ther side of Katy Dal ys bar si t
two of the best al ternati ve music venues in town, the Lime-
light and Spring & Airbrake. The older Limelight is a dark
and moody music venue attracting an impressi ve line-up
of emerging and well-known acts (previous gigs include the
Scissor Sisters, Kaiser Chiefs and The Streets). I ts also
a great place to catch a band before they hi t the big time
and charge exorbi tant ticket prices. The club nights are a
big hi t wi th the ci tys indie kids. QJE
Spring & Airbrake C-3, 15 Ormeau Ave, tel. 9032
5942, www.the-limelight.co.uk. The Limelights younger
sibling has a more di verse li ve music policy. Indie and rock
tribute bands, al t-countr y and established acts (previ-
ous gigs include The Zutons, Gomez, Athlete...) have all
performed for the ci tys li ve music devotees. Al ways busy
and al ways a good night out i f youre seriousl y into your
music. Q JE
Clubs
Though these are the main venues for some serious
clubbing, many bars and hotels also have their own
dance annex. Always remember, the key is in the cross-
referencing!
Club Mono C-2, 96-100 Ann St, tel. 9027 8886,
www.monobelfast.com. Urban enter tainment for the
ci tys l ounge li zards can be had in thi s sophi sti cated
abode. The canny owners have knocked through to the
old Harbour Bar and transformed the 500 capaci ty space
into a grown up mecca drooling wi th cool tunes. Now a
bona fide club, gone is the evening upstairs restaurant,
leaving more room and time for dancing to the resident
and guest DJs. Q JE
La Lea B-2, 43 Franklin St, tel. 9023 0200, www.
lalea.com. Above Bar Bacca theres a big, bold nightclub
teeming wi th young professionals determined to drink a
weeks wages in one night. So break out the gli tter, down
those shots and join the throng on the dance floor or - i f
youre reall y drunk - dance ledge (youll see when you get
there). Every night theres a di fferent sound, from midweek
R&B and soul to weekend house for the more hardcore.
Q Open Thurs-Sun. JE
M Club B-4, 23 Bradbury Place, tel. 9023 3131, www.
mclub.co.uk. This church of cheese, high temple of tack,
minster of madness (you get the picture) makes no apolo-
gies for i ts big, brash naughtiness. Outside, a giant block
of flashing lights beckons swarms of hal f-dressed girls and
post-pubescent boys, eager for a Saturday night of hot
club capers. On Fridays, the 70s-themed disco attracts
an older crowd reli ving their glory days from the decade
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taste forgot. Stags and hens could do a lot worse. Q
Closed Mon, Wed & Sun. Downstairs VBar open Mon-Sat
from 18:00. QJE
Milk C-1, 10 Tomb St, tel. 9027 8876, www.clubmilk.
com. At the forefront of the urban club scene for fi ve years,
Milk has consistentl y deli vered an enduring mantra of funky
R&B grooves and big-name DJs. The clubs home is a con-
verted warehouse, wi th glass, chrome, wood and exposed
brick interior, hidden down a side street opposi te the glass
Post Office building. I ts a two-storey affair, wi th the main
dance floor upstairs and plenty of posing opportuni ties at
the street level bar to ensure the glammed-up crowds keep
coming back for more. QJE
Stiff Kitten C-3, Bankmore Square, Dublin Rd, tel.
9023 8700, www.thestiffkitten.com. Owned and run
by the godfathers of Shine (Queens Student Union night-
club), this jet black venue combines food, drink, DJ sets
and occasional li ve performances aimed at 20+ clubbers
wi th a discerning music palette. Each night offers di fferent
sounds, from hip hop and techno to indie and house, and
the dress code is a lot more relaxed than many other dress
to impress downtown di vas. Defini tel y a cool place in the
ci ty. Q JE
Thompsons C-2, 3 Patterson Place, tel. 9032 3762,
www.clubthompsons.com. Now in i ts second decade
of hardcore clubbing, Thompsons is defini tel y not for the
fainthearted. The commercial dance, house and R&B is loud,
and the youngish crowd is very, very up for i t. No bad thing
i f youre tired of being good. Two floors of constant noise
and euphoria taking you into the wee small hours. Find i t off
Donegall Square East. QJ
Beehive F-1, 193 Falls Rd, M10, tel. 9033 1740,
www.whitefortinns.com. This big yellow and black bar
has been on the same spot since 1888. Its revamped
cavernous, classical-modern interior is awash with fres-
cos and wood carvings, all topped with a stained glass
ceiling. Lots of students from nearby St. Marys College
make it their local, and tourists will be particularl y enam-
oured by the Sunday folk music sessions. Q EK
Rex Bar G-2, 215 Shankill Rd, M11, tel. 9024 1698.
Dating back to 1865, the Shankills oldest public bar is
steeped in the history and tradition of the area. Hollywood
hotshots Vince Vaughan, Tim Robbins and Tims missus
Susan Sarandon are among its international imbibers - no
doubt all keen to experience the real Belfast. The bar sits
beside a large mural depicting the signing of the Ulster
Covenant, and the untouched interior is festooned with
flags, t-shirts and curios paying testament to its distinctly
Unionist locale. Make no mistake, though, all tourists are
welcome no matter their political persuasion. And if you
fancy a neck-tingling tale to accompany your pint, ask
amiable owner Mark about the resident ghost. Q
White Fort Inn E-4, Andersonstown Rd, M10, tel.
9060 2210, www.whitefortinns.com. Armour clad
knights, Posh & Becks-style thrones and a long marble
bar with carved lion heads are just some of the many re-
splendent features in this medieval-Gothic wonderland. The
upstairs restaurant serves a good range of international food
but the bar really comes alive at night when the live music,
karaoke and disco get the punters swaying. Q. EK
West Belfast Bars
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Gay BeLFast
First Floor above Bliss shop
1 Smitheld Square Gresham Street Belfast
Tel: 028 9024 4988
EXCLUSIVE IN STORE
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Dubarr ys B- 1, 10- 14 Gr esham St, tel . 9032
3590. Set over t hree f l oors, Dubar r ys offers an
al ternati ve to the bangi ng house tunes and teeny-
boppi ng anti cs of some other gay establ i shments.
The downstai rs l ounge area s cl assy bl ack and gol d
decor, wi th bi g mi rrors and pai nti ngs of naked men,
provi des the per fect backdrop for the ol der, more so-
phi sti cated crowd and younger t ypes of si mi l ar st yl e.
The i nfecti ous musi c pol i cy posi ti vel y encourages
danci ng, especi al l y on the mi ddl e l evel , whi l e the top
fl oor exudes a more chi l l ed out, chi nt z y Moroccan
feel . Once a month men onl y Gruff ni ghts and regul ar
theme ni ghts go down wel l wi th the crowd. Q J
Kremlin C-1, 96 Donegall St, tel. 9080 9700,
www.kr eml i n- bel fast.com. A gi ant Leni n statue
heral ds prol etari ats of al l ages to Bel fast s number
one gay hot spot. The Tsar Bar, Long Bar and Red
Square offer up areas to shake your ass or chi l l out
and chat. Theme ni ghts encompass al l manner of
hi -j i nx i ncl udi ng feti sh, foam and fancy dress. And
frequent cel eb per formances make Kreml i n the ci t ys
answer to G.A.Y. Bel fast s Gay Revol uti on has wel l
and trul y arri ved. Q Cl osed Mon & Wed. JE
Mynt C-1, 2 Dunbar St, tel. 9023 4520, www.
myntbel f ast.com. Bel fast s ot her Gay ni ghtcl ub
i s a super sl i ck al l -si ngi ng, al l -danci ng enter tai n-
ment compl ex star ri ng Ti t ti von Tramp, Bel fast s
resi dent baroness. Rel ax or l et ri p across Mynt s
cl ub ni ghts. And pol ysexual s ( basi cal l y ever yone)
can dance ti l the earl y hours at Fri and Sat s up-al l -
hours cl ubni ghts Ki neti c and Yel l o. Q Cl osed Thu
& Sun. JEK
Rainbow Project C-1, 8 Commercial Court, off Don-
egall St., tel. 9031 9030, www.rainbow-project.org.
The Rainbow Project aims to address the physical, mental
and emotional heal th of gay and bisexual men living in, work-
ing in or visi ting Northern Ireland. Rainbow also provides
education and training to statutory agencies and gay and
bisexual individuals, and distributes free condoms and safer
sex information in gay and gay-friendl y venues.
Union Street C-1, 14 Union St, tel. 9031 6060, www.
unionstreetpub.com. Situated in a 19th century shoe fac-
tory, this is one of the citys most stylish bars and a great
place for some fine gastro pub grub. The three storey-high
interior of exposed brick, industrial pipes and pale green
and chrome dcor gives the bar a cool yet comfy vibe. Along
with the adjoining Shoe Factory Its a popular pre-club venue
smack bang between the Kremlin nightclub and Pipeworks
Sauna... a one triangle does all affair. Theme nights can
range from Bingo and Karaoke to quizzes and cabaret. Quelle
fun. Q JK
Mr Bliss B-1, 1 Smithfield Square (behind CastleCourt),
off Gresham St, tel. 9024 4988, www.mrbliss.co.uk.
Gay guys looking for some adul t toys and novel ties to spice
up their lives should make haste for this strictl y over-18s
emporium... the first one of its kind in NI. A professionall y
merchandised shop with knowledgeable well-trained staff and
a discreet 1st floor shopping environment, Mr Bliss stocks
leading brands such as Col t, Falcon and Daring lingerie for
men. As with the downstairs sister shop, its orchid flower
logo reflects the outlets three-pronged approach - lust,
desire and passion. Open Mon & Tue 10:00 - 19:00, Wed
10:00 - 18:00, Thu & Fri 10:00 - 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 18:00,
Sun 13:00 - 18-00.Q J
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Telephone 028 8674 8881
60 Desertmartin Rd, Moneymore, Magherafelt
ALSO AT THE JUNGLE / PAINTBALLING / CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING / ARCHERY AND TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES
NEW
TO THE JUNGLE ...
NORTHERN IRELANDS FIRST
AND ONLY ZORBING SITE
Z
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B
IN
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Before you cast off the shackles of singledom, theres still
one thing that must be done, and that is to give yourself over
to friends for the obligatory Stag and Hen night.
Tradition dictates that sallow-skinned hens need only a day
at a spa followed by some retro disco dancing and a few
innocent dares. Stags, meanwhile, positively demand the
rugged outdoors as befits their manly stature. Were talking
paintballs and war games followed by a heavy drinking ses-
sion in several accepting hostelries.
For Stags (or feisty Hens) Magherafelts Jungle Paintball
and Todds Leap in Co. Tyrone (tel. 8556 7170) and Gosford
Karting in Co. Armagh (p.52) are great all-action places in
which to work up a sweat. And Hens (or metrosexual Stags)
can contact many hotels and be assured of a suitably
sophisticated spa option (the Culloden tel. 9042 1066,
Newcastles Slieve Donard tel. 4372 1066, Ballymenas
Galgorm Resort & Spa tel. 2588 1001 and Limavadys
Radisson Roe tel. 7772 2222 are particularly outstand-
ing). A stroll down Belfasts Lisburn Road will also unveil a
few good pampering spots - and, out of town, may we also
suggest Sion Mills Wellbeing Health & Beauty Spa (tel.
8165 9871).
If youd prefer to go off-menu, book the Lagan Boat with
BYOB or indulge your posse in a Polercise dance class
with all the trimmings. No matter your daytime activity of
choice, there are just some things you simply cant avoid.
Sexy and silly accessories can be found at Bliss and hot
wheels can be hired at Party Piglets. And check out our
Nightlife section for the best bars and clubs in which to
shake your booty. Ring ahead to ensure you can get in with
a group - some clubs may even offer free VIP entry if youre
super nice. We recommend the M Clubs Groovy Train and
the Empires Glamarama for Hen & Stag nights with a retro
vibe. Heres some more info to ensure your night goes off
without - and before - a hitch...
Jungle Paintball K- 3, 60 Desertmartin Rd, Mon-
eymore, Magherafelt, Co. L/Derry, tel. 8674 8881,
www.thejunglepaintball.com. I f youre here for a rau-
cous weekend, grab some fatigues and blast your way
through the jungle. Two hundred acres of quiet woodland
have been transformed into Irelands biggest paintball
site... the only stags youll see here are of the non-antlered
variety. And even more exciting is the arrival of NIs only
Zorbing experience. Clamber inside a big see-through
ball and enjoy the thrill of being hurled down a hill. Jungle
Paintball has 14 game zones guaranteed to bring out your
inner warrior. Tackle Draxforian Fortress, Signal Tower
at Pine Point and the Nuclear Warhead in Beeches Gully
as you yomp through the forest armed with hundreds of
paintball and grenades. A Tree Top Fortress provides yet
more gaming fun and theyve also introduced the noble
sport of clay pigeon shooting. Trained marshalls ensure
the day runs smoothly and hot lunch comes as standard
- an army marches on its stomach, after all. Players must
be 16+. Group rates available. Extra paintballs, smoke and
paint grenades can be bought on the day.
Combat Corps J- 4, Share Holiday Village, Smiths
Strand, Lisnaskea, Co.Fermanagh, tel. 6772 2122,
www.sharevillage.org. Get ready to swap your civvies
for camouflage as team combat comes to the Irelands
largest outdoor activity centre. Combat Corps is a new
pai nl ess, tacti cal, exhi l arati ng acti vi ty now based at
Co. Fermanaghs Share Holiday Village. Firing invisible,
harmless infrared beams, teams traverse varied terrain -
staGs & Hens
niGHtLiFe
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staGs & Hens
including a forest, indoor arena and nearby island - to seek
and destroy the opposition. The environmentally-friendly
outdoor arena utilises gullies, streams and man-made
wooden obstacles to ensure no visual impact is made
on the surrounding area. And, underlining the locations
eco-friendly ethos, Share Staff have also been trained to
Leave No Trace standards. Stags & Hens - as well as
Corporate Groups, Birthday Parties, Sports and Social
Events should head west and experience out this unique
adrenaline rush. Theres plenty of on-site accommodation,
and a variety of multi-activity combo packages, so you
and your mates can make a weekend of it. For lots more
info, give Share a call.
Party Piglets tel. 078990 92109, www.partypiglets.
com. Hire a shiny red or pink Fire Engine for those hot,
steamy ni ghts out on the til es. Bookings are taken for
any occasion; stags & hens, formals, childrens parties,
tour groups and corporate events. Choose from the red
8-seater Par ty Engine wi th Playstation and karaoke or
pink Hire Brigade 12-seater wi th dance pole and banging
music system. Helmets are yours to keep as a special
souvenir of your big night out, and lucky ladies might just
find themselves on the receiving end of a hunky firemans
li ft. Now, wheres that hose..?
Advanced Waxing Clinic B-4, 46 Botanic Ave, tel.
9023 9279. Before heading out, treat yoursel f to a body
makeover at this well-located beauty salon. Manicures,
pedicures, nail extensions, eyelash and eyebrow tinting
take care of the finer details. And ear piercing, make-up,
waxing and a turn on the sunbed complete the groomed
look. Guys and gals wel come. QOpen Tues-Fri 10:00-
20:00, Sat 10:00-15:00.
Staying in?
1 Smitheld Square Gresham Street Belfast
Tel: 028 9024 4988
Telephone: 028 90 239279
First Floor
46 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JR
Advanced Waxing Clinic
Unisex
Unisex Beauty Treatments
Anti-wrinkle injections
Skin Peels
Spray Tans
Nails
Waxing
Party-Night Make-Up
Opening Hours
Tuesday - Friday ......................................... 10am - 8pm
Saturday by appointment only ............ 10am - 3pm
39
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Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
Bradbury Place, Belfast. Contact 028 9023 3131 or info@mclub.co.uk www.mclub.co.uk
13502 Belfast In Your Pocket Groovy.indd 1 06/03/2008 17:28:35
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Bliss B-1, 1 Smithfield St, tel. 9024 4988, www.blis-
splaythings.com. Pretty bay trees straddle the entrance to
this strictl y over-18s shop which sells an eye-watering array
of sexy treats and comes complete with a pole dancing cen-
trepiece. The Hen Night section has a dazzling assortment
of goodies (just who invited Inflatable Pete?), and couples on
a romantic getaway could do worse than acquire a set of his
n hers candy suspender bel t and posing pouch. Upstairs
Mr Bliss caters for gay men and is the first shop of its kind in
NI.QOpen Mon, Tue 10:00 - 19:00, Wed, Sat 10:00 - 18:00,
Thu, Fri 10:00 - 21:00, Sun 13:00 - 18-00. J
Polercise Ltd. C-1, 185 Donegal St., tel. 9032
9346/07727 224095, www.polerciseltd.com. Get
a group of girlies together and gyrate your way through
90mins of pole dancing action at Irelands first purpose-
built Pole Dancing Studio. Started by El in 2005, Polercise
is a great way to build up cardiovascular strength and
flexibili ty. And i t also makes for a fantastic night out,
with hen nights including a wine reception, nibbles, party
games, pole tricks and certificate. For an extra charge, a
sexy Male Exotic Dancer can also be booked to give the
bride-to-be the send-off of her life. Give El and the team
a call to fine tune your big night out. Also at Derry (tel.
07745 677041), Banbridge and Letterkenny, Co.
Donegal (tel. 07727 224095).
me du Pole Showcase
Ever, like us, wondered at the origins of the noble art of
Pole Dancing? Well, wonder no more as Polercise Ireland
unleashes a spectacular journey into the soul and history
of this much-maligned and misunderstood discipline.
Featuring international artists from Mumbai to Argentina,
the me du Pole (Soul of Pole) Showcase reveals the
history of this dance style with exclusive performances
from Indian Mallakhamb, circus acrobatics and those
award-winning pole routines.
Joined by fellow devotees who share a passion for the art,
Polercise has put together an exotic night to promote pole
dance as an artistic, skilful activity. The dance discipline
will also be showcased as an increasingl y popular way
to keep fit.
Catch Pole Dance Championships Ireland winner Joanna
Robinson before she heads to Amsterdam for the World
Pole Dance Championships in March. And admire the
moves of Luz Escalante, winner of Pole Dance Champion-
ships Argentina where two Polercise representatives were
part of the judging panel.
The evolution and influences of the art, from the 12th cen-
tury to today, will also be unveiled in a show put together
by a team of highly professional dancers, choreographers
and stage producers with up to 25 years experience.
Catch this exotic nights entertainment, not to mention
enlightenment, on Sun 1 March from 20:00 in the Empire
Bar, Botanic Rd. Tickets 10pp. For more info and to
book visit www.polercisel td.com, email bookings2008@
mpbpub.com or tel. 00447727 224095.
Pole Dancing Revealed
The N.Ireland
telephone code is +28
41
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I f youre on a whistle-stop day trip, j oin the open top
bus tour for a 90min scoot round the maj or sights.
Belfast City Hall, Botanic Gardens, Queens Uni-
versity and the Shankill and Falls Roads are all on
the route, as is a brief di version to Stormont (up to
14:00) and the Harland & Wolff shipyard, home of
the big yellow cranes and birthplace of Ti tanic.
Shoppers shoul d factor i n an afternoons soj ourn
along the Lisburn Road.
Then, i f youve time to spare, head north on Metro
Bus N1, jumping off at Belfast Castle and Cavehill
Country Park for unbeatable views across the ci ty.
And finally, i f you dont fancy travelling far to see great
vi ews, grab yoursel f a seat on the ci tys revol ving
landmark - the Belfast Wheel.
To keep you pointing in the right direction use these
keys:
WB = West Bel fast EB = East Bel fast
SB = South Bel fast NB = North Bel fas
Essential Belfast
Buildings & Curiosi ties
Alber t Memorial Clock C-1, High St. Bel fasts
most prominent timepi ece was buil t from 1865-1870
in memor y of Queen Vi ctorias husband, Prince Al ber t,
who di ed in 1862. The 43m-hi gh landmark i s famous as
Bel fasts ver y own l eaning tower. Like many structures
in the ci ty, i t was buil t on reclaimed land on the Ri ver
Farsets somewhat squi shy foundati ons and the cl ock
tower currentl y l eans 1.25m to the l ef t. A t wo-year
mul ti-milli on restorati on proj ect had craftsmen working
round the cl ock to spruce up i ts sandstone, poli sh i ts
two tonne bell and add gol d l eaf to i ts four faces. The
area around the cl ock was once the stomping ground for
ladi es of the ni ght ser vi cing vi si ting sail ors.
Belfast Blitz Memorial Plaque (cnr. Belfast
Telegraph) C- 1, 124 Royal Ave. On the corner
of the Bel fast Tel egraph buil ding, a small secti on of
pockmarked stone provides a tangibl e reminder of the
1941 Bel fast Bli tz. Over 100 German Luf twaffe planes
bombarded the unprepared ci ty on April 15, killing 900
peopl e and injuring a fur ther 2,500. A l one plaque on
the stone tell s how the newspaper publi shed wi thout
interrupti on.
Belfast City Hall C-2, Donegall Square, www.
belfastcity.gov.uk/cityhall. A magni f i cent si ght,
especiall y from up Royal Avenue, thi s imposing Por tland
stone and copper-domed buil ding was compl eted in
1906 as a symbol of Bel fasts new ci ty status. Queen
Vi ctoria stands at the front, and the grounds are dot-
ted wi th many more statues and monuments, detail s
of whi ch can be found on a large map at the gates. In
1995 the buil ding provided a dramati c backdrop when
President Clinton swi tched on the ci tys Christmas li ghts.
As par t of a maj or renovati on programme, the buil ding
i s temporaril y cl osed to the publi c and will re-open in
late 2009.
Belfast Wheel C-2, Belfast City Hall grounds, tel.
9031 0607, www.worldtouristattractions.co.uk.
Ci ty Hall may be cl osed, but i ts grounds now have a
sparkling new touri st attracti on - the Bel fast Wheel.
Yes - think the London Eye onl y small er as 42 air-con
pods spiri t up to si x adul ts and two kids 60m hi gh on
a 12min three-turn trip for fab vi ews across the ci ty.
Theres even a luxur y VIP gondola wi th l eather interi or,
tinted glass, fridge, glass fl oor, enter tainment system
and room for up to four adul ts (P. Diddy not included).
Why not take two trips and admire the ci ty by day and
ni ght from thi s trul y uni que vantage point. The Wheel i s
here until at l east the end of the year. QOpen 10:00 -
21:00, Fri 10:00 - 22:00, Sat 09:00 - 22:00. Adul t 6.50,
4-12 4.50, 1-3 1, U-1 FREE. Pri vate Gondola 48, VIP
Gondola 55 or 70 (wi th champagne)
G-3, M5. 60 Castlereagh
Rd, tel. 9073 2868, www.
irishcandyfactor y.com.
Aunt Sandra began making
sweeti es, l ol l i es and al l
manner of chocci e deli ghts
i n t hi s east Bel fast em-
porium way back in 1953.
Today nephew David Moore
continues the tradi ti on and
demonstrates his craft as children and adul ts l ook on
wi th wide-eyed admiration. Shamrock lollies and lepre-
chauns gold are just some of the sticky souvenirs that
may prove too tempting to last the j ourney home...
QOpen 09:30-17:00, Sat: 10:00-16:30. EB
Aunt Sandras Candy Factory
42
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Crumlin Road Courthouse and Jail F-2, Crumlin
Rd. These foreboding buildings are connected by an un-
derground tunnel whi ch was once used to spiri t prisoners
from the Jail to the Courthouse for trial. The Neo-Palladian
Cour thouse was opened in 1850 and i s topped by a
scal es-free fi gure of Justi ce. Since i ts offi cial cl osure in
1998 the building has been used as a makeshi ft theatre,
film l ocati on and cinema. Throughout the Troubl es the
Jail wi tnessed many breakouts, bombings and rooftop
protests and today i t, too, stands empty. Tours of the
Jail are occasi onall y availabl e (and instantl y booked up)
from the Bel fast Wel come Centre and rumours suggest
the Cour thouse could become Bel fasts next bouti que
hotel. NB
CS Lewis statue G-2, Holywood Rd, M3. Stood
fi ttingl y outside Hol ywood Arches Librar y, this li fe-si ze
statue The Searcher depi cts the author as Narnia nar-
rator Di gor y Kirke stepping into a wardrobe - no doubt
in search of hi s mysti cal land. Sculptor Ross Wil son
unveil ed the bronze statue in 1998 - the centenar y of
Lewis bir th. EB
Custom House D-1, Custom House Square. The faces
of Neptune, Bri tannia and Mercury gaze down from this state-
l y 1850s I taliani te building whose sweeping steps were
once a platform for protests and speeches gal vanising the
working man. The Square provides a sparkl y space for
Sk8er Bois, sci ence toys, fountains and the occasi onal
al fresco event including the March 17 St. Patri cks Day
concer t.
Harland & Wolff Cranes G-2, Titanic Quar ter.
Bel fasts two bi g yell ow cranes, Samson and Goliath,
have l oomed large over what was once the worlds bi g-
gest shipyard since 1969 and 1974 respecti vel y. These
engineering heavywei ghts stand over 90m hi gh and,
despi te the demise of of the ci tys shipbuilding industr y,
have been preser ved as nati onal monuments. Onl y the
chosen few can take the li ft to their summi t. So, for now,
resi gn yoursel f to enj oying Bel fasts most i coni c land-
marks from ground l evel. EB
Queens University B-4, University Rd., M7, tel.
9097 5252, www.qub.ac.uk/vcentre. Desi gned
by Charl es Lanyon and opened i n 1849, thi s gothi c
masterpi ece is said to be based on Oxford Uni versi tys
Magdal en Coll ege. I ts Chancell or, former US Senator
George Mi tchell, was a maj or archi tect of the Good Friday
Agreement and famous alumni include President of Ireland
Mar y McAl eese and Nobel Pri ze-winning poet Seamus
Heaney. Pi ck up the free, informati ve walking tour l eafl et
at the Wel come Centre where you can also buy a range of
Irish and QUB-branded souvenirs and visi t i ts ar t gall er y.
QCentre open Mon-Fri 10:00 - 16:00. SB
Van Morrisons House G-3, 125 Hyndford St, M4.
Bel fasts grumpi est son, blues singer Van Morrison, once
li ved in this two-up, two-down terrace in the east of the
ci ty. So taken was he by his childhood haunt, that he im-
mor talised i t in the song On Hyndford Street. Cyprus
Avenue is just a shor t stroll away. Born in 1945, Van the
Man went on to achieve worldwide success wi th hi ts such
as Brown Eyed Girl, Gloria and Have I Told You Lately
That I Love You. The former home is pri vatel y owned
but proudl y displays a small brass plaque put there by
the Bel fast Blues Appreciati on Soci ety. True to form, the
surl y songster took umbrage at this modest tribute, ci ting
invasi on of pri vacy. What a l egend. EB
Cathedrals & Churches
St. Annes Cathedral C-1, Lwr Donegall St., tel.
9032 8332, www.belfastcathedral.org. The ori ginal
1776 St. Annes Church was replaced in 1903 by a Hiberno-
Romanesque-style Cathedral of Bel fast. The foundation
stone was laid in 1899 and the cathedral buil t in fi ve stages
across two centuries. The West Front, wi th Irelands largest
Cel tic cross, was completed in 1927 and dedicated to the
victims of WW1. Though dedicated to St. Anne, the Cathe-
dral was originall y named after Lady Anne Hamil ton, wi fe
of the founder of the original Parish Church. The Anglican
Cathedral often holds inter-church services attended by
Royal ty and Heads of State. I t is also the burial place of
Unionist MP Lord Carson, regarded as the founding father
of the NI state. The Cathedral was extensi vel y refurbished
in 1998 and, in 2007, a 72m stainless steel Spire of Hope
added,QOpen Mon-Fri 10:00 - 16:00.
St. Peters Roman Catholic Cathedral A-2, St.
Peters Square, off Falls Rd., M10, tel. 9032 7573,
www.stpeterscathedralbelfast.com. This neo-Gothi c
twin-spired Cathedral off Falls Road was buil t in 1866 for
the ci tys increasing Catholic population. The building was
designed in 1860 by Father Jeremiah McAuley, a trained
Bel fast archi tect prior to entering Orders, and completed
in 1866. I ts magni ficent twin spires were added in 1886
and dominate West Bel fasts skyline. The tower holds a
carillon of 11 bells and, following major restoration, the
cathedral now boasts fine exampl es of hi gh Vi ctorian
Gothic decoration. WB
Clonard Monastery & Church F-2, Clonard Gar-
dens, off Falls Rd, M10, tel. 9044 5950, www.clon-
ard.com. Buil t in earl y French Gothic-style and boasting a
6m-wide stained-glass rose window, this imposing church
and monastery was completed in 1911. I t is home to the
Redemptorists, a Catholic movement founded in I tal y in
1732 and whose stor y is depi cted in fl oor and ceiling
mosaics. The interior also features red grani te, Portland
stone and marble columns. The crypt was used as a WW2
air-raid shel ter and contains the bodies of over 20 priests
- one of them the archi tects son. WB
First Presbyterian Church C-1, Rosemary St, tel.
9024 6609, www.nspresbyterian.org. This grand old
church dates back to 1783, making it the citys oldest sur-
viving place of worship. Noted among the congregation were
the Harland famil y (of shipyard fame) who sat in pew no. 57.
Titanic designer Thomas Andrews and his wife Helen also
attended services within its ornate interior.
CS Lewis Statue
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D- 1, Odys-
s e y , t e l .
9046 7700,
www.w5on-
l i ne.co.uk.
N o r t h e r n
Irelands onl y
sci ence and
d i s c o v e r y
centre wi t h
over 160 in-
teractive exhibits and a changing programme of work-
shops and events. Great fun for young Einsteins and
a learning experience at any age. QOpen Mon-Thur
10:00-17:00, Fri & Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 12:00-18:00
(last admission 1hr before closing). Also open to 18:00
Fri 6-Sun 15 Feb, Tues 17 March, Fri 3-Sun 19 April, Mon
4 and 25 May. Tickets 6.80 adul t, 4.90 3-15, 5.40
conc, U-3 free. Famil y rates also available.
Sat 28 March, 14:0016:00
Alien Landers
As the Alien Invasion prepares to land on the planet, its
up to you to construct a landing pod to set their eggs
safel y on its surface. Just one thing - make sure the egg
remains intact from its great fall.
W5
St. Georges Parish Church C-1, High St, tel. 9023
1275. Just across from the famous leaning Albert Clock
stands the ci tys oldest church. Originall y the si te of two
earlier churches, St. Georges was opened in 1816 and is
steeped in history. Oli ver Cromwells troops used i ts roof
lead for musket balls and King William lll attended a service
in June 1690 en route to the Boyne (see History). The chair
in which he allegedl y sat is still in use.
St. Marys Roman Catholic Church B-1, Chapel
Lane, tel. 9024 6609. Tucked away at the side of Castle
Court shopping centre si ts Belfasts first Roman Catholic
Church. St. Marys was buil t in 1784 and, in those earl y days
of ecumenicalism, partl y funded by the Presbyterian Church
and Church of Ireland. Inside are two Italian paintings, ornate
frescos and a domed colonnade. Outside the 1954 Our Lady
of Lourdes Grotto features a stained-glass window com-
memorating the churchs role in shel tering evacuees from
the 1956 Hungarian Uprising.
St. Patricks Catholic Church off C-1, 199 Donegall
St, tel. 9032 4597. Completed in 1877, the imposing church
you see today replaced an earlier, more modest building,
and was clearl y intended to demonstrate the growing influ-
ence and numbers of Catholics in late 19th Century Belfast.
Amongst its many charms is the statue of St Patrick above
the door, which, like the al tar, was carved by the father of
Padraig Pearse, hero of the Easter Rising. Renowned Irish
artist Sir John Lavery was baptised here, and his religious
triptych adorns the side chapel. A stained glass window also
depicts the churchs 1815 origins.
Libraries & archives
Central Library & Newspaper Library C-1, Royal Ave.,
tel. 9050 9150, www.ni-libraries.net. This red sandstone
and black granite building opened in 1888 and is home to
Chapters Cafe, free exhibitions. and the excellent Newspaper
Library. Explore its four storeys with their renowned music
off H-3, Upr New-
townards Rd, M4,
tel. 9052 1362,
www. ni assem-
bly.gov.uk. Thi s
164-hectare pub-
l i c park provi des
an awesome set-
t i ng f or one of
NI s most i coni c
l andmarks. Cl i mb
the steps for an up- cl ose gaze at the i mposi ng
Portland Stone structure and some great city views.
Parliament Building was opened by Edward, Prince of
Wales in 1932 and is home to the restored NI Assembly.
The building stands at the top of the mile-long Prince of
Wales Avenue behind a statue of Lord Edward Carson
(Unionist MP regarded as the founding father of the NI
State). It is topped by the figure Britannia, and nearby
is Reconciliation, a small water sculpture depicting
a couple embracing across a divide. Tours are only
available by arrangement with an MLA (Member of the
Legislative Assembly), but you may be able to venture
into the main hall and purchase a Stormont souvenir
from the bespoke shop. The park has toilet facilities and
a fantastic childrens play area. EB
Stormont Estate and Parliament
Martyrs Memorial Free Presbyterian Church G-3,
356 Ravenhill Rd., tel. 9045 7106, www.ianpaisley.org.
There is one reason, and one reason alone, to visit this large,
austere 60s church and that is to see former First Minister
and Unionist firebrand the Rev Ian Paisley strut his spiritual
stuff. Love him or loathe him, Big Ian is a larger than life
presence in NIs political history, though these days his fiery
oration has been somewhat tempered by the passing years.
The large clock above the door heralds the warning Time Is
Short so youd better get moving. Check ahead to ensure
Paisley is preaching.
May Street Presbyterian Church C-2, May St., tel.
9032 5554, www.maystreetchurch.co.uk. Completed in
1829, to give a platform in Belfast to legendary Presbyterian
preacher Rev Henry Cooke, this is one of the grandest and
historical churches in the city center. Increasingl y used as
a reflective retreat from the hustle and bustle, a lunchtime
cafe, Urban Soul, has opened in the basement, and the 1700
seater church is increasingl y being used for concerts and
events in the citys cul tural calendar.
Metropolitan Tabernacle F-1, 837 Shore Rd., M2,
tel. 9077 7074, www.whitewell.com. Set at the foot of
Cavehill, just off the M2, this massive complex opened in 1994
and regularl y attracts full houses of over 2000 worshippers.
Inside, the foyer features a huge waterfall, exotic plants and
enormous chandeliers. A 250-strong choir, backed by a full
band, leads the songs while pastors preach evangelical-style
sermons. Sign language interpreters, large screens and multi-
camera filming ensures nothing slips by unnoticed.
Sinclair Seamans Church F-2, Corporation Square,
tel. 9071 5997. Next to the Belfast Harbour Commissioners
Office is this unique maritime-inspired church. Built in 1853 as
a tribute to the citys seafaring traditions, its interior features
a pulpit shaped like a ships bow, the bell from WW2 battleship
HMS Hood and lifeboat-shaped collection boxes.
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archive and Irish collection. QOpen 09:00 - 17:30, Mon, Thu
09:00 - 20:00, Sat 09:00 - 13:00. Closed Sun.
Linen Hall Library C-2, 17 Donegall Square North, tel.
9032 1707, www.linenhall.com. Founded in 1788, the
Linen Hall is Belfasts oldest library and a focal point for the
citys cultural community. Join the saints and scholars as they
leaf through tomes or simply enjoy fantastic views across the
City Hall. If youre into the history of the Troubles, seek out
its unrivalled Northern Ireland Political Collection of books,
posters, leaflets and propaganda. A gift shop, licensed coffee
house, tours, readings and lectures all add to the librarys ef-
fortless charm. QOpen 09:30 - 17:30, Sat 09:30 - 13:00.
Closed Sun. Free. ID required.
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)
F-4, 66 Balmoral Ave, tel. 9025 5905, www.proni.gov.
uk. If you want to trace your Northern Ireland roots youll need
to visit this building where thousands of historical documents
are stored including church records, Harland & Wolff archives,
valuation books and maps, school records and workhouse
registers. PRONIs new websi te provides lots of pre-visi t
info and helpful advice on how to research your famil y his-
tory. Search the online index of wills (1858-c1920) for famil y
members and well-known figures... you never know what
secret you might unearth. A genealogists dream. QOpen
Mon-Fri 09:00 - 16:45, Thu 10:00 - 20:45 (last request for
documents 18:30). Free. SB
Museums & Gall eri es
Belfast Exposed C-1, The Exchange Place, 23
Donegall St., tel. 9023 0965, www.belfastexposed.
com. NI s onl y dedi cated photography gal l er y i s a
favouri te haunt of the ci tys ar t students and another
cool creati ve space in the thri ving Cathedral Quar ter.
The gall er y runs contemporar y communi ty-based and
internati onal photography exhibi ti ons and houses over
hal f a milli on archi ved images. Screenings and talks take
place year-round. QOpen 11:00 - 17:00. Cl osed Mon,
Sun. Admissi on free.
Bookworms of the world unite! From the city that brought
you CS Lewis, Seamus Heaney and Brian Moore comes
this inaugural event. And, if youre a lover of literature, this
could just be the page turner youre been waiting for.
Over 30 events will be taking place at various city venues
from Tues 24 Feb to Sun 1 March, including readings,
workshops, films and walking tours. Award-winning author
John Banville will appear at the 24 Feb Festival launch
and fans of his criticall y acclaimed works (Nightspawn,
Birchwood, Doctor Copernicus) can witness the author
in conversation with BBC NIs William Crawley.
Other Festival highlights to look out for include Visual/
Verbal (Wed 25 Feb), a talk with local artist Rita Duffy
on how the power of the wri tten word has influenced
her paintings, and Continental Classics (Sat 28 Feb),
a celebration of classic European li terature. For more
info and to book tickets, visit www.linenhalllibrary.com,
tel. 9032 1707.
Belfast Book Festival
46
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Golden Thread Gallery C-1, Switch Room, 84-94
Great Patrick St, tel. 9035 2333, www.gtgallery.fs-
net.co.uk. On the fringes of the Cathedral Quarter stands
this red brick building whose ground floor houses one of
Bel fasts coolest art galleries. The stark concrete interior
lends i tsel f perfectl y to changing exhibi tions of paintings,
photography and installations. Youll usuall y find students
from the nearby art college contemplating the contempo-
rary local pieces and scribbling a few inspirational notes.
Find the Gallery 2mins walk from the back of St. Annes
Cathedral and right beside Beggs & Partners bathroom
showroom. QOpen 11:00 - 17:00, Sat 13:00 - 16:00.
Closed Sun.
NI War Memorial Home Front Exhibition 21 Talbot
St, tel. 9032 0392, www.niwarmemorial.org. This
small museum pays homage to locals who experienced
the ravages of WW2 - either on the battlefield or during
the Bel fast Blitz. Attention is also paid to citys wartime
US links. Soldiers artefacts, uni form-clad mannequins,
shiny medals, propaganda posters and pieces of anti-
aircraft shells are among the items on show. The most
evocative display, however, is a plasma screen rollcall of
the 1000 men, women and children who died during the
1941 Bel fast Blitz. A WW2 war veteran is usually on hand,
so stop for a chat to learn more about the role Bel fast
played in this pi votal period of worl d history. QOpen
Mon-Fri 10:30 - 16:30. Free.
Ormeau Baths Gallery C-3, 18a Ormeau Ave, tel.
9032 1402, www.ormeaubaths.co.uk. Bel fast s
scaled-down answer to the Tate is housed in a former Vic-
torian public bathhouse. The exterior retains all i ts original
features while the interior has been swathed in whi te to
accommodate the changing exhibi tions across i ts four
galleries. Stock up on arty mags and coffee table tomes
at the adhoc book shop. Defini tel y worth a visi t when you
feel reali ty closing in... all the more so because admissions
free. QOpen 10:00 - 17:30. Closed Mon, Sun.
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum 153 Bangor
Rd, Cultra, Holywood, tel. 9042 8428, www.uf tm.org.
uk. Costumed guides bring history to li fe at this collection
of 18th century buildings. The transport section has trains,
planes, horse carriages, a Bel fast-made DeLorean sports
car and Ti tanic exhibi tion. Find i t 11kms east of the ci ty
on the main A2 Bel fast to Bangor Rd. Nearest rail station
Cul tra Hal t. QOpen Feb: Mon-Fri 10:00 - 16:00, Sat 10:00
- 17:00, Sun 11:00 - 17:00; March: Mon-Fri 10:00 - 17:00,
Sat 10:00 - 18:00, Sun 11:00 - 18:00. 6.80/3.90, U-5
free, Famil y rates also available. KL
Parks, Gardens & Mountains

Belfast Zoo F-1, Antrim Rd, M1, tel. 9077 6277,
www.belfastzoo.co.uk. This uni que recreati onal and
conservation facili ty dates back to the 1960s and is one
of NIs most visi ted attracti ons. Located on a 55acre
si te, the Zoo cares for 138 species and takes part in 94
international breeding programmes. Elephants, big cats,
primates and an African enclosure wi th giraffes, zebras
and el ephants share thi s spectacular Cavehill setting
wi th penguins, sea lions and a fantastic array of birds. A
new Rainforest House is the home of bats, tortoises and
Jasmine the sl oth. The Chimpanzees and Gorillas may
hold your attention, but look out for the purple-faced and
Francois Langurs and a great collection of Marmosets and
Tamarins. Q Open 10:00-16:00. Last admission 14:30.
Adul t 6.70, Child (4-17) 3.40, conc. and U4 Free. Famil y
rates also available. LK NB
Botanic Gardens B-5, Stranmillis Rd, M8, tel. 9032
4902, www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks. This meeting place
for the citys students, families and lovebirds first opened in
1895. Its grounds are a profusion of colourful flowerbeds,
expansive lawns and magnificent trees and provide an oc-
casional setting for year-round cultural and music events. Take
a steamy jungle walk in the Tropical Ravine or iron-and-glass
Victorian Palm House. The Ulster Museum - now closed
for a major revamp - and a statue of Victorian scientist Lord
Kelvin are located within the grounds. SB
Divis & Black Mountain (478m & 390m) off E-3,
Divis Rd, tel. 9049 1002, www.ntni.org.uk. Owned by
the National Trust, Belfasts highest peaks cover hundreds of
hectares rich in biodiversity and archaeological interest. The
views from the top are unrivalled, but walkers should be aware
this no Sunday stroll and sudden weather changes can make
conditions treacherous. Ensure you come prepared - wear wel-
lingtons and wet-weather gear and let someone know where
youre heading. Take a Metro bus, walk or drive to the Upper
Springfield Rd entrance, then trek to the summit for amazing
views as far as Scotland on a clear day. WB
Belfast Castle & Cave Hill Country Park F-1, An-
trim Rd, M1, www.belfastcastle.co.uk. Rising 360m
to the sheer cliff face of McArts Fort, named after C16th
chieftain Art ONeill, this prominent silhouette is also known
as Napoleons Nose. Beneath it nestles Belfast Castle, a
C19th Scottish Baronial-style building presented to the city in
1934 by the Shaftesbury famil y. Weekends are often awash
with white weddings, so wish the happy couple good luck
then go explore the manicured grounds cute Cat Garden,
stunning ci ty views and childrens adventure playground.
Apres stroll, take high tea in the restaurant, check out the
revamped Visi tor Centre or rummage around the quaint
antique shop.QKL NB
Celebrating over 80 years of archive keeping
If BBC TVs Who Do You Think You Are?
family history series has encouraged you to find out
about your family history and your ancestors came
from Northern Ireland
Then visit
PRONI
The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
We hold documents from the public and the private sectors
including church, tithe and school records, valuation books,
emigrant letters, landed estate records, and microfilm
copies of the 1901 census for Northern Ireland.
66 Balmoral Avenue, Belfast BT9 6NY
Tel: 028 9025 5905
Web: http://www.proni.gov.uk
E-mail: proni@dcalni.gov.uk
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:00 am to 4:45 pm (Thurs: 10.00am to 8:45pm )
Last requests for documents: 4.15pm (8.15pm on Thurs)
Please check in advance for late evening opening.
wHat to see
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47
wHat to see
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
Most visitors come here to see the famous murals, but,
many are surprised at just how many have little, or no,
political allegiances.
West, North and East Belfast have the political edge, with
murals in and around the Nationalist Falls Road bearing
an Irish historical theme to underline its all-Ireland ethos.
The Falls International Peace Wall is another big tourist
draw where large works of art depict George W. Bushs
Iraqi War, the Arab-Israeli Conflict, Spanish Civil War and
other global campaigns, past and present. The Shankill
and Newtownards Roads have the most visited Loyalist
murals reflecting those communities pro-British stance.
If, however, you want to see some supersized daubs of an
(almost) apolitical bent, check out these chic bricks...
Football Murals
Local legend George Best can be spotted at several
outdoor spots including the Sandy Row in Man Utd strip,
Windsor Park - NI and Linfields football ground off the
Lisburn Rd. - and East Bel fasts Woodstock Rd. and
Cregagh Estate where he grew up (G-4).
Reigning NI hero David Healy can also be seen scoring
the winning goal against England on a wall at the Albert-
bridge Rd near For Cod and Ulster Chip Shop.
Cel tic FCs greatest ever player, Jimmy Jinky John-
stone, is also immortalised in a Falls Road mural.
CS Lewis
The Belfast-born writer is depicted on two East Belfast
Naria murals that also feature scenes from his seminal
work The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Find
them off East Belfasts Dee St. (near the Titanic mural)
and Ball ymacarrett Rd. - themsel ves both off the New-
townards Rd.
Titanic
There is a few in the city, but by far the best is a strik-
ing black and whi te painting showing Captain Smi th
flanked by the cranes and overlooking the ill-fated liner.
Find it on the corner of East Belfasts Dee St and the
Newtownards Rd.
Art Alley
Based mainl y on Tuatha de Danann and the Battle of
Nuada, our vibrant cover star features on the revamped
Art Alley or Pinniir Pictiir - at the top of the Whiterock
Road. The public artwork is poised to become a key West
Belfast tourist attraction and reaffirm the citys cul tural
re-emergence from its recent turbulent past. The ancient
battle scene first appeared on a nearby gable wall 20
years ago, but was lost due to housing redevelopment.
The new location, at the Top of the Rock Junction,
provides an ideal canvas for eye-catching art, helping to
promote the area in a positive and uplifting way.
Teenage Kicks All Through The Night
Derry punk gods The Undertones most famous l yric
stretches along a wall beneath the M3 fl yover at Bridge
End, city centre east. The words John Peel 1939-2004
RIP were added after the Radio 1 DJs, and Undertones
uberfans, death.
US President
15th U.S. President James Buchanan looms large on
this Shankill Rd artwork commemorating his Ulster-Scots
ancestry.
Belfast Murals
A new, weekly tour of
the citys musical her-
itage will be launched
in March to coincide
with the reopening of
the Ulster Hall. The
tour will include a 2hr
guided coach excur-
sion of local musical
venues and key sites.
The ini tiati ve will in-
clude an accompanying website containing a downloadable
version of the tour and further details of Belfasts rich
musical history. Tour tickets go on sale from mid-Feb at the
Belfast Welcome Centre and the Oh Yeah Centre, Cathedral
Quarter. Check www.gotobelfast.com for more details.
New Belfast Musical Tour
Tours

Belfast City Sightseeing Bus Tour Castle Place, tel.
9045 9035 www.belfastcitysightseeing.com This open-
top bus takes a 90min, 8km round-trip along some of the citys
most impressive and evocative sights and includes 18 hop-on/
hop-off points. Starting at Castle Place (C-1), the tour dips into
the Titanic Quarter - with a new stop at the Thompson Pump
House - and (until 15:00) glides past Stormont before heading
West to the Shankill and Falls Roads. The return leg passes
through the sedate Queens Quarter, before heading back to
base. The commentary is as entertaining as it is enlightening,
with the gu,ides cracking Troubles-related jokes only a local
could get away with. You can also see the city by bus and boat
and save money with a combined ticket. Dept. 10:00 - 16:00.
Bus 12.50/10.50. Family (2+3) 31.
Belfast Walking Tours C-2, Belfast Welcome Centre,
47 Donegall Place, tel. 9024 6609, www.gotobelfast.
com. Take Shanks Pony (shanks being your l egs) on
specialised ci ty tours. For more details visi t the Bel fast
Welcome Centre.
Belfast by Cycle tel. 9442 1954, www.1stklassfam
-ilyfun.co.uk. Four wheel cycles with a canopy cover are
rolling out all over the city and following six themed routes.
These sel f-guided tours cover everything from shopping
and pubs to Titanic and local Writers. Riders are given a
route map, safety equipment and all the info they need to
get the most from their tour. With routes ranging from 1.4
to 4 miles, most of the journeys on flat ground, and up to
four cyclists able to take the strain, fitness levels shouldnt
be a problem. Book ahead, collect your cycle and begin your
unique sightseeing experience from Lower Garfield St, off
Royal Avenue near Smyths Irish Linens.
Coiste Political Tours B-1, tel. 9020 0770, www.
coiste.ie/p_tours. These tours gi ve the Republi can
viewpoint as trained guides from the poli tical ex-prisoner
community take tourists on an in-depth journey of their area.
Since they began in 2003, thousands of people from around
the world have taken these unique tours. And if youre a larger
group and have sufficient time, Coiste can pre-arrange Political
Education Itineraries, as well as tours of the nearby Shankill
area with ex-prisoners from a unionist background. Never
underestimate the fact that this poli tical exchange would
have been unheard of until very recentl y. If sufficient notice
is given, and the visiting group is large enough, Republican
West Belfast tours can also be arranged in Irish, Basque,
Spanish and French.
48
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
west BeLFast & sHankiLL
Open Mon to Sat 9am - 9pm
Sun 9am - 6pm
216 Falls Road, Belfast
tel: 028 9096 4180 www.culturlann.ie
Irish Arts and Cultural centre
cafe, book & craft shop, traditional music,
theatre, exhibitions, cils
community radio station Raidi Filte 107.1fm
in the heart of the Gaeltacht Quarter
I n a par t of Bel f ast wh er e t wo cul t ur es col l i de,
t our i sm bodi es ar e wor ki ng t oget h er t o r evi t al -
i se t h e ar ea and make i t vi si t or- f r i endl y. Lot s of
t our i st s want t o see f or t h emsel ves t h e r ec ent
pol i t i cal hi st or y of t hi s di vi ded ci t y and, i n doi ng
so, ar e of t en sur pr i sed at j ust h ow cl ose t h ese
t wo communi t i es si t . . . t h e Uni oni st Shanki l l and
Nat i onal i st Fal l s si de- by- si de, di vi ded onl y by a
Peace Li ne. Wi t h bot h si des maki ng a concer t ed
e f f or t t o at t r ac t vi si t or s, i t s wor t h t aki ng t i me
out f r om t h e mai n at t r ac t i ons t o vi si t t h ese vi -
br ant ar eas. Hop of f t h e Open Top Bus or t ake
a Met r o bus or Bl ack Taxi and expl or e at your
l ei sur e. I t coul d be t h e best day out you l l have.
Falls Road E/F-2/3. Bi-lingual street signs and fluttering
Irish flags are the first things visitors often notice when they
walk along the Falls. The area is becoming known as the
Gael tacht Quarter, with many shops and businesses offering
Irish-language service and accepting euros. Of the roads
many historical and political murals, the most photographed
is on the side of the Sinn Fein offices and features IRA hunger
striker Bobby Sands.
Milltown Cemetery E-3, 546 Falls Rd, tel. 9061
3972. Thi s 1872 Roman Catholi c cemeter y i s a must-
see i n anyones modern hi stor y tour of Bel fast. I ts
entrance features a Vi ctorian Romanesque gateway
and large Cel ti c cross adorned wi th Bi bli cal scenes.
Insi de, the Republi c Pl ot has several hi gh-profil e IRA
graves, including 1981 hunger striker Bobby Sands, and
Mairad Farrell, kill ed by the SAS in Gi bral tar in 1988. A
vast expanse of green space i s the unmarked burial si te
of over 80,000 vi ctims of the 1918 pandemi c flu.
City Cemetery E-3, Falls Rd, M10, www.belfastcity.
gov.uk/citycemetery. Complete with bell and cast iron foun-
tains, this Victorian cemetery was opened in 1869 as Belfasts
first cross-denominational burial ground. In 1916 sections were
set aside for the citys Jewish community and the burial of
deceased sailors and soldiers. The war connections continue
with a monument to those killed in the 1941 Belfast Blitz and
a Memorial Cross in honour of locals killed in action in WW2.
The cemetery is the citys largest with around 250,000 burials
and, curiously, a sunken wall dividing Protestant and Catholic
plots. Many of Belfasts prominent figures from its industrial,
religious and political past are buried here including Viscount
Pirrie, former Lord Mayor and controller of Harland & Wolff
shipyard during Titanic, Sir Edward Harland, former MP, Mayor
and one of the shipyards founders and Daniel Joseph Jaffe, a
linen merchant and builder of Belfasts first synagogue.
An Cultrlann McAdam Fiaich E-3, 216 Falls Rd,
M10, tel. 9096 4180, www.culturlann.com. Irish language
plays a central role in this centre for culture and arts. Housed
in a former Presbyterian church and named after two 19th-
century protagonists of the Irish language revival, the centre
was established in 1991 and has a restaurant, theatre, art
gallery, book & gift shop and monthly cil (traditional Irish
music and dancing sessions). Culturlann provides the focal
point for Augusts West Belfast Festival and is also the official
West Belfast tourist information point. Ask the friendly staff
about events, tours, art trails and accommodation in the city
and beyond.
West Belfast Taxi Association (TaxiTrax Tours)
B-1, Castle Junction, King St. (behind CastleCourt),
tel. 9031 5777, www.wbta.net. These London-styl e
Black Hackney cabs arri ved in West Bel fast at the hei ght
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
49
west BeLFast & sHankiLL
Since the onset of the Troubles in 1971,
Nati onalist and Loyalist communi ti es
throughout Northern Ireland have been
divided by Peace Walls. These large stone
and steel constructions were designed to
protect neighbourhoods from sporadic at-
tacks and retain a sense of peace and pro-
tection. Of the citys walls, West Belfasts sections are the
most visited. Once in the area its easy to determine which
side of the divide youre on... red, white and blue kerbstones,
Loyalist murals and Union Jack flags indicate youre on the
Shankill. If the kerbs are green, white and gold, the flag is
Irish and the murals are Republican, youre on the Falls. You
can cross from one side to the other via access roads at
Lanark Way (E/F-2) and Northumberland Street (A-1).
These roads close in times of heightened tension, which may
well be the case during the summer marching season. The
best viewing section is on the Shankill side where visitors
are encouraged to add their signatures to those of the Dalai
Lama and former US President Clinton.
Peace Walls

Sofa of
Success
Terry Enright
MuraIs
Art AIIey
For detaiIs on aII pubIic arts projects contact:
Upper SpringheId DeveIopment Trust
Top of the Rock
685SpringheId Road
BeIfast
TeI. (+44) (0)28 9023 6677
of the Troubl es and provi ded an i nval uabl e hop-on,
hop-off ser vi ce when regular schedul es were severel y
disrupted. Though the Troubl es are a thing of the past,
the black taxis remain and are ver y much a par t of the
l ocal communi ty. Dri ven and guided by a nati ve in the
know, TaxiTrax offer Wall Murals, Histori cal, Poli ti cal and
Bel fast Landmarks Tours. Ci ty centre hotel pi ck-ups can
be arranged to ensure a hassle-free adventure. Q 90min
Bel fast Ci ty tours. Pri ces on request.
Upper Springfield Urban Art Project E-3, Top of the
Rock, 685 Springfield Rd, tel. 9023 6677. While Belfast
city centres large-scale public art dominates the creative
landscape, in the West communi ties are unleashing their
inner muses and developing some trul y unique and personal
pieces. And what started life as a project to revitalise the area
has now become an unwitting tourist attraction. Residents
and artists have come together to produce over eighty works
of art reflecting the areas stories and citizens. Historical and
contemporary experiences, local heroes and a sheer pride
in where they live has inspired the work and created a public
art trail that draws visitors from across the world. Two free
maps help you navigate your way through these, and many
more, works of art. Pick them up at An Cul turlann or the
Belfast Welcome Centre.
Shankill Road F-2. The Shankill dates back to the Stone
Age and is Belfasts oldest settlement. Shankill Road was
named in 1831 after the Gaelic Sean Cill meaning Old Church.
Today it is a bustling street with shops, snack stops and the
Shankill Memorial Garden. Take a couple of hours to explore
its Peace Walls and murals resplendent with Union Jacks and
tributes to the Royal Family. One mural of note, beside the Rex
Bar, depicts Unionist MP Edward Carson leading the signing of
the 1912 Ulster Covenant which opposed Irish Home Rule.
Spectrum Centre F-2, 331 Shankill Rd, tel. 9050 4555.
Opened in 2001, the Spectrum Centre is a community-lead
arts and cul ture project and a handy stop if youre looking
for information about the Shankill Road. If you want to leave
your mark on the Peace Line, start at this landmark red brick
and glass building, cross the Shankill Road and head straight
across to Northumberland Street. A km-long section of the
great divide will soon come into view. Happy scribbling.
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
50
History
Belfast dates back to the early 17th century and, although
a relatively young settlement, is Northern Irelands largest,
and the island of Irelands second largest, city. The name
Bel fast comes from the Gaelic Beal Feirste (mouth of
the sandy ford).
1641-49 & 1688-90 Two major Catholic risings are
put down, first by English Protestant revolutionary Oliver
Cromwell, then the Dutch King William lll of Orange. The
fl edgli ng Protestant plantati on is secured and Ireland
becomes firmly British.
18th Century Belfast becomes a major linen-producing
centre, earning the tag Linenopolis.
19th Century Belfast experiences a golden age under
Queen Victoria. The Harland & Wolff shipyard is founded in
1862 and city status is granted in 1888. Belfast becomes
one of the worlds leading industrial cities and most of
its great buildings are constructed. The 1847 Famine re-
awakens Irish Catholic Nationalism.
Early 20th Century In May 1911 RMS Titanic is launched
from Harland & Wolff. The following year the White Star liner
sinks on its maiden voyage, killing over 1500 passengers.
1912 The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) is formed and
Unionists sign the Ulster Covenant, pledging to militarily
fight Home Rule.
1914-1918 The UVF, and most of the Irish Volunteers,
joins up to fight for Britain - both hoping to gain support
for their causes. In 1916 Ulster Divisions suffer heavy
causalities at the Battle of the Somme.
1921 Following the 1919-21 Irish War of Independence,
six of Irelands 32 counties remain British and the state - or
Province - is named Northern Ireland. Belfast becomes its
capital city and the Unionist-controlled government oversees
direct rule from the purpose-built Stormont.
1941 Belfast Blitz. During WW2, the city is bombed three
times by the German Luftwaffe, killing 955 people and
destroying 3,200 homes. Northern Ireland becomes a
staging post for over 300,000 American GIs.
1968 The Civil Rights movement grows as Nationalists
protest Unionist bias at Stormont. The Bri tish Army is
deployed in the streets of Belfast and Derry.
The Troubles
1971 August 9 Internment, or imprisonment without trial,
is introduced. The city experiences a week of intense fighting
as massive gun battles break out across North and West
Belfast. December 4 15 people, including two children, are
killed in a UVF bomb attack on McGurks bar in North Belfast.
It is the first major atrocity of the Troubles.
1972 January 30 Bloody Sunday. During a Civil Rights
march through the streets of Derry 14 unarmed civilians
are shot dead by Bri tish troops. Both internment and
Bl oody Sunday ensure increased support for the IRA.
Meanwhile, the British government introduces direct rule
from London.
1972 July 21 Bloody Friday. Nine peopl e die when,
without warning, 21 IRA bombs explode across Belfast in
just over an hour.
1981 Bobby Sands and ni ne other I RA and I NLA
prisoners di e after going on Hunger Strike at the Maze
Pri son i n protest at the removal of pol i ti cal pri soner
status.
1985 November 15 Th e Br i t i sh an d I r i sh
governments si gn the Angl o I ri sh Agreement, gi vi ng the
Republ i c of I rel and a greater say i n NI af fai rs.
1988 Three IRA members are kill ed in March 6 by the
Get In Your Pocket before you go
The full In Your Pocket range is available to purchase online at:
www.inyourpocket.com/clickandbuy
Hotels Restaurants Cafs Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
RIGA
Hockey Fever
Everything you need to
know about IIHF World
Championship in Riga
Explore Latvia
Take a day trip to
the seaside towns of
Jrmala and Liepja
April - May 2006
Hotels Restaurants Cafs Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
BELFAST
The Great
Outdoors
Cycling, skydiving and
country pursuits
Gastro Tourism
Seafood, whiskey and
St. Georges Market
August - September 2006
Hotels Restaurants Cafs Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
WARSAW
Wilanw
Explore the Polish
Versailles
Out of town
Polands top spa town:
Naczw
August - September 2006
Hotels Restaurants Cafs Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
TIRANA
Shopping fever
Tiranas first malls
Facade art
Painting the city pink
2006 - 2007
Museumnight
100 museums in one
night
Floating the
boat
Spree river tours
Hotels Restaurants Cafs Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
BERLIN
August - September 2006
Hotels Restaurants Cafs Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
TALLINN
Touring Narva
Cool sights at the EUs
eastern border
IYP gets a new
look
The inside scoop on the
new look inside
April - May 2006
Hotels Restaurants Cafs Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
PRAGUE
Going to the
chapel
Karltejns renovated
jewel
Lets rock
Visiting the Bohemian
Paradise
August - September 2006
Hotels Restaurants Cafs Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
BUCHAREST
A New Look
Weve never looked
better: In Your Pocket
gets a makeover
Blogging
Bucharest
Our guide to the best
politicall y incorrect
comment online
April - May 2006
Hotels Restaurants Cafs Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
KRAKW
Tarnw
Explore the Pearl of the
Renaissance
Leisure
Getting active in Krakw
August - September 2006
Hotels Restaurants Cafs Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
COLOGNE
Football events
Win or lose, this is
where to party
River tours
Wine and dine on the
Rhine
June - July 2006
HAMBURG
Harbour tours
Down in the docks
Football events
Win or lose, this is
where to party
June - July 2006
Hotels Restaurants Cafs Nightlife Sightseeing Events Maps
51
History
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
Reconciliation, Stormont Estate
SAS in Gi bral tar. During their funerals l oyalist Mi chael
Stone launches a gun and grenade attack killing three
mourners. At the funeral of one of Stones vi cti ms,
two Bri tish Army corporals inadvertentl y dri ve into the
cortege and are ambushed by an angry mob and shot
dead by the IRA.
Early 90s Violence continues on both sides as both the
British and Irish governments attempt to break the political
impasse.
The Peace Process
1994 August 31 The I RA announces a compl ete
cessation of military operations. The Combined Loyalist
Military Command follows on 13th October.
1995 Security measures are relaxed and troop numbers
reduced throughout Belfast and NI.
1998 The Good Friday Agreement is voted in by 71% of
the population. It marks a new power-sharing Assembly,
early release of all paramilitary prisoners and looks toward
wi thdrawal of Bri ti sh troops and decommi ssi oni ng of
paramilitary weapons. August 15 IRA dissidents plant a
bomb in Omagh killing 29 people making it the single worst
atrocity in the history of the Troubles. November 30 US
President Clinton pays an historic visit to NI.
2000 February 11 The Assembly is suspended following
the breakdown of decommissioning talks. May 27 The
UUP re-enters the power-sharing Assembl y despite no
IRA decommissioning. Devol ved power is restored two
days later.
2000 December Belfasts landmark Odyssey Millennium
project opens, heralding major redevelopment of the historic
Titanic Quarter.
2002 October 14 Devolution is suspended at midnight
and direct rule returns to London.
2005 May 5 At the UK General Election the DUP and Sinn
Fein strengthen their positions as NIs two major political
parties. July The IRA formally orders an end to its armed
campaign.
2005 November 25 Belfast-born football legend George
Best dies in a London hospital aged 59 after a long battle
with alcoholism. The former Manchester United and Northern
Ireland player was laid to rest in his native city on Saturday
3 December.
2007 March 26 Following local elections, and in an historic
face-to-face meeting, DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fin
leader Gerry Adams announce the restoration of the NI
Assembly on May 8. Paisley becomes First Minister and Sinn
Fins Martin McGuinness Deputy First Minister.
2008 May Having founded the party in 1971, Ian Paisley
steps down as leader of the DUP and, therefore, First
Minister. He is succeeded by Peter Robinson.
52
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ni HiGHLiGHts & Hidden GeMs
52
With acres of beautiful scenery and fabulous attractions, we
hereby bring you the best this wee nook has to offer. Small
enough to explore in a day or two, its time to hit the open
road and capture all manner of seasonal snaps. By the way,
TIC = Tourist Information Centre.
Derry J-2. Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, t.
7137 7577, www.derryvisitor.com. Derry, Londonderry,
the Maiden City... call it what you will, NIs mul ti-monikered
second city is a must-see. Compact enough to explore on
foot yet crammed with history and cul ture, Derry is Irelands
most complete walled city and the ideal base from which to
explore the North Coast, Sperrins and Co. Donegal. Numer-
ous tours leave no historical stone unturned in a city thats
experience more than its fair share of turmoil. The city centre
Tower Museum (t. 7137 2411) includes permanent exhibi-
tions on Derrys history and Spanish Armada ship La Trinidad
Valencera which sank off the Donegal coast in 1588 and lay
undiscovered until 1971. Around the city there are plenty of
shops, restaurants, and contemporary and traditional bars
for all wage brackets and age ranges. And the hotel, B&B and
hostel scene is flourishing like never before.
Peadar O Donnells & Gweedore Bar J-2 59-63 Water-
loo St, tel. 7137 2318, www.peadars-gweedorebar.com.
Crammed with locals, tourists and trad pub ephemera, these
adjoining bars are undoubtedly Derrys most lively down-home
drinking and live music dens. Peadars is all about traditional
Irish music, while The Gweedore attracts indie kids, Goths
and rockers keen to shake their thang or adopt an air of
sophisticated disaffection against the crashing backdrop of
live and loud sounds. Upstairs the nightclub plays the latest
tunes for those who fancy a bit of an unpretentious boogie.
Nights out dont get much better than this.
G o s f o r d
K a r t i n g
Lt d. K- 4, 49
D i n n a h o r r a
Rd, Markethill,
Co. Ar ma g h ,
t e l . 3 7 5 5
1 2 4 8/07710
599247, www.
gosfordkarting.com. Unleash your inner Irvine at this
purpose-built outdoor tarmac track in the heart of County
Armagh. Providing full -throttl e action for frustrated
Fisichellas and budding Hamiltons, Gosford is a great
alternative for adrenalin-fuelled daytrippers. It may not
be Monaco, but what the location lacks in glam, it more
than makes up for with Grand Prix packages to suit
petrolheads of all ages and abilities. Get a group together
and race your own Full or Mini Grand Prix, or put the pedal
to the metal and pit your driving skills against the clock
in your very own practice session. Corporates, hens,
stags or anyone wanting to experience a day out with a
difference should give the Gosford guys a call. GRAND
PRIX PRICES: Grand Prix - Full - 25/30, Groups
8-30. All drivers get practice session, four quali fying
heats and quarter final. Best 8-10 drivers go through
to semi finals. Best 4-5 drivers compete in 12 lap final.
PRACTICE SESSIONS: 15/30mins 10/20. Racing
suits, gloves and helmets supplied. Full track tuition. Karts
full y serviced and in excellent condition. Members of the
National Karting Association. Separate karts available
for children, adul ts and Grand Prix. Min. height 4ft 8ins.
Snack shop available.
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
53
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
ni HiGHLiGHts & Hidden GeMs
Causeway Coast & Glens tel. 7032 7720, www.
causewaycoastandglens.com. Regarded as one of the
worlds great coastal roads, the Causeway Coastal Route
is an absolute must for any visitor to Ireland. The journey is
extensivel y signposted from Belfast; follow the M5 before
veering off to begin your coastal hug, passing Carrickferguss
magnificent Norman Castle and detouring into pretty Island-
magee. The Route continues its dramatic journey edging the
Irish Sea and taking in charming places such as Glenarm,
Cushendun and the breathtaking Torr Head. A further detour
through the Glens of Antrim unveils emerald hills, rushing
waterfalls and woodland walks. The world famous Giants
Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Distillery
and Dunluce Castle make a mighty foursome along the North
Antrim Coast. Stop for tea at Portrush or Portstewart then
continue to Limavadys beautiful Roe Valley before arriving
at vibrant Derry city.
Li sbur n Ci t y L- 3, Li sbur n TI C, 15 Li sbur n
Squar e, t el . 9266 0038, www. vi si t l i sbur n.
com. Si t uat ed 10 mi l es sou t h of Bel fast , Li sbur n
was grant ed Ci t y St at us i n 2002 and i s regarded
as NI s fast est growi ng met ropol i s. The ci t y has
some of NI s best retai l hubs, wi t h fashi onabl e Li s-
bur n Square, epi c Bow St reet Mal l and out- of - town
Spr ucef i el d Shoppi ng Cent re posi ti vel y ur gi ng you
t o unl eash t hose credi t cards. The 17t h Cent ur y
Hi st or i c Quar t er s l an dmar k bui l di n g, t h e I r i sh
Li nen Cent re & Li sbur n Museum, has i nt eract i ve
exhi bi t i ons on t h e I r i sh l i nen i ndust r y and l ocal
hi stor y, and a ver y popul ar cafe and gi f t shop. The
I sl and Ar t s Cent r e i s a st at e- of - t h e- ar t cul t ur al
hub f ront ed by a wat er j et and scul pt ure t rai l . And
t he revamped Castl e Gardens i s a pret t y, el evated
par k wi t h several hi stori c features and a great ci t y
vi ew. Pl ace a bet at Down Royal Racecourse, enj oy
a ti ppl e at t he Hi l den Brewer y and pet cute ani mal s
and stay over ni ght at Brookhal l Hi stori cal Far m and
Cot tages. Fi nd out more about ci t y events, and t he
near by vi l l ages of Hi l l sborough and Moi ra, at t he
ver y f ri endl y Li sbur n and Hi l l sborough TI Cs.
Fermanagh Lakelands I-4, Fermanagh TIC, Wellington
Rd, Enniskillen, tel. 6632 3110, www.fermanaghlake-
lands.com. NIs most tranquil county (above) is a stunning
landscape of sil very lakes, green fields and verdant forests.
Bustling Enniskillen is the perfect place to drop anchor before,
during or after navigating the magnificent lakelands or Erne-
Shannon waterway. Try to see the pretty town of Belleek
- famous for its pottery, Marble Arch Caves - complete with
glistening stalactites and cascading waterfalls, and Castle
Coole - an 18th Century mansion set in a landscaped park
and owned by the National Trust. Were merel y dipping our
toes into Fermanaghs lakeland setting so, to find out more
about this amazing waterworld, ask for the regions tourism
brochures at Enniskillens TIC.
Mourne Country L-4, Newcastle TIC, 10-14 Central
Promenade, tel. 4372 2222, www.armaghanddown.
com. NIs main mountain range may not be the Rockies, but
what it lacks in stature it makes up for in picture-postcard
beauty. The Mournes extend from the seaside town of
Newcastle in the north to the quaint village of Rostrevor in
the south. Man-made stone walls criss-cross green fields
as Slieve Donard (NIs highest mountain) looks down from
i ts 849m grani te peak. Designated an Area of Outstand-
ing Natural Beauty, the Mournes are in line to become NIs
first National Park. Newcastle is the areas main urban
attraction, and the inspiration behind songwri ter Percy
Frenchs Where The Mountains of Mourne Sweep Down
To The Sea (ask nicel y, and a local may sing you a snippit).
Long the summer destination of local holidaymakers, the town
moves seamlessly from the sublime to the silly with the magnifi-
cent Slieve Donard Hotel & Spa, gleaming new promenade and
Royal County Down Golf Club within eyesight of brassy amuse-
ment arcades and chintzy B&Bs. Dont miss nearby Silent
Valley and Spelga Dam reservoirs set amid stunning scenery -
and Castl ewellan and Toll ymore Forest Parks. Coast-
al towns and vi l l ages Ardgl ass, Dundrum, Annal ong
and Kilkeel combine to create a beautiful coastal journey that
makes you realise quite what a wonderful country this is.
Rathlin Island K/L-1, Overnighting on NIs onl y inhabited
island holds more than a touch of the Robinson Crusoes.
Stretching seven miles from tip to tip, the islands distinct
L-shape lies just six miles from Ball ycastle and 15 miles from
Scotlands Mull of Kintyre. Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd. operates
several dail y crossings connecting Rathlin with Ball ycastle.
Sailing time is 20mins on the fast ferry and 45mins on the
larger ferry tourist cars not permitted). Rathlins population of
80 residents is significantl y swelled from May-August when
tens of thousands of seabirds perch on its craggy cliffs. The
RSPBs Seabird Centre at the West Lighthouse (admission
free, donations welcome) is the perfect spot for that birds-
eye view. Waymarked Trails to the seal colony on the eastern
tip is another must-do. And you can del ve into the islands
precarious past at the Rathlin Boathouse Visitor Centre (open
dail y May-Aug, admission free). An 8th Century Viking pillage,
16th Century massacre, Marconis first commercial wireless
telegraphy link in 1898 and Richard Bransons 1987 trans-
Atlantic balloon crossing splashdown all dominate Rathlins
historic timeline. If youre staying overnight, check out the
harbourside Manor House or contact Causeway Coast &
Glens Tourism, tel. 7032 7720, www.causewaycoa-
standglens.com for lots more info.
Sperrins J-2, Sperrins Tourism, tel. 8674 7700,
www.SperrinsTourism.com. Stunni ngl y bl eak and
stretchi ng 64 mi l es, the Sperri ns (above) are of ten
overshadowed by the Mournes and Causeway Coast.
But i ts thi s aspect of unchar ted terri tor y that makes
a vi si t such a memorabl e experi ence. A rolling Iri sh wil-
derness reveal s cycling, water spor ts, horse ri ding and
even mi cro-li ght fl ying. More sedate soul s can indul ge
in a spot of walking, angling and gol f, or take the four
si gnposted sceni c dri ving routes, each covering 50-90
mil e circular dri ves via market towns, manor homes and
verdant wooded gl ens. Pi ck up handy maps at any TI C
or order a copy from Sperrins Touri sm.
The Sperrins
54
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ni HiGHLiGHts & Hidden GeMs
Ards Peninsula L/M-3 Ards TIC, 31 Regent St,
Newtownards, Co. Down, tel. 9182 6846, www.
ar ds- council.gov.uk. Stretchi ng from t he market
town of Newtownards and separating the shores of
Strangford Lough and the Iri sh Sea, thi s gentl y undulat-
ing landscape i s a sceni c mi x of pretty villages, rugged
seascapes and unspoil t coastl ine. Dri ve the l ough-
hugging Por taferr y Rd from Nards, stopping at magni fi-
cent Mountstewar t House and Gardens and the histori c
village of Greyabbey wi th i ts namesake Ci stercian ruin,
cute anti que shops and home-cooking cafes, then take
the short ferry trip from Portaferry to Strangford. Or discover
the other side of the Peninsula wi th i ts tradi tional seaside
stops such as Donaghadee and Milli sl e, and quirky Bal-
l ycopeland Windmill. And, west of the Lough, Comber
town and i ts environs offer several excell ent eating op-
ti ons and the Castl e Espi e Wetland Centre. Find out l ots
more at Ards TI C or (seasonall y) Por taferr y TI C.
North Down Bangor TIC L-3, 34 Quay St, tel. 9127 0069,
www.northdowntourism. Stretching along the Belfast Lough
shoreline, and spreading across 50sq miles, North Downs
outdoor highlights include sandy beaches, country parks,
quaint villages and historic sites. Bangor is the areas main
town - and indeed NIs largest - and Holywood its stylish smaller
sibling. Both are within easy reach of Belfast - with Bangor just
12miles away and Holywood even closer at six miles. Home to
one of Irelands largest and Blue Flag Award-winning marinas,
Pickie Family Fun Park (look for the giant white swans) and an
abundance of seafront hotels and B&Bs, Bangor is a haven
for sailors and daytrippers in search of some seaside japes.
The towns North Down Heritage Centre (t. 9127 1200) is a
great little museum featuring the history of the town (Bangor
is one of only four Irish places on the 13th Century Mappa
Mundi map), the life of Irish songwriter Percy French and a
programme of year-round events and exhibitions. When youre
in the area, the small village of Groomsport is also worth a
detour, with its charming seaside setting and Cockle Row
thatched fishermens houses.
Lynwood Property
L-3, 102b Bangor Rd,
Holywood, Co. Down,
tel. 07515 852865,
inf o@lynwoodprop-
erty.co.uk, www.lyn-
woodproperty.co.uk.
Thi s el egantl y reno-
vated 18th Centur y
apar tment provi des
spacious and secluded self-catering accommodation on
the Co. Down shores of Belfast Lough. Just a few miles
from the city on the main Belfast-Bangor road, and a 1min
walk to Marino rail way station (with direct links to Belfast,
Hol ywood and Bangor), the delightful coastal setting of-
fers a harmonious city/country meld. Three large double
bedrooms (one en-suite) overlook the leafy garden. And
the modern full y-equipped kitchens skylights spill sun-
light into the stylish open-plan living space. Perfect for
families, businesspeople or visiting friends and relatives
who want the privacy and comfort of home. Rates and
durations of stay flexible. Q (One night from 75, One
week from 450). L
M-3, Portaferry,
Co. Down, tel.
4 2 7 2 8 0 6 2 ,
www.expl ori s.
org.uk. Nestl ed
on the shores of
Strangford Lough
mar i n e na t ur e
reser ve, Expl o-
ris - the Northern
Ireland Aquarium
refl ects i ts fabu-
lous location with exhibits focusing on the Lough and the
Irish Sea. Over the past two decades the aquarium has
notched up almost 2 million visitors and established itself
as one of NIs top ten paying tourist attractions. The large
Open Sea Tank contains sharks, conger eels and rays,
and dail y Discovery Pool demonstrations allow visitors
to touch sea creatures and learn fascinating facts from
experienced local guides. The Aquariums cutest and
most important calling card, however, is the Seal Sanctu-
ary where sick or orphaned seal pups are rehabilitated
then released back into the wild. Since 1989, Exploris
has returned over 200 seals to their natural habi tat.
The seal hospi tals one-way glass system allows visi-
tors to watch the patients from a safe distance. Once
well enough, seals are then moved into the swimming
ponds which have an underwater viewing area. Visitors
can also view the seals from the caf and exhibition area
or, even better, help support Exploriss important reha-
bilitation programme by adopting a seal. The nature of
rehabilitation means that there will be times when there
are no seals in residence. Please call in advance if you
are particularl y interested in seeing seals. Its beautiful
setting in the quaint conservation village of Portaferry and
ongoing work with sick and injured seals, makes Exploris
al ways worth a visi t. Open Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat:
11:00-17:00, Sun: 13:00-17:00, Adul t 7, 5-16/conc.
4, U-4 free . Famil y rates also available. .
Exploris
On Easter Monday
13 Apr i l , Ban gor
seaf ront provi des
a sui t abl y i n spi -
r a t i o n a l s e t t i n g
when, f rom 12: 00-
18: 00, c omp e t i -
tors i n t he Novi ce
I r e l a n d s St r o n -
ges t Man vi e f or
t h e p r e s t i g i o u s
Fi nn McCool Tr o-
phy. On a cuddl i er
n o t e , s ma l l a n d
f u r r y c r e a t u r e s
f rom t he Ark Far m
wi l l be i n town. And
chi l dr en can al so t ake a f r ee t r i p al on g t h e
promenade overl ooki ng t he mari na on Lenni e
t he Land Trai n. `
At 15: 00 Mai n St reet and Hi gh St reet wi l l come
al i ve wi t h t he Al l Thi ngs Bri ght and Beauti f ul
t hemed parade. Fol l ow t he route f rom Bangor
Lei sure Cent re al ong Mai n St reet to Hi gh St reet
returni ng al ong Bri dge Street, Mi l l s Row and Mai n
St reet back to t he Lei sure Cent re. 2
Bangor at Easter
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
55
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be original! buy original!
The Craft & Design Collective has created an
innovative focal point for the commissioning,
exhibition, promotion and sale of Craft, Applied Art
and Design, owned, managed and staffed by
Artist/Designer/Makers themselves.
Shop
Gallery
Exhibition Area
Further Information
T: +44 (0)28 9032 9342
E: info@craftanddesigncollective.com
W: craftanddesigncollective.com
Space CRAFT
9b The Fountain Centre
College Street
Belfast
BT1 6ET
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday
10.30am to 5.30pm
GO UP THAT ESCALATOR!
craft & design collective Raising the Profile of Craft, Applied Art & Design
CDC 6x9 ad:CDC 6x9 28/7/08 15:02 Page 1
Belfasts city centre provides a healthy mix of high street names
and one-off outlets. The main shopping areas are Donegall
Place and Royal Avenue facing the City Hall, radial streets off
Cornmarket and, heading south, the Lisburn Road.
Donegall Place, Royal Avenue and Cornmarket are the main
streets for familiar names including Marks & Spencer, Boots,
Next and WH Smith. Cornmarket and its radial streets have a
selection of well-known brands and low-budget options, especially
along Ann Street.
Belfast city centres shopping malls are Victoria Square off
Cornmarket and CastleCourt on Royal Avenue. If you want to
explore smaller city centre outlets and craft shops, check out
Spires Mall and the Foutain Centre. Queens Arcade also
houses several fine jewellery shops. For the citys most eclectic
antique shopping, head down Donegall Pass.
The main city centre shops and malls will be staying open late
nights in the run-up to Christmas. Keep your eyes peeled for
window stickers displaying seasonal times.
Shopping malls
CastleCourt B/C-1, Royal Ave, tel. 9023 4591, www.
westfield.com/castlecourt. This huge reflecti ve glass
building takes up a sizeable stretch of Royal Avenue, Belfasts
main shopping drag, and brings together high street names,
a food court and market-style stalls all under one handy
rainproof roof. Debenhams, Gap, New Look and TK Maxx
head up the fashion faves, and other well-known retailers
include Laura Ashley, Principles, Exhibit and Earl y Learning
Centre. Theres a cute childrens play area for hyper kids and
their weary parents, car-shaped buggies free to hire and,
for adul t drivers, a mul ti-storey car park looms large at the
back. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Mon, Tue 09:00 - 19:00, Sat
09:00 - 18:00, Sun 13:00 - 18:00. RLKS
Fountain Street & Fountain Centre B-2. A good selec-
tion of specialised shops, a great deli and a sprinkling of cafes
and bars are clustered around these pedestrianised streets.
Ride the escalator and get up close to a Hamburg-made 24-
bell clock and, in finer weather, enjoy outdoor seating on the
terrace surrounding the eponymous fountain. Look left and
youll find SpaceCRAFT - a unique shop in the city - selling
and exhibiting gorgeous local crafts from top notch design-
ers. Eagle eyes will spot the speciall y crafted street lanterns
complete with F insets. Nice touch. Q K
Smithfield Market C-1, behind CastleCourt. Long
the home to specialist and second hand shops, the new
Smi thfield Market was completed in 1986 after the old
Victorian market was bombed in the 70s. Step inside and
explore wee units brimming with all manner of paraphenalia
from comics to collectibles, army surplus to Irish souvenirs
and cafes to camping equipment. Its a bit dingy, but thats
all part of its charm.
Spires Mall B-2, Church House, Wellington St, tel. 9032
2284, www.spiresbelfast.co.uk. Spires Mall occupies
the ground floor of Church House, HQ of the Presbyterian
Church in Ireland. Buil t in 1905 and refurbished in 1992, this
dark brick colossus features an ornatel y carved exterior and
40m-high bel fry where twel ve bells chime the hours and
play the occasional hymn. The Mall houses Spires Cafe and
a small, yet perfectl y formed, selection of upmarket shops
and one-off boutiques. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00, Thu 09:00 -
21:00. Closed Sun. K
www.inyourpocket.com
56
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Smyths Irish
Linen C-1, 65 Roy-
al Ave, tel. 9024
2232, simpson.
brothers@btclick.
com. T-shirts, shil-
l elaghs, kni twear,
dolls and all man-
ner of linen treats
abound in Belfasts biggest souvenir shop. Titanic enthusi-
asts can pick up some ship-shape souvenirs and Guinness
devotees will love their range of stout-inspired goodies. Find
it opposite CastleCourt. QOpen Mon-Fri 10:00-17:30, Sat
10:00-17:00, Sun 12:00 - 16:00.

Irish Linen Stores C-2, 14 Callender St, rear of
Marks & Spencer, tel. 9032 2727. Previousl y at the
Fountain Centre and now in new premises at the rear of
Marks & Spencer, the Irish Linen Stores retains its high
quality product range featuring Belleek Pottery, Tyrone
Crystal, Irish linens and Aran handknits. The shop offers
worldwide postage for gift parcels and a VAT free export
scheme, so you can stock up on all sorts of Irish souve-
nirs and have them sent home safe and sound. QOpen
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 17:30.
Gifts & Souvenirs
Victoria Square C-2, www.victoriasquare.com. Bel-
fasts ci ty centre retail experience has recei ved a major
shot of glamour with the opening of this shiny new shopping
centre. The landmark building spans a substantial strip of
Chichester Street, has several pedestrian access points
and boasts a House of Fraser signature store and big glass
dome with viewing gallery. Over 90 more shops - including
Cruise, Coast, The Pier, Hamleys, Urban Outfitters and Hugo
Boss - an 8-screen Odeon cinema, restaurants, cafes, bars,
salon and basement parking complete your wallet-emptying
expedition. Bars and cafes in the surrounding area are sitting
pretty for some much-needed overspill footfall, so may we
suggest you pop into the Kitchen Bar for a swift half? Yes we
may. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Mon, Tue 09:00 - 19:00, Sat
09:00 - 18:00, Sun 13:00 - 18:00. LK
19-21 Lombard Street, Belfast
Tel. +44 28 9043 7745
www.libertyblue.co.uk
Avoca C-2, 41 Arthur St, tel. 9027 9950, www.avoca.
ie. This Irish style icon has arrived in the retail space that
once housed Habi tat. The resemblances are familiar, but
what Avoca does so well is pull together a distinct blend of
unique designer styles, gifts and accessories and mix it with
fabulous Food Hall treats and cafe delights. The boho set
has well and trul y found it, and red and white Avoca bags are
swinging on arms all across the city. QOpen 09:30 - 18:00,
Thu 09:30 - 20:00, Sun 12:00 - 18:00. K
Cocoon Yourself G-2/3, 70 Bloomfield Ave, tel. 9045
0820, www.cocoonyourself.co.uk. Indulge yoursel f at
this intimate gi ft emporium where sequinned showercaps
share space wi th exquisi te cushions, candles and coffee
table tomes (Hip Hotels is a particular fave). Photo frames,
frill y broll ys and a cute-as-a-button baby range keeps
those unique gi fts coming. And upstairs, the ki tchen gets
a makeover wi th a selection of teapots, cafi tieres and cool
cook books. Plenty of wrapping and gi ft cards complement
all those designer pressie purchases. QOpen 10:00 -
17:30. Closed Sun
.
Carrolls Irish Gifts C-1, 2-6 Castle Place, tel. 9023
8899, www.carrollsirishgif ts.com. Irish paraphernalia,
traditional gifts and other green-gilded goodies are available
at this new city centre souvenir store. Part of the Ireland-wide
chain, Carrolls stocks enough big-name products - from cloth-
ing to collectables and chocolates to CDs - to keep the folks
back home happy. QOpen 09:00 - 19:00, Thu 09:00 - 21:00,
Fri, Sat 09:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 20:00. J
Copper Moon B-2, 3 Wellington St, tel. 9023 5325,
www.coppermoon.co.uk. Stepping into this shop is like
entering a wonderland glittering with designer delights for the
boho home. Everything exudes class, from the funky beaded
slippers to fabulously kitsch clocks. Owner Karen, herself an
artist, sources loads of locally-made goodies, ensuring you
come away with a truly unique product.QOpen 09:30 - 17:30,
Thu 09:30 - 20:00. Closed Sun.
Open Window Productions C-1, 1 Exchange Place,
tel. 9032 9669, openwindow@ntlworld.com. Chess sets
featuring caricatures of NIs most recognisable political figures
go down a storm in this Cathedral Quarter gallery. Commis-
sioned work, life-size sculptures and other works of art are
also available in this innovative and friendl y studio. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun.
The Wicker Man C-1, 44 High St, tel. 9024 3550,
www.thewickerman.co.uk. One of the best gift emporiums
in town, with work from over 150 local artists and craftspeople
available both in the shop and on-line. Check out their ever-
changing window display and venture inside to explore the
myriad of top-class treasures. QOpen 09:00 - 17:30, Thu
09:00 - 21:00, Sun 13:00 - 17:00.
sHoPPinG
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C- 1, 19- 21 Lombar d St,
tel . 9043 7745. Refresh-
ingl y original and totall y kitsch,
this one-of-a-kind boutique is
onl y a stones throw away from
busy Royal Avenue. Beauti ful
dresses, gorgeous accessories
and fabulous shoes adorn every available space in this
award-winning store. Independent labels at high street
prices make Liberty Blue a real stand-out in Belfasts bur-
geoning shopping scene.QOpen Mon-Fri 10:00 - 17:30,
Thu 10:00 - 20:30, Sat 10:00 - 18:00.
Liberty Blue
Frock Around The Clock B-5, Wellington Park Hotel,
21 Malone Rd, www.northernirelandvintage.com.
Northern Irelands Premier Vintage Fair is poised to swathe
the city with fab fashion finds on Sun 15 Feb from 10:30 -
16:00. Discover vintage accessories, homewares, costume
jewellery, clothing and lots more oldies but goodies from the
late 1800s to 1980s at this dahling event. And handmade
bags, jewellery and clothing recycled from vintage textiles,
as well as reclaimed furniture, embellish the experience in
an oh-so-boho way. Sellers on display include Raspberry
Beret, Lulu Rose, Strictly Vintage and organisers Decadence
Vintage. Check out the website for full details.
Frock Around The Clock
D-2, 12 East Bridge St,
tel. 9043 5704, www.
belfastcity.gov.uk/mar-
kets. As gastro tourism
goes, St. Georges City
Food & Garden Market
(Sat, 09:00 - 15:00) i s
about as tasty as they
come, and an absolute
must on any epicureans shopping list. Regarded as
one of the UKs finest food markets, St. Georges has
around 250 stalls selling an eclectic range of local and
organic produce from fresh fish to wild boar and smell y
cheeses to Armagh apples. A market has existed on
this site since 1604, and the elegant Victorian red brick
and glass structure you see today is the culmination of
a 4.3m renovation project. Inside, the cavernous space
has a vibe about it thats unique to the city. Locals mingle
with tourists as live music plays and traders display their
tantalising wares. The best way to savour a couple of
hours at this colourful smorgasbord is to get your maw
round some great tasting international cuisine, from
Spanish tapas to Mexican dishes. On Fridays, food gives
way to the Variety Market (06:00-13:00) which, as the
name suggests, is crammed with all manner of antiques,
bric-a-brac, clothes and curios. Sift carefully and you might
uncover a thing of rare beauty and value. This is where
the real locals shop, and a visit gives you an insight into
the shopping habits of some of the citys most colourful
characters. Totall y unpretentious and worth an earl y
morning potter before the high street stores open their
doors. A free shuttle bus runs every 20mins between
the city centre (outside Boots, Donegall Place or HMV,
Castle Place) and the Market. Dep. Fri from 08:00; Sat
from 09:00.QJK
St. Georges Market
If your idea of retail heaven is exploring some great inde-
pendent shops, a stroll down South Belfasts Lisburn Road
is an absolute must. Undoubtedly the most affluent retail
area outside the city centre, this walkable Queens Quarter
stretch is the spiritual home for designer boutiques, art
galleries, home accessories and shoes, jewels and lingerie.
Bespoke baby gifts, melt-in-the-mouth chocolates and relax-
ing day spas are all there for the asking. And a selection of
upmarket chains such as Benetton and Hobbs add to the
streets sophisticated air. Theres also a grande assort-
ment of cafes, bars and restaurants, including Swantons
Gourmet Food, and Original Roast Coffee Co, to ensure your
shopping onslaught is enhanced by fine food, gourmet gifts
and the occasional cocktail. Give yourself a few hours to fully
explore the strip, then waft back to your boudoir armed with
tissue-wrapped treats and be-ribboned bags a la Sex and
the City. You go girl!
Shopping on Lisburn Road
The N.Ireland
telephone code is +28
any Sex and the Ci t y protg. QOpen 10:00 - 17:30.
Cl osed Mon, Sun.
Jaffa Fountain, Kitchen Bar and Victoria Square
Fashion
Raspberry Beret G-2/3, 111 Bloomf ield Ave, tel.
9045 6216, Stunning frocks and el egant accessori es
adorn thi s fabul ous vintage shop where st yl e encapsu-
lates the centuri es. Tantali sing di splays of brooches,
bel ts, hats and handbags add that finshing touch, and
a range of Tat t y Devine baubl es and Lowi e kni t wear
(wi th oh-so-cute doll y detailing) l end a contemporar y
edge. Head to thi s deli ghtful retail find for some great
one-off threads, from the 1920s onwards, wor thy of
58
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Belfast In Your Pocket
Ards Craf tsL-3, 31 Regent St, Newtownards, Co.
Down, tel. 9182 6846. www.ards-council.gov.uk Ards
Crafts is an exclusive Craft Retail and Design Centre situated
in the Ards Tourist Information Centre, beside the Ulsterbus
Station in Regent Street, Newtownards. I ts contemporary
interior provides a platform for tradi tional and modern crafts
produced in the Ards Borough and across NI. Stretching
along Strangford Loughs eastern shore, the stunning Ards
Peninsula boasts some exceptionall y creati ve talent... and
this shop is a great place to view and purchase some of
the artists exquisi te work. Choose from a wide selection
of creati ve ceramics, pottery, j ewellery, batiks, textiles,
glass, wood and lots more. Open Mon-Fri 09:15-17:00,
Sat 09:15-17:00.
IKEA H-2, Holywood Exchange, 306 Airport Rd West,
off A2, www.ikea.com. Not since ABBA won Eurovision
has a Swedish icon stimulated so much exci tement. Yes, the
Scandanavian master of flat pack furni ture and minimalist
design has touched down right beside Bel fast Ci ty Airport.
Pack your van, grab a big trolley and head indoors for a low
budget shopping spree followed by meatballs and take-away
herrings. The restaurant is particularl y child-friendl y with free
food for babies and some great play areas. QOpen Mon-Fri
10:00-22:00, Sat 09:00-20:00, Sun 13:00-18:00.
Music
Premier Records B-1, 3-5 Smithfield Square North,
behind CastleCourt, tel. 9024 0896, premier-rcords@
hotmail.co.uk. Irish music fans will love this shop - the
oldest of i ts kind in Ireland. Famil y-owned and established
in 1926, Premier sells every manner of Irish tradi tional and
country music, as well as CDs and DVDs featuring the best
in Irish comedy. Their expertise is unri valled... nowhere else
in town will you get RTE puppet heroes Podge and Rodge
si tting alongside Daniel ODonnell, Tommy Fleming, The
Chieftans and Clannad. And there are even tapes and CDs
featuring Irish history and tradi tion - from the Easter Rising
to the Orange Order. Who says we cant all be friends?
Great stuff. Q Mon - Sat 09:30 - 17:30. . J
Speciali ty shops
Eamon Maguire Bodhrns and Bog Oak Sculp-
tures E-3, Conway Mill, Conway St, off Falls Rd, tel.
9031 2806. Bodhrn-maker extraordinaire Eamon Maguire
designs and builds these finel y decorated tradi tional Irish
drums in a workshop choc-o-bloc wi th an array of eye-
catching ye olde arti facts. The unfinished space has a real
treasure trove appeal making i t the ideal backdrop for
Eamons bodhrns (say borons) and Bog Oak sculptures.
Look for the Falls Fine Arts sign along the side of the big brick
Conway Mill. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00, Sat 10:00 - 14:00.
Miss Morans C-1, 4 Church Lane, off High St, tel.
9024 6826. In a world where smoking is a no-no, isnt i t
good to know a seriousl y tradi tional tobacco shop such
as this still exists. A veri tabl e Bel fast insti tution, Miss
Morans is a mini-museum fill ed wi th handroll ed cigars,
snuffs, tobaccos and pipes. I f you havent started, dont.
I f you have, indulge.
Old Tyme Favourites B-1, 23 Winetavern St, beside
Smithfield Market. Glass jars crammed wi th colourful
sweets catch the hungry eye at this sugar-coated candy
shop (not li terall y, you understand). All sorts of retro sweet-
ies are guaranteed to evoke happy childhood memories.
Dentists are on stand-by.
B-2, 9b The Fountain
Centre, College St,
tel. 9032 9342, www.
craf tanddesigncol-
lective.com. The Craft
& Desi gn Col l ecti ve
has brought together
Artist/Designer/Mak-
ers from across NI to
create this innovati ve
shop/gal l er y/exhi bi -
ti on area ri ght in the
ci ty centre. Head up the Fountain Centres escalator
and indulge in a dazzling choice of handmade pieces
youll find nowhere else in town. From the modest to the
more luxurious, and featuring everything from ceramics
to stylish jewellery, fashion and interior accessories,
Space CRAFT provides a relaxing al ternative to the high
street mle... and gives you the opportunity to support
local Artist/Designer/Makers. QOpen 10:30 - 17:30.
Closed Sun. J
Fri 6 - Sat 28 March: BELFAST
This new exhibition of Craft, Applied Art and Design is
intended to both challenge and inform public perception
of the creative genres. Open to Artist/Designer/Makers
working in Craft Disciplines recognised by the Crafts
Council of Great Britain and the Crafts Council of Ireland,
the exhibition will also feature a catalogue with images
of the selected pieces.
Space CRAFT
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
59
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Airlines
All airlines are based at Belfast International Aiport
(IA) or George Best Belfast City Airport (GB). For
airport details see Arriving (p.6).
Aer Arann (GB) tel. 0800 5872324, www.aerarann.
com. Cork
Aer Lingus (IA) tel. 0870 8765000 www.aerlingus.
com. Amsterdam, Barcelona, Faro, Lanzarote, London Hea-
throw, Malaga, Milan, Munich, Rome, Tenerife
Bmi (GB) tel. 0870 6070 555, www.f lybmi.com.
London Heathrow
Bmi Baby (IA) tel. 08702 642229, www.bmibaby.
com. Birmingham, Cardi ff, Manchester, Nottingham East
Midlands
Continental (IA) tel. 0845 607 6760, www.continen-
tal.com/uk. New York (Newark).
EasyJet (IA) tel. 0871 244 2366, www.easyjet.com.
Alicante, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bristol, Edinburgh, Faro,
Geneva, Glasgow, Ibiza, Krakow, Liverpool, London Gatwick,
London Luton, London Stansted, Malaga, Newcastle, Nice,
Palma Majorca, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Prague
Flybe (GB) tel. 0871 700 0535, www.flybe.com. Aberdeen,
Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Inverness, Jersey,
Leeds/Bradford, London Gatwick, Manchester,, Newcastle, Rennes,
Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield, Southampton
flyglobespan.com (IA), tel. 08705 561 522. Orlando
Sanford, Toronto (Hamilton)
Jet2.com (IA) tel. 0871 226 1 737, www.jet2.com.
Barcelona, Blackpool, Chambery, Dubrovnik, Ibiza, Jersey,
Leeds Bradford, Mahon, Malaga, Murcia, Newquay, Palma
Majorca, Pisa, Toulouse
Manx2 (GB/IA) www.manx2.com. Isle of Man.
Ryanair (GB) tel. 0035312497791, www.ryanair.
com. East Midlands, Glasgow (Prestwick), Li verpool and
London Stansted.
Car rental
Car hire desks also at both airports.
Avis 69 Great Victoria St., tel. 0870 606 0100
www.avis.co.uk.
Budget B-3, Norwood House, Great Victoria St.,
tel. 0870 156 5656, www.budget.ie.
Enterprise off A-5, Unit 1, Boucher Crescent, tel. 9066
6767, www.enterprise.com.
Europcar B-3, 105 Great Victoria St., tel. 9031 3500.
Hertz Belfast International Airport, tel. 9442 2533,
www.hertz.co.uk.
National B-2, 90 Grosvenor Rd, tel. 9032 5520,
www.nationalcar.co.uk.
Car parking
Approx. 1300 on-street city centre parking meters charge 1
per hour in increments of 25p per 15mins. Pay by coin or credit/
debit card. If that doesnt work, call the phone number written
on the meter and take a note of the meter number. Check street
signs to ensure you dont overstay your welcome, as many
spaces are restricted by time. And dont even think about not
paying and displaying, as the streets are swarming with red-
jacketed traffic wardens keen to bag their next prey. Car parks
are many, vary in price (from the OK to the eye-watering) and
marked with prominent blue and white NCP or P signs.
Belfast by Bus
Metro is the name for Belfasts bus service.
Metro Day Tickets - Explore Belfast in your own way
with these hop-on hop-off day tickets.
3.50: unlimited dail y use on Metro network Mon - Sat.
2.70 Mon - Sat after 10:00 or all day Sun (purchase
10:00 - 15:00 Mon - Sat and all day Sun).
Child fares half price. Metro Day Tickets valid for travel on
day of purchase only and cannot be transferred.
Bus links between Belfast City Centre and
Dublin Airport, tel. 9066 6630, www.translink.
co.uk. Ulsterbus Goldline Service No: 200 operates
between Europa Buscentre and Dublin Airport on the
hour, every hour. Tickets: Single 10.75 (14), Return
15.40 (20). These promotional fares may be wi th-
drawn at any time - call Translink on 9066 6630, www.
translink.co.uk for more details.
Northern Ireland by Train
Run by Translink, NI Railways operates a rail network
across the province serving the following routes:
Bangor line Bangor Belfast
Larne line Larne Harbour to Belfast
Derry line Derry Coleraine Belfast
Portadown line Newry Portadown Belfast
Dublin line - Belfast - Portadown - Newry - Dundalk
- Drogheda - Dublin (Enterprise Train). See Arriving
for more info (p.6).
Sunday Day Tracker
Unlimited Sunday travel on all NI scheduled train services
(5.50/2.75). No time restrictions apply.
Freedom of Northern Ireland Tickets
1 Day (15), 3 out of 8 Day (36) and 7 Day (53)
tickets are available from main bus and rail stations,
offering unlimi ted travel on all scheduled bus and rail
services wi thin NI. 1 Day Freedom of NI tickets can also
be purchased on board the bus or train.
NI Rambler Services
Translink operate a number of servi ces to promote
tourism in rural areas. These are ideal for tourists and
locals who want to explore some of NIs most spec-
tacular scenery by foot. Rambler services set down and
pick up at key locations, and service main bus stations.
Tickets can be purchased from the dri ver.
Year-round
Antrim Coaster (Service No 252)
Kilkeel Rambler (Service No 407)
Sperrin Rambler (Service No 403)
Seasonal
Causeway Rambler (Service No 402)
Mourne Rambler (Service No 405)
South Down Rambler (Service No 408)
Sunday Rambler Ticket
Unlimited Sunday travel on all scheduled Ulsterbus
services within NI (7.50/3.75). Must be purchased,
and the outward journey made, before 15:00. Available
from the driver.
Public Transport
www.inyourpocket.com
Sandyknowes
Ballyhenry
Road
Fairview
Road
Doagh
Road
Cloughfern
Station Road
Mallusk
Industrial
Estate
Northcott
Shopping
Centre
Antrim
Road
Roughfort
Hydepark
Ballyearl
Drive
Milewater
Drive
Manse
Way
Monkstown
Road
Church
Road
Derrycoole
Rathmore
Drive
Glengormley
East
Antrim
Institute
Carrs
Glen
Limestone
Road
Cavehill
Road
Innisfayle
Road
Somerton
Road
Skegoneill
Avenue
Jellicoe
Avenue
M
5


M
o
t
o
r
w
a
y
Hightown
Antrim
Road
Belfast Castle
Belfast Zoo
Bellevue
Whitewell
Road
Loughside
Park
Seaview
Football
Stadium
Shore
Road
Arthur
Road
Braden
Park
Abbeycentre
Silverstream
Alliance
Avenue
Oldpark
(Westland Rd)
Ligoniel
Twaddell
Avenue
Glencairn
Crumlin
Road
Carlisle
Circus
Alexandra
Park Ave.
Oldpark
Road
Duncairn
Gardens
York
Road
Grove
Baths
Duncrue
Road
Dargan
Road
West Bank
Road
Holywood
Exchange
Newtownards
Road
Connswater
Bridge
Holywood
Road
Cairnburn
Road
Sydenham
Road
Victoria
Park
Bridge
End
Belmont
Road
Connsbrook
Avenue
Divis
Street
Lower
Falls
Glen
Road
Falls Road
Monagh Road
Springfield Road
Royal
Victoria
Hospital
Whiterock
Road
Grosvenor
Road
Shankill
Road
Mater
Hospital
Falls
Park
Riverdale
Park
Park Centre
Boucher
Road
City
Hospital
Suffolk
Road
Lisburn
Road
Tates
Avenue
Ladybrook
Park
University
Avenue
Stewartstown
Road
Cherry Road
Upper
Dunmurry
Lane
Brians
Well
Road
Bell Steele
Road
University
Road
Kings Hall
Malone
Road
Upper Malone Road Finaghy
Road
South
Sicily Park
Stranmillis
Road
Balmoral Stranmillis Ormeau
(Forestside)
Belvoir
Drive
Belvoir
Road
Mount
Eagles
Malone
(Erinvale)
Kingsway
Ballybog
Road
Conway
Knockbreda
Road
Newton
Park
Cairnshill
Road
Saintfield
Road
Mount-
pottinger
Road
Albert
Bridge
Beersbridge
Road
Glen Road
Ballygowan Road
Ravenhill
Road
Ormeau
Road
Montgomery
Road
Mount
Merrion
Avenue
Albertbridge
Road
Queens
Bridge
Cregagh
Road
Whincroft
Way
Grand
Parade
Cregagh
Park
Woodstock
Road
Castlehill
Road
Upper
Newtownards
Road
North
Road
Stormont
Estate
Clara
Road
Braniel / Gilnahirk
Knock
Road
Twinbrook
Estate
M
2
M
o
t
o
r
w
a
y
Cliftonville
Road
Lagmore
View
Stockmans
Lane
Musgrave
Park
Hospital
Ballysillan
Road
Queens
University
Annadale
Avenue
Beechgrove
Ladas
Drive
Gilnahirk
Road
Melfort
Drive
Kings Road
East Link Road
Comber
Road
Old Dundonald
Road
Ulster
Hospital
(Dundonald)
Stoney
Road
Circular
Road
Carnmoney
Road
Burnthill
Road
Manse
Road
Mossley
Monkstown
Avenue
Royal
Mail
Mountainhill
Road
Ballygomartin
Road
Woodvale
Road
West Circular
Road
Yorkgate
Airport Rd
West
Monkstown Estate
Carnmoney /
Ballyhenry
Forthill
Drive
New
Mossley
M2 Motorway
Forthriver
Road
Springmartin
Kennedy
Centre
Glencolin
Lenadoon
Poleglass
Estate
Ladybrook
Cross
Summerhill
Road
Balmoral
Newforge
Lane
Hydebank
Four Winds
Mount
Merrion
Ballybeen
Estate
Old
Holywood
Road
Dargan
Crescent
Holywood Road
(Knocknagoney)
Upper Knockbreda Road
Castlereagh
Road
Forster
Green
Hospital
Laurelgrove
(to be constructed)
Beechill
Blacks
Road
Hightown Road
Andersonstown
Road
Boucher
Crescent
Ballyduff
Sydenham
By-pass
Belfast City
Airport
Jackson's Road
Old
Holywood
Road
Belfast
Road
Sandown
Road
Donegall Road
Hawthornden
Way
M
2
M
o
t
o
r
w
a
y
Tudor Drive
Carnmoney
Road
Ligoniel
2
64
61
61, 64
80
80, 80A
57, 57A
57A
61
80, 80A
6
6
79
29, 29A, 30
3
3
94, 600
96
96
96
18
20 20A, 23
1 12
12
11A
11
11B/ C/ D
11C/ D
11B/ D
10
10B/ C/ D/ E/ F
10B/ C
10D/ E
9
7 8
8A/ B/ C
8B/ C 8A
7A, 7C
6 5
5
4
3
1D
9B/ C
9A/ C
12A
11A
11A
1F
1B
57, 57A
80, 80A
12A
12B
12B
12
10F
10A/ B/ C/ D
10B
10B
10A
10D/ E
10D/ E/ F
81A, 82A
10A
95
91, 92A
80, 80A, 81, 81A
82, 82A 81, 81A, 82, 82A
89, 90, 91, 92, 92A/ B
90, 92, 92A/ B
80A
80A
9A/ C
93
93
93
90, 92, 92A/ B
8C
8A/ B
29, 29A
30, 30A, 77, 78
29, 29A
78
78, 79
29, 77, 78, 79
30, 79
79
77, 78
6
30, 30A
5A
5
5
18, 29
18
4A
23, 27, 28
20, 20A, 23
29
94
3
3
1E/ H 1E
1E/ F
1E/ F
1A
1B/ C/ G
2B
1G
2B
1D
1A/ C 2A/ B
14A
2A
2D
2B/ D
2E/ F
2D/ E
2F
2B/ D/ E/ F
13, 13C
1A/C
2D/ E/ F
2D/ E/ F
1A/C
1H
1E/ F/ H
1D
30, 31
29, 29A
94 96
27, 28
19, 19A, 20, 20A
29, 29A
30, 30A, 31
31
5B
7C/ D
7B, 7D
7B, 7D
7A, 7C
77, 78
77, 78
77, 30
2E
1B/ C/ D
14
13, 13A/B
14, 14A
57
10D/ E/ F
10F
10E/ F
10E/ F
10C/ D
81A, 82A
81A, 82A
81, 81A, 82, 82A
80, 80A, 81, 81A
82, 82A
81, 81A
27, 28, 29
27, 28, 29
28
28 28
28
27
29
28
27
19A
19, 19A
18, 19, 19A
13C, 14C
13B
14B
14, 14A/B 13, 13A/B
13, 13A/B
77, 78
600
600
19, 19A
92B
18, 19, 19A
19, 19A
19A
19
13A
13C, 14C
1B/ C/ D/ G
13C, 14C
13C, 14C
14, 14A/B/C
13, 13A/B/C
14, 14A/B/C
13, 13A/B/C
29
13, 13A/B
14, 14A/B
14, 14A/B/C
13, 13A/B/C
28
27
14, 14C
18, 19, 19A
600
2A
2A/ B
2A/ B 2B
82, 82A
R
B
R
R B
R
Belfast
City
Centre
Showing High Frequency
Corridors within the
Metro Network
Antrim Road
Shore Road
Holywood Road
Upper Newtownards Rd
Castlereagh Road
Cregagh Road
Ormeau Road
Malone Road
Lisburn Road
Falls Road
Shankill Road
Oldpark Road
Main Corridors within Metro Network
From every
5-10 mins
From every
15-30 mins
Other Routes
Single direction routes indicated by arrows
Inbound Outbound Circular Route
2
1
7
5
9
12
10
11
6
4
8
3
16
Terminus City Express 13
Bus/Rail Station R B
Metro Bus Network
A large print format of
this map is available
on request from the
Translink Call Centre
Tel. 028 90 66 66 30
Sandyknowes
Ballyhenry
Road
Fairview
Road
Doagh
Road
Cloughfern
Station Road
Mallusk
Industrial
Estate
Northcott
Shopping
Centre
Antrim
Road
Roughfort
Hydepark
Ballyearl
Drive
Milewater
Drive
Manse
Way
Monkstown
Road
Church
Road
Derrycoole
Rathmore
Drive
Glengormley
East
Antrim
Institute
Carrs
Glen
Limestone
Road
Cavehill
Road
Innisfayle
Road
Somerton
Road
Skegoneill
Avenue
Jellicoe
Avenue
M
5


M
o
t
o
r
w
a
y
Hightown
Antrim
Road
Belfast Castle
Belfast Zoo
Bellevue
Whitewell
Road
Loughside
Park
Seaview
Football
Stadium
Shore
Road
Arthur
Road
Braden
Park
Abbeycentre
Silverstream
Alliance
Avenue
Oldpark
(Westland Rd)
Ligoniel
Twaddell
Avenue
Glencairn
Crumlin
Road
Carlisle
Circus
Alexandra
Park Ave.
Oldpark
Road
Duncairn
Gardens
York
Road
Grove
Baths
Duncrue
Road
Dargan
Road
West Bank
Road
Holywood
Exchange
Newtownards
Road
Connswater
Bridge
Holywood
Road
Cairnburn
Road
Sydenham
Road
Victoria
Park
Bridge
End
Belmont
Road
Connsbrook
Avenue
Divis
Street
Lower
Falls
Glen
Road
Falls Road
Monagh Road
Springfield Road
Royal
Victoria
Hospital
Whiterock
Road
Grosvenor
Road
Shankill
Road
Mater
Hospital
Falls
Park
Riverdale
Park
Park Centre
Boucher
Road
City
Hospital
Suffolk
Road
Lisburn
Road
Tates
Avenue
Ladybrook
Park
University
Avenue
Stewartstown
Road
Cherry Road
Upper
Dunmurry
Lane
Brians
Well
Road
Bell Steele
Road
University
Road
Kings Hall
Malone
Road
Upper Malone Road Finaghy
Road
South
Sicily Park
Stranmillis
Road
Balmoral Stranmillis Ormeau
(Forestside)
Belvoir
Drive
Belvoir
Road
Mount
Eagles
Malone
(Erinvale)
Kingsway
Ballybog
Road
Conway
Knockbreda
Road
Newton
Park
Cairnshill
Road
Saintfield
Road
Mount-
pottinger
Road
Albert
Bridge
Beersbridge
Road
Glen Road
Ballygowan Road
Ravenhill
Road
Ormeau
Road
Montgomery
Road
Mount
Merrion
Avenue
Albertbridge
Road
Queens
Bridge
Cregagh
Road
Whincroft
Way
Grand
Parade
Cregagh
Park
Woodstock
Road
Castlehill
Road
Upper
Newtownards
Road
North
Road
Stormont
Estate
Clara
Road
Braniel / Gilnahirk
Knock
Road
Twinbrook
Estate
M
2
M
o
t
o
r
w
a
y
Cliftonville
Road
Lagmore
View
Stockmans
Lane
Musgrave
Park
Hospital
Ballysillan
Road
Queens
University
Annadale
Avenue
Beechgrove
Ladas
Drive
Gilnahirk
Road
Melfort
Drive
Kings Road
East Link Road
Comber
Road
Old Dundonald
Road
Ulster
Hospital
(Dundonald)
Stoney
Road
Circular
Road
Carnmoney
Road
Burnthill
Road
Manse
Road
Mossley
Monkstown
Avenue
Royal
Mail
Mountainhill
Road
Ballygomartin
Road
Woodvale
Road
West Circular
Road
Yorkgate
Airport Rd
West
Monkstown Estate
Carnmoney /
Ballyhenry
Forthill
Drive
New
Mossley
M2 Motorway
Forthriver
Road
Springmartin
Kennedy
Centre
Glencolin
Lenadoon
Poleglass
Estate
Ladybrook
Cross
Summerhill
Road
Balmoral
Newforge
Lane
Hydebank
Four Winds
Mount
Merrion
Ballybeen
Estate
Old
Holywood
Road
Dargan
Crescent
Holywood Road
(Knocknagoney)
Upper Knockbreda Road
Castlereagh
Road
Forster
Green
Hospital
Laurelgrove
(to be constructed)
Beechill
Blacks
Road
Hightown Road
Andersonstown
Road
Boucher
Crescent
Ballyduff
Sydenham
By-pass
Belfast City
Airport
Jackson's Road
Old
Holywood
Road
Belfast
Road
Sandown
Road
Donegall Road
Hawthornden
Way
M
2
M
o
t
o
r
w
a
y
Tudor Drive
Carnmoney
Road
Ligoniel
2
64
61
61, 64
80
80, 80A
57, 57A
57A
61
80, 80A
6
6
79
29, 29A, 30
3
3
94, 600
96
96
96
18
20 20A, 23
1 12
12
11A
11
11B/ C/ D
11C/ D
11B/ D
10
10B/ C/ D/ E/ F
10B/ C
10D/ E
9
7 8
8A/ B/ C
8B/ C 8A
7A, 7C
6 5
5
4
3
1D
9B/ C
9A/ C
12A
11A
11A
1F
1B
57, 57A
80, 80A
12A
12B
12B
12
10F
10A/ B/ C/ D
10B
10B
10A
10D/ E
10D/ E/ F
81A, 82A
10A
95
91, 92A
80, 80A, 81, 81A
82, 82A 81, 81A, 82, 82A
89, 90, 91, 92, 92A/ B
90, 92, 92A/ B
80A
80A
9A/ C
93
93
93
90, 92, 92A/ B
8C
8A/ B
29, 29A
30, 30A, 77, 78
29, 29A
78
78, 79
29, 77, 78, 79
30, 79
79
77, 78
6
30, 30A
5A
5
5
18, 29
18
4A
23, 27, 28
20, 20A, 23
29
94
3
3
1E/ H 1E
1E/ F
1E/ F
1A
1B/ C/ G
2B
1G
2B
1D
1A/ C 2A/ B
14A
2A
2D
2B/ D
2E/ F
2D/ E
2F
2B/ D/ E/ F
13, 13C
1A/C
2D/ E/ F
2D/ E/ F
1A/C
1H
1E/ F/ H
1D
30, 31
29, 29A
94 96
27, 28
19, 19A, 20, 20A
29, 29A
30, 30A, 31
31
5B
7C/ D
7B, 7D
7B, 7D
7A, 7C
77, 78
77, 78
77, 30
2E
1B/ C/ D
14
13, 13A/B
14, 14A
57
10D/ E/ F
10F
10E/ F
10E/ F
10C/ D
81A, 82A
81A, 82A
81, 81A, 82, 82A
80, 80A, 81, 81A
82, 82A
81, 81A
27, 28, 29
27, 28, 29
28
28 28
28
27
29
28
27
19A
19, 19A
18, 19, 19A
13C, 14C
13B
14B
14, 14A/B 13, 13A/B
13, 13A/B
77, 78
600
600
19, 19A
92B
18, 19, 19A
19, 19A
19A
19
13A
13C, 14C
1B/ C/ D/ G
13C, 14C
13C, 14C
14, 14A/B/C
13, 13A/B/C
14, 14A/B/C
13, 13A/B/C
29
13, 13A/B
14, 14A/B
14, 14A/B/C
13, 13A/B/C
28
27
14, 14C
18, 19, 19A
600
2A
2A/ B
2A/ B 2B
82, 82A
R
B
R
R B
R
Belfast
City
Centre
Showing High Frequency
Corridors within the
Metro Network
Antrim Road
Shore Road
Holywood Road
Upper Newtownards Rd
Castlereagh Road
Cregagh Road
Ormeau Road
Malone Road
Lisburn Road
Falls Road
Shankill Road
Oldpark Road
Main Corridors within Metro Network
From every
5-10 mins
From every
15-30 mins
Other Routes
Single direction routes indicated by arrows
Inbound Outbound Circular Route
2
1
7
5
9
12
10
11
6
4
8
3
16
Terminus City Express 13
Bus/Rail Station R B
Metro Bus Network
A large print format of
this map is available
on request from the
Translink Call Centre
Tel. 028 90 66 66 30
Day Ticket
3.50
2.70
*
Anywhere, anytime onthe
Metronetwork, any one day,
Monday toSaturday
Anywhere onthe Metronetwork,
after 10amany one day, Monday
toSaturday or all day Sunday
For wherever life takes youtoday
Pick upyour MetroDay Ticket fromthe driver
For more details call
028 90 66 66 30
or click: translink.co.uk/metro
These are adult fares - child fares are half of the above. Metro Day Ticket fares are valid for travel on the day
of purchase only. *Available for purchase between 10am and 3pm Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday
Metro Dayticket master doc:Layout 1 24/7/08 13:58 Page 1
64
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
streets & MaPs
Academy St. C-1
Adelaide St. C-2/3
Agincourt Ave. C/D-5
Albert Sq. C/D-1
Albion St. B-3
Alfred St. C-2/3
Amelia St. B-2
Ann St. C-2
Ann St. C-2, D-1
Annadale Embankment C/D-5
Apsley St. C-3
Arthur St. C-2
Ashborne Mews C-3
Ashleigh Ave. A-5
Balfour Ave. D-4
Bank St. C-1
Bankmore St. C-3
Bedford St. C-2/3
Berry St. C-1
Bl ythe St. B-3
Botanic Ave. B/C-4
Bradbury Pl. B-4
Bridge End D-1
Bridge St. C-1
Bruce St. B-3
Brunswick St. B-2
Callender St. C-2
Camden St. B-4
Carmel St. C-5
Castle Lane C-2
Castle Pl C-1/2
Castle Pl. C-1/2
Castle St. B/C-2
Chapel Lane B-1
Charlotte St. C-3
Chichester St. C-2
Claremont St. B-4
Clarence St. C-3
Colenso Parade B/C-5
College Gdns. B-5
College Park Ave. C-5
College Pk. C-4
College Sq. B-2
College St. B-2
Cooke St. D-4
Cornmarket C-2
Corporation St. C-1
Cromac St. C-3, D-2
Cromwell Rd. C-4
Cullingtree Rd. A-2
Distillery St. A-3
Divis St. A-1
Donegall Pass C-3
Donegall Pl. C-2
Donegall Quay D-1
Donegall Rd. A/B-4
Donegall Sq. East C-2
Donegall Sq. North C-2
Donegall Sq. South C-2
Donegall Sq. West C-2
Donegall St. C-1
Dublin Rd. B/C-3
Dunbar Link. C-1
Dunluce Ave. A-4
Durham St. B-2
East Bridge St. D-2
Eglantine Ave. A/B-5
Elgin St. D-5
Elm St. C-3
Elmwood Ave. B-4
Erin Way C-3
Falls Rd. A-1/2
Fitzroy Ave. C/D-4
Fitzwilliam St. B-4
Fountain St. C-2
Franklin St. C-2
Glengall St B-2
Gloucester St. C-2
Gordon St. C-1
Grace St. C-2
Gresham St. B-1
Grosvenor Rd. A-2, B-2
Gt. Victoria St. B-3
Hamill St. B-2
Hamil ton St. C-2
Hardcastle St. C-3
Haymarket C-1
High St. C-1
Hill St. C-1
Hope St. B-3
Howard St. B/C-2
Howard St. South C-3
India St. C-4
Ireton St. C-4
James St. South C-2
Joy St. C-2/3
Jubilee Rd. A-4
King St. B-1
Lagan Bridge D-1
Lindsay St. C-3
Linenhall St. C-2/3
Linfield Rd. B-3
Lisburn Rd. A-5, B-4
Little May St. C-2
Lombard St. C-1
Lower Crescent B-4
Malone Ave. A-5
Malone Rd. B-5
Marcus Ward St. C-3
Maryville St. C-3
May St. C/D-2
McAuley St. D-3
McClintock St. C-2/3
McClure St. C-4
Millfield B-1
Montgomery St. C-2
Mount Charles B-4
Murray St. B-2
North St. B/C-1
Northumberland St. A-1
Ormeau Ave. C-3
Ormeau Bridge D-5
Ormeau Embankment
D-3/4/5
Ormeau Rd. C-3, D-4, D-5
Oxford St. D-2
Peters Hill B-1
Pottingers Entry C-1
Queen Elizabeth Bridge D-1
Queen St. B-2
Queens Arcade C-2
Queens Bridge D-1
Queens Quay D-1
Queens Sq. C/D-1
River Terrace D-3/4
Rosemary St. C-1
Royal Ave. C-1
Rugby Ave. C/D-4
Rugby Rd. C-4/5
Russell St. C-2
Salisbury St. C-3
Sandy Row B-3
Servia St. A-2
Shaftesbury Ave. D-4
Shaftesbury Sq. B-3
Shankill Rd. A-1
Station St. Fl yover D-1
Stewart St. D-3
Stranmillis Embankment
C/D-5
Stranmillis Rd. B-5
Sussex Pl. C-2
Talbot St. C-1
Tates Ave. A-5
The Gasworks D-3
Tomb St. D-1
Ulsterville Ave. A-4
University Ave. C/D-4
University Rd. B-4/5
University Sq. B-4
University St. B/C-4
Upper Arthur St. C-2
Upper Crescent. B-4
Upper Library St. B-1
Upper Queen St. B-2
Ventry St. B-3
Vernon St. C-4
Victoria St C-1, D-2
Waring St. C-1
Wellesley Ave. A/B-5
Wellington Pk. A/B-5
Wellington Pl. B/C-2
Wellington St. B/C-2
Well wood St. B-3
Westlink A-2/3, B-1
William St. South C-2
Windsor Ave. A-5
Wolsley St. C-4
York St. C-1
4
E G F H
E G F H
3
1
2
4
3
1
2
GREATER BELFAST
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
65
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
streets & MaPs
N
O
R
T
H
E
R
N

I
R
E
L
A
N
D
4
I
K
J
L
I
K
J
L
M M
3 1 2
4 3 1 2
66
index
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
a 2Taps p.26
Advocate p.30
Aldens p.22
AM:PM p.30
Apartment p.31
Ark Hostel p.19
Arnie's Backpackers p.19
Ash-Rowan Town House p.17
Auntie Annie's p.34
Bar Bacca p.31
Beatrice Kennedy p.23
Beatties p.29
Belfast City Hall p.41
Belfast International Youth
Hostel p.19
Belfast Wheel p.41
Bienvenue Guest House p.
Botanic Inn p.32
Botanic Lodge p.19
Bourbon p.23
Bowdens p.19
Caf Conor p.27
Caf Renoir p.27
Caf Vaudeville p.31
Camera House p.18
Cayenne p.23
Central Library p.44
Club Mono p.34
Cocoon Yourself p.56
Coffee Yard and Yard Gallery
p.26
Comfort Hotel Antrim p.20
Copper Moon p.56
Cordia Serviced Apartments
p.20
Crescent Townhouse p.16
Crown Liquor Saloon p.32
Culloden Hotel p.15
Cutters River Grill & Bar p.31
Days Hotel p.16
Deanes at Queens p.23
Delaneys p.27
Divis & Black Mountain p.46
Dubarrys p.36
Duke of York p.32
Eamon Maguire Bodhrns and
Bog Oak Sculptures p.58
Eglantine p.30
Emerald House p.19
Empire p.34
Europa Hotel p.15
Express by Holiday Inn p.
Falls Road p.48
Farset International Hostel p.20
Fat Buddha p.21
For Cod & Ulster p.29
Front Page p.32
Garrick p.32
Ginger Bistro p.23
Gingeroot p.22
Ginger Tree p.21
Hercules p.32
Hil ton Belfast p.15
Holiday Inn p.15
IKEA p.58
Indie Spice p.22
Irene and Nans p.31
James Street South p.24
John Hewitt p.32
Jurys Inn p.16
Kainan Cafe p.27
Katy Dal y's p.32
Kitchen Bar p.32
Kremlin p.36
La Lea p.34
Laverys p.30
Lee Garden p.21
Limelight p.34
Linen House p.20
Long's Fish Restaurant p.29
Lynwood Property p.20, 54
Made In Belfast^t27
Malmaison p.15
Malone Lodge Hotel p.
Maranatha p.8
Marine Guest House p.18
Martyr's Memorial Free
Presbyterian Church p.44
May Street Presbyterian Church
p.44
McHughs p.34
Merchant Hotel p.15
Milk p.35
Miss Moran's p.58
Moll y's Yard p.24
Moravian Church p.44
Morrisons p.31
Mourne Seafood Bar p.24
MovieHouse p.14
Muriel's Cafe Bar p.27
Myntv36
Nick's Warehouse p.24
No. 27 Talbot Street p.24
Odyssey p.14
Old Moat Inn p.26, 30
Old Tyme Favourites p.58
Olive Tree Company p.27
Open Window Productions p.56
Original Roast Coffee Company
p.28
Oxford Exchange Bar & Grill
p.24
Park Inn p.17
Park Plaza Hotel p.20
Pavilion p.34
Porterhouse p.24
Potthouse Bar & Grill p.31
Premier Inn p.17
Premier Inn, Cathedral Quarter
p.17
Printers Cafe Bar p.7
Radisson SAS p.15
Ramada p.16
Raspberry Beret p.57
Rayanne House p.
RBG p.21
Rex Bar p.35
Robinsons p.30
Rockies p.30
Roost p.34
Roscoff p.24
Roseleigh House p.18
Sakura p.21
Shu p.24
Sinclair Seaman's Church p.44
Somerton House p.19
Spaniard p.32
Speranza2 p.24
Spires Restaurant & Coffee
Shop p.27
Spring & Airbrake p.34
Springfield B&B p.19
Spuds p.29
Square p.24
St. Anne's Cathedral p.42
Stiff Kitten p.36
Stormont Hotel p.16
Swantons Gourmet Foods p.27
Tara Lodge p.19
Tedfords p.26
Templeton Hotel p.20
Ten Square p.15
TGI Friday's p.21
The Wicker Man p.56
Thompsons p.35
Tony Roma's p.21
Travelodge p.17
Ulster Rugby p.14
Water Margin p.22
West Belfast Taxi Association
p.49
White Fort Inn p.35
White's Tavern p.34
Zen p.21
index
Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com February - March 2009 belfast.inyourpocket.com
JAZZ ROCK
COUNTRY DRAMA
CULTURE PANTO
Step into
The Courtyard
and see whats on
for you!
028 9084 8287
www.newtownabbey.gov.uk

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