The Best of Belfast

Highlights

Northern Ireland's treasure house of the past and present.
Take 8,000 square metres of galleries, add rich collections of art, archaeology, local history and natural sciences, mix them with a constantly changing programme of temporary exhibitions and events, and you have all the ingredients for a fascinating voyage of discovery. From ancient Ireland to the South Pacific, from masterpieces of modern art to rare flowers. — Northern Ireland's treasure house of the past and present. Take 8,000 square metres of galleries, add rich collections of art, archaeology, local history and natural sciences, mix them with a constantly changing programme of temporary exhibitions and events, and you have all the ingredients for a fascinating voyage of discovery. From ancient Ireland to the South Pacific, from masterpieces of modern art to rare flowers.

Botanic Ct, Belfast BT9 5AB, UK

Bring all the family to see dinosaur exhibits, Egyptian mummies and art galleries, as well as interactive science, art and history exhibitions. It’s a great building to spend time in – but don’t miss the adjacent Botanic Gardens.

April 20, 2021 03:57 PM

Yvonne Gordon

The Odyssey, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ, UK

Otherwise known as Whowhatwherewhenwhy, W5 is a fun interactive discovery centre in the Titanic Quarter. Beat the lie detector, touch the sound wall, build a race car or robot, play invisible instruments and boggle your mind with optical illusions. It’s designed for kids, but big people will love it just as much. Photo: NITB.

April 20, 2021 03:57 PM

Yvonne Gordon

The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, voted Irish Museum of the Year, illustrates the way of life and the traditions of the people of the north of Ireland.

The Transport Museum, one of the finest in Europe, displays Ireland's largest and most comprehensive transport collection, from horse-drawn carts to Irish built motor cars, and from the mighty steam locomotives that graced our railways to the history of ship and aircraft building. Permanent exhibitions of international acclaim also include Titanic and X2 Flight Experience. — The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, voted Irish Museum of the Year, illustrates the way of life and the traditions of the people of the north of Ireland. The Transport Museum, one of the finest in Europe, displays Ireland's largest and most comprehensive transport collection, from horse-drawn carts to Irish built motor cars, and from the mighty steam locomotives that graced our railways to the history of ship and aircraft building. Permanent exhibitions of international acclaim also include Titanic and X2 Flight Experience.

Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

153 Bangor Road

A short drive from the city in Cultra, this museum not only has an impressive collection of vehicles from past times, including trams, steam trains and buses, but there are recreations of thatched cottages, farms, schools and shops from over 100 years ago – complete with costumed characters. There’s also an impressive Titanic exhibition in the museum, with authentic artefacts. The museum is big, with a large outdoor section, so leave yourself a couple of hours take it all in. Photo: NITB.

April 20, 2021 03:57 PM

Yvonne Gordon