Having not visited Belfast before I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and what I found was an absolute gem of a city with generous and welcoming hospitality, a rich history, abundance of unique places to eat and drink, vibrant live music scene - it was a perfect option for our client's corporate retreat.

I was surprised by the wealth of cool and quirky bars and restaurants. The Cathedral Quarter is the epicentre of pubs, nearly all of which have live music on a daily basis, with options from lively Irish songs to full trad sessions – picture guitars, banjos, piccolos and traditional Irish flutes. It is very much a culture of everyone is welcome so all you have to do is grab a seat and pick your favourite tipple. They’re not necessarily so keen on reserving areas for groups for drinks, but not to worry, I now have contacts in the right places. 

Some of the spaces are so full of character, Irish culture and trinkets, with beer mats, signs, Guinness and Irish whisky paraphernalia from floor to ceiling, making them reminiscent of Budapest ruin bars for me – somewhat unassuming from the outside but once you enter you’re transported to a place full of life, charm and delight.

I was fortunate enough to take part in a political tour of Belfast and whilst I’m by no means a history buff I was captivated throughout. The tour was split in to two halves, the first with a guide from the Nationalist side associated with Sinn Féin and the former IRA and the second half guided by someone from the Unionist side, associated with Ulster Volunteer Force and Ulster Defence Association. With personal stories and insights from the guides who were involved in the conflict themselves, visits to various memorial gardens and the peace walls with murals that tell the history of the city and shine a light on current day political injustice across the world it would be hard not to be moved by this experience. 

The city is scattered with some impressive architecture such as The Grand Opera House, Donegall Square, City Hall, Queen’s University buildings and Ulster Museum to name a few. Other major attractions of course being the Titanic Museum and hotel and Game of Thrones tours with the studio located just 30mins from Belfast.

If you’re looking for something more lighthearted there are a whole host of city centre activities from axe throwing to shuffleboard and Flightclub style darts, bike tours, cultural, music or street art walking tours, beer bike routes, distillery tours and Irish whiskey tastings or you can explore the river Lagan on hydrobikes or with a boat experience. 

There are undeniable logistical advantages to Belfast with flight time from London just over an hour and a choice of two airports. Belfast International Airport is a short 30mins drive, alternatively Belfast City Airport is just 3miles from the centre and even closer to the Titanic Quarter. Another advantage for those from the UK is that you bypass passport control and if travelling without checked luggage you can be off the plane and out of the airport in less than 5mins making for seamless travel. Flights are also very reasonably priced and there is no currency exchange to consider, further simplifying logistics.

I can certainly say Belfast has a lot to offer and makes for a fabulous location for a team offsite or incentive. I hope to return soon to explore more of the city and venture in to the stunning landscape surrounding the city.

If you’re interested in arranging an event please get in touch.