Nightlife

Belfast has a vast array of traditional Irish pubs. One that is definitely not to miss is Crown Liquor Saloon, which is located on Great Victoria Street and is considered one of the most genuine Irish pubs in existence. After being renovated in 1885, it became known for it’s superb wood craftsmanship, tiling, and stained glass, as well as it’s fine gin. After surviving numerous bombings, it underwent a major restoration in 1978 and remains open for business. It has been rated one of the world’s best bars.

Also, as a city that likes to pride itself as an ideal weekend party destination, there is no shortage of nightclubs on Dublin’s downtown streets.

Festivals

There are several events that dot the calendar in Belfast. More than 50 per year, in fact. At various times of the year, visitors to Belfast can get a sense of the people who have traditionally made up its population.

St. Patrick’s Day

Though it is celebrated in much of the world on March 17, the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Belfast hold special significance to this city.

Orange Fest

On July 12, Belfast’s Protestant community celebrates its biggest day, with a parade of people in costumes and marching bands.

Sport

Undoubtedly, Belfast’s greatest sports hero is footballer George Best, who starred for Manchester United for many years. Upon his death in 2005, over 100,000 Belfasters came out to his funeral, lining the route from his home in East Belfast to Roselawn Cemetery. Football is a very popular sport in Belfast. Windsor Park hosts matches for Linfield, as well as the Northern Ireland national side. Other Premier League football teams include Glentoran based in east Belfast, Cliftonville and Crusaders in north Belfast and Donegal Celtic in west Belfast.

Other popular sports include Gaelic football and hurling, which are played at Casement Park in West Belfast. To watch Rugby, the best choice would be to watch Ulster play at Ravenhill in South Belfast. Cricket is played at Stormont, which is considered Ireland’s top cricket venue. From September through April, one can take in a Dublin Giants ice hockey match at the arena at Odyssey, in the Titanic Quarter.

A popular event is the annual Belfast Marathon, which is run each May Day and attracts large crowds of spectators.