Start at Donegall Square, the heart of Belfast, anchored by the grand Belfast City Hall. This Victorian masterpiece, with its green copper dome, sets the tone, pop inside for a free guided tour (check times, about 20 minutes) or admire its ornate exterior. Stroll 5 minutes north to the Linen Quarter, Belfast’s historic textile district, now buzzing with cafés and bars. Stop at Established Coffee (54 Hill Street), a cosy, no-reservations spot known for superb flat whites and artisan pastries. Arrive early for a quick breakfast or coffee to fuel your walk, soaking up the modern Belfast vibe.
Head 10 minutes east to the Cathedral Quarter, where cobbled streets brim with character. Visit St Anne’s Cathedral (Donegall Street), a neo-Romanesque gem with intricate mosaics. Spend 15 minutes exploring (entry is free, donations welcomed). Nearby, wander through Commercial Court, famous for its colourful street art and historic pubs. Pop into The Duke of York (7-11 Commercial Court) for a quick pint of Guinness or a non-alcoholic alternative, steeped in old-school charm.
Next, walk 10 minutes south to Victoria Square, a modern shopping hub with a glass dome offering panoramic city views (free access). From here, it’s a 15-minute stroll northeast to the Titanic Quarter. En route, pause at The Big Fish sculpture (Donegall Quay), a quirky mosaic-covered salmon with Belfast’s history etched into its scales.
In the Titanic Quarter, visit Titanic Belfast (1 Olympic Way), an iconic museum chronicling the city’s shipbuilding past and the Titanic’s story. Spend 45 minutes exploring the highlights (book tickets in advance to avoid queues). Its shimmering, ship-like design is a must-see, even from the outside.
For a sweet finish, walk 10 minutes back towards the city centre to Maggie Mays (50 Botanic Avenue), a beloved café near Queen’s University. Grab a traybake, like a fifteens or caramel square, for a quintessentially Irish treat, no bookings, so get there promptly.
This four-hour tour blends Belfast’s historic charm, industrial legacy, and culinary delights. Wear comfortable shoes, check museum ticket requirements, and enjoy the city’s warm, evolving spirit.
Ireland county by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Largest town walking tour
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Towns
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Villages
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
