Looking for inspiration for your family days out this spring? Well, why not explore some of Belfast’s most iconic venues and discover the newest activities and attractions that Belfast and the surrounding region has to offer. As the longer days appear and Belfast comes alive for days and nights out, explore the top attractions and experiences in and around the capital that are sure to put a spring in your step.
Belfast 2024 is a cultural celebration made by the people of Belfast. The year-long programme sees the city come to life with many creative projects, inspiring initiatives and unforgettable moments.
There is an array of Spring events to choose from on the programme including the opening of Show Some Love Greenhouse, a city centre collaborative space, and community boat building workshops.
Belfast is also gearing up to begin the event with Little Amal this Spring, who visits the city from 16-19 May. The 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee child, will take a journey across the city, making it her home for a weekend. The full programme of activities can be found at www.belfast2024.co.uk.
Awful Auntie
Why not check out David Walliams’ Awful Auntie at The Grand Opera House, sure to be hit for every kid, whether young or not so young.
It tells the story of Stella who sets off to visit London with her parents – but she has no idea her life is in danger! Waking up three months later, only Stella’s Aunt Alberta can tell her what has happened. But not everything Alberta tells her turns out to be true and Stella quickly discovers she’s in for the fight of her life against her very own Awful Auntie.
Following their acclaimed productions of Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy and Demon Dentist, Birmingham Stage Company presents this fabulous new production of David Walliams’ amazing adventure story, featuring a very large owl, a very small ghost and of course a very Awful Auntie! The show runs from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 April.
Spring Spectacular at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Running until 6 May, come along and see the gardens of Northern Ireland’s Royal residence erupt in colour as the Spring Spectacular returns for 2024. Be dazzled by over half a million bulbs in bloom as 76 different varieties spring to life, of which 32 are new to the gardens. Daffodils and crocuses will mark the emergence of the gardens from Winter, handing over to tulips and camassia later in the Spring. Take a stroll amongst the blooms for a perfect relaxing day out, savouring the tranquillity of the beautiful grounds.
Clifton House Tour: Experience the Belfast Poorhouse
One of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Belfast, Clifton House is celebrating 250 years since its doors first opened in 1774.
To mark this special anniversary, visitors can enjoy a newly launched unique guided tour, exploring the early development of the house and its evolution through the years, during which time it has survived rebellions and revolutions while continuing to look after the welfare of the people of the city.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to view a new exhibition in the Heritage Centre which displays some of the key artefacts and archives that tell the story of this Poorhouse and its vital role in society.
McConnell’s Distillery Signature Tour
Dating back to 1776, McConnell’s Irish Whisky has been re-launched by Belfast Distillery Company and has just recently opened a working distillery at Crumlin Road Gaol to visitors.
McConnell’s was Born in Belfast, one of the world’s great industrial cities, and has been synonymous with the city for many decades. Indeed, whiskey was once one of Belfast’s premier industries, back in the 1800s producing more of the spirit than any other city on the island of Ireland.
The team at Belfast Distillery Company is restoring this great tradition through the McConnell’s Distillery and Visitor Experience in the heart of the city.
Visitors can explore the state-of-the-art distillery, where every step echoes heritage and innovation, immersing themselves in the passion behind the award-winning whiskies. Learn about the distilling process and of course, taste some of McConnell’s Irish whiskies along the way.
Colin Glen
Explore Colin Glen Forest in search of some familiar friends this Spring. Discover the country’s only official Gruffalo Trail. Delve deeper into the Gruffalo and Stick Man stories, searching for the famous characters in the woods, listening wide-eyed and wondered to the classic tales.
Visitors can also try one of the other popular attractions such as Ireland’s first alpine coaster, the Black Bull Run and the 250m Forest Flyover zipline at Colin Glen’s Mountain Entrance. Or why not try out Ireland’s longest zipline, River Rapid which opened to the public on Friday 15 April. The 700m dual zipline with a 100ft high take-off offers fantastic views of Belfast and beyond as you zip across the Colin River at up to 50mph.
Maritime Mile
Discover Belfast’s historic waterfront with a stroll along the Maritime Mile this Spring. Covering one mile of water and 10 kilometres of connected pathway, this award-winning curated experience connects and celebrates Belfast’s vibrant heritage waterfront.
It stretches from Sailortown to the Titanic Pump House and includes views of the Big Fish, SS Nomadic, Titanic Belfast and Titanic Slipways. A perfect activity for milder days, walking in the footsteps of giants, exploring Belfast’s iconic waterfront.
Belfast Traditional Music Trail
A unique way to experience Irish music, the Belfast Traditional Music Trail is a true treat. With two professional musicians as guides, walk through cobbled alleyways, past famous landmarks and into private bars in some of the city’s oldest buildings.
At each stop you will be treated to a performance of traditional tunes, songs and stories, all creating a personal ‘session’. Enjoy a tipple along the way while learning about the instruments, language, customs and history that make up Ireland’s vibrant musical tradition. This interactive experience undoubtedly shows why Belfast is considered one of Ireland’s best cities for traditional Irish music.
For more inspiration on what to see and do in Belfast, check out www.visitbelfast.com
