See the Best of Ireland on Belfast Shore Excursions

Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is alive with culture and abundant outdoor tourism options, where the striking Irish landscape means you can pretend you’re in a movie while scaling the cliffs or exploring the coasts of Ireland. There are a ton of things to do in Belfast from a cruise, whether you’re interested in traditional Irish pub crawls or guided tours of Irish castles.

Belfast was once an epicenter of the ship-making industry, and the city is rooted in shipping as a core part of its history. If you’re curious about the RMS Titanic, take a guided tour of the dock where the Titanic was built and set sail on its inaugural and only journey. You’ll learn more about the ship’s design and its tragic story than ever before. It’s a popular stop for many European cruise passengers.

In the morning, sip an Irish coffee or tea with classic scones or pastries as the Irish do. No cruise to Belfast is complete without an authentic Irish pub experience. A cold pint and good company are key, and most pubs boast traditional live music. The Cathedral Quarter of Belfast offers pubs along every cobblestoned corner.

Belfast shore excursions will take you where the action happens, like the Belfast City Hall or the Victorian era Botanic Gardens, built in 1828. While at the gardens, stop inside the Ulster Museum for collections of both Renaissance and modern art, installations, and fun for kids, too.

To see beyond Belfast on four wheels, consider a driving shore excursion of the peaceful Ards Peninsula, where you’ll stop and explore the seaside town of Donaghadee. Here you’ll find beautiful coastal views of the Irish Sea unfolding before you. Other Belfast shore excursions include a half-day journey to Glenariff Forest Park. You’ll see the glens and cliffs that Ireland is famous for, and this tranquil haven is just an hour and a half from the heart of Belfast. Waterfalls and impossibly green foliage make Glenariff Forest Park a must-see for nature lovers.

Learn More About Shore Excursions