[dropcap]I[/dropcap]reland, is a stunning place to visit at any time of the year. But now it’s been ticked off the bucket list and seen the crazy shenanigans behind the lead up to St Paddy’s Day, I don’t think I can never not be in Ireland for one of their biggest days of the year. We hit up the Titanic Hotel in Belfast which is Stop 5 on the Belfast hop on hop off tour and tried out the latest and greatest on the menu and explore the Titanic Quarter – where, you guessed it, the Titanic set sail in that iconic period of time for Belfast.
I’ll be walking you through the best place to stay in Belfast, where you should be popping on your schedule and how to have a righteous weekend in the land of leprechauns and rainbows.
Hands down one of the grandest hotels I’ve ever stayed in, with every corner a stunning view designed to dazzle. It’s situated in the Titanic quarter overlooking the Titanic studios where Game Of Thrones is filmed, as well as the original point where the Titanic first set sail. It’s merely a stones throw away from ground breaking history, and makes a fantastic few days to explore.
On our tour around the building, we discovered the huge plethora of history behind it, which included a lot of the original replica designs that was used on the Titanic. It’s architectural beauty is something to behold in itself, and to stay there is another great experience in itself. There are guided tours available, so that you can get a true insight into every element of one of the grandest buildings in Ireland.
It’s also conveniently positioned at only 20 minutes from the international airport. Our journey started off in Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with the speediest flight time of 30 minutes, so you can be sipping your coffee in Liverpool’s airport and at the hotel within 50 minutes approximately – perfect for a quick day trip or a weekend break away with minimal travelling.
The Titanic Hotel
Harland Bar
Situated around the corner from reception is the Harland Bar, a decadent location for sipping cocktails, to take in the surrounding onlooking views of beautiful Belfast. It’s decorated in lavish art nouveau, and art deco prints. Complimented with gorgeous comfy seats that have a nod to the nautical theme. Whilst in the Harland Bar, we tried a variant of drinks from the pink lady to sampling in their take on an old fashioned. It’s a stunning bar to take friends, or arrange a date night – with their table service it’s main focus is reliant on the experience fuelled by gourmet cocktails.
In my main lounge area, it’s a fantastic place to take afternoon tea, some bar snacks and it’s truly a vision of beauty if you get the chance to sit in at night time from the glass structure and look out. If you want a place that’s bright, spacious and grand, this is your calling.
By evening after everyone slipped into their dinner jackets, glamorous dresses and freshened up accompanied by a few cocktails we set out to dinner which is through the Harland bar and to a grand dining room. Where the award winning chefs crafted a unique menu to compliment the dining space.
Their Ala Carte menu comprising of everything from curried cauliflower soup, scallops, rabbit and goats cheese. I vouched for Goats Cheese, Beetroot, Red Onion, Lemon and Thyme. Which was so fresh, perfectly presented and delicious. Following up with Halibut, Broccoli, Radish, Crispy Chicken Skin, Buttermilk. Whilst Paddy opted for Smoked Scallops, Langoustine, Cauliflower, Parsnip, Almonds.
Whilst Paddy went for the Smoked Scallops, Langoustine, Cauliflower, Parsnip, AlmondsBeef Fillet, Carrot, Truffle, Horseradish, Jus and Beef Fillet, Carrot, Truffle as a main. Beautifully cooked, and I highly recommend having the roasted purple potatoes in herb butter and/or triple cooked chips on the side to accompany your dish. Pair it with one of their fine chardonnays or merlots and you’ll have a 5* dinner to impress your friends.
When it came to the breakfast we decided to get room service. I hardly get the pleasure of having breakfast in bed back at home, so I treated myself to a full irish breakfast, with locally sourced ingredients – and was easily one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had.
Wolff Restaurant
What to see and do in Belfast
Belfast has a huge variety of activities, from exploring to shopping. However considering we were out on St Paddy’s Weekend, we decided to hit up the town and the go-to places were the Dirty Onion bar, and The National which was phenomenal!
However to relish in the historic legacy of the Titanic Quarter, you can nip down to HS Caroline for their factual walk about on the ship, both fun and entertaining. It’s heritage within the war is one to not go unrecognised, so you can explore the entire ship and get a deep insight into the sailors daily lives – it would make a fascinating hour on anyone’s schedule in Belfast.
A huge talking point is the Titanic Museum – in which you can discover the worlds largest collection of Titanic information, complete with interactive galleries as you explore the heritage and history of the voyage.
Within close proximity to the hotel is also an indoor sky diving venue, as well the SSE arena which hosts concerts. So it’s a mega ideal place to explore.
Another huge experience also includes the Game Of Thrones; The Touring Exhibition and Overnight Stay – so it would include staying at the incredible Titanic Hotel to enjoy a trip to the touring exhibition (which is only available for a limited time only – 11th April – 1st September), car parking space for 24 hours and Titanic sized breakfast the next morning from £149 per room. Worth a trip for any Game Of Thrones fan!
