Holywood Things to Do

Built in 1180 by John de Courcy, who led the Norman invasion of north east Ulster, Inch Abbey was constructed on an islet in Strangford Lough and is now reached by a causeway through the marshes. It is the daughter house of the... more

Once the property of the Presbyterian Church, what is now known as the Spires was built in 1905 and refurbished in 1992. Constructed out of dark brick, with beautiful exterior carvings and a spectacular belfry, the building sta... more

Royal Avenue is part of the shopping district and lives up to that reputation. The shopping district is located in front of the City Hall, and Royal Avenue is the perfect place to stroll down and look at the stores. Make sure t... more

You'll spot the Neo-Romanesque façade of this cathedral long before you step up to the door. Inside you'll find lots of splendid marble and some impressively enormous mosaics. Lord Carson, leader of the campaign against Home Ru... more

Within walking distance of the City Hall, the Lagan Weir and Lookout has emerged as one of Belfast's prominent visitor attractions. The Weir, a series of computer controlled steel gates that rise and fall with the tide, was bui... more

Pisa has its leaning tower and Belfast has one to match - the Albert Memorial Clock Tower. Known locally as "The Albert Clock", it was built in memory of Prince Albert following his death in 1861. The tower arouses most interes... more

The Kitchen Bar was opened in 1859 and is now a ‘local' in the city centre. It's at an all-new part of town after the old venue was torn down in 2004. Traditional Ulster food is served with real ales which attracts lots of hung... more

An attractive rolling parkland sprawling over 130 acres, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park's crowning glory is its International Rose Garden. It's a treat for the senses with the scents and riotous colours of over 300,000 blooms.... more

Ever since the explosion of the "Troubles" in 1968, popular art has played a major role in proclaiming the loyalties of Belfast's two antagonistic communities. Vivid murals expressing political and paramilitary affiliations ado... more

This enigmatic ancient monument, just a few minutes from Shaw's Bridge, is an ideal place for a day trip and picnic. Little, if anything, is known about this awesome prehistoric 600-feet wide circular earthwork. Some scholars h... more