Belfast Shopping & Leisure
Visitors to Belfast have the ability to enjoy many activities. From the majestic landscapes and traditional pubs and restaurants to the historic architecture and galleries, the capital city of Northern Ireland has something for everyone.
Situated upon Northern Ireland's east coast, the Belfast Harbor winds inland to the city and a backdrop of mountains on the opposite border allow for a delightful stroll through the natural beauty that is Ireland. There is always something to do in Belfast. Exciting plays and concerts as well as cultural art events are abounding in Belfast. This is the actual city that inspired the Chronicles of Narnia!
Even though Northern Ireland is fairly new to the tourism game, it has responded in a most remarkable fashion by working to develop areas of interest as well as comfort. Hospitable people can be found throughout Northern Ireland, and the residents of Belfast are well-known as a friendly and courteous bunch.
Regardless of where you go on a holiday, there is always an occasion to do a bit of shopping. With hundreds of privately owned shops selling a wide variety of goods, Belfast is truly a heavenly experience for shoppers. Many specialty shops can be found to give visitors direct access to the local culture. Antique shops and art galleries abound and offer the ability to shop for quirky souvenirs and keepsakes.
The shops located in Belfast are typical of many of the United Kingdom's major cities and is quite chock full of stores, shopping malls, and department store chains. Remember that the currency in Northern Ireland is the British Pound, not the Euro as Northern Island is part of the United Kingdom.
There are several shopping regions to be found in the area, and the main ones are located along Donegall Place, Bedford Road, Royal Avenue, Dublin Road, and the Fountain area. Whether you need a café, a clothing shop, or a place to shop for groceries, these areas house them all.
Parking is available in most areas with posted car parks. For those who wish to park nearer the border of Belfast and then shop by bus, it is much easier to get around and then you only need park once for the day. The streets along the shopping route are completely pedestrianized, so walking around from shop to shop will allow to spend more time shopping and less time looking for a car park.
The peculiar shops and outlet stores are a fantastic place to find an excellent bargain, but if you are in the mood for a shopping experience, head over to the Belfast Shopping Centres in central Belfast where you will find more than 70 stores located within a fashionable, glass-roofed structure.
Most of the stores in Belfast are open each day through the year between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm. Sunday hours are likely a bit shorter and Thursday a bit longer. With so many options for shopping, you can literally burn a hole in your pocket!