Belfast and County Antrim family holidays and breaks

Belfast has undergone some remarkable changes over the past decade or so that make it a good, if unorthodox, bet for a family holiday or short break. This one-time centre of shipbuilding and the linen trade is now a safe city full of culture, entertainment and excellent shopping. And the beautiful countryside of Country Antrim is just a short drive away, including Northern Ireland's most popular attraction, the Giant's Causeway.

15.00

Today

17°C
63°F

Flying Time	1.25 hours
Carbon Footprint	0.58 tonnes CO2
Timezone	GMT
Local Currency	Euro

What to do

Discover the new-in-2012 Titanic Belfast, built beside the site of the world-famous ship’s construction and comprising a state-of-the-art visitor experience telling its story from its conception in the early 1900s to its tragic end. Live links to contemporary undersea exploration bring the story into the 21st century, and there's an exciting ride through a dramatic presentation of the shipyards and the Titanic under construction. The building also houses a community arts facility and a family restaurant, café and shop.

Also in Belfast, take the kids to W5, a popular scientific discovery centre with lots of interactive displays, and visit Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory to see sweets, chocolate and fudge being hand crafted, 1950s style.

Explore County Antrim, with lots to keep you busy on a family holiday. The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, is an amazing, UNESCO World Heritage listed array of around 40,000 basalt columns, formed more than 60 million years ago through volcanic activity or, as legend has it, built by Irish Giant Finn McCool and originally stretching all the way to Scotland...

Take kids to clambering around the ruins of Dunluce Castle with its dramatic setting, then to the nearby Dunluce Centre, with a 4-D motion simulator, Finn McCools softplay adventure playground, laser drome, viewing tower with panoramic views of the small seaside resort of Portrush and the surrounding coast, and Tourist Information Centre.

Cross, if you dare, Carrick-a-Rede’s famous ropebridge, spanning an 24m-deep chasm. Originally used by fishermen to bring back freshly caught salmon, it offers superb views.

Where to stay

If you're considering a family holiday in the region, search for family-friendly hotels, apartments and guesthouses in and around Belfast in conjunction with our partners Booking.com.

In addition, why not check out the current offers and availability with our preferred travel providers in the Booking Specials box to the right of the page.

When

Belfast is a year-round option family holiday and break option, although if you're exploring the surrounding countryside, summer is the most congenial time to visit.

How

Taking the ferry directly to Belfast from Liverpool or Stranraer in Scotland allows you to use your own car to explore. See our competitive ferry crossing options.  

You can fly to Belfast from the mainland UK with a wide choice of operators, including several low-cost airlines. See our great deals on flights or check with Ebookers.

Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport are a few kilometres from the centre, linked by regular buses and taxis. See also our family-friendly car-hire page.

Eat

Family holiday eating for all budgets is easy in Belfast and County Antrim, with fresh seafood, the famous Ulster fry and good pub grub all readily available.

Cost

Belfast is reasonably priced, and with good ferry and flight deals available, you can enjoy a family holiday in the region without incurring too much expense.

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