Car Hire Belfast

A quick guide to Belfast

A mix of rustic Irish charm and trendy bars and restaurants make Belfast a city you’ll want to visit again and again. Whether you’re travelling on business or planning a holiday in the Emerald Isle, the charm of this lovely Irish city will stay with you long after you return home.

A colourful history

Belfast has a fascinating history. Once home to traditional industries such as rope making and shipbuilding, one of its biggest claims to fame is that it was the birthplace of the RMS Titanic.

Head to the impressive Titanic Belfast attraction and you can walk the decks of the world’s most famous ship, as well as uncover the true story of the Olympic-class liner and its fateful maiden journey in 1912.

Drop anchor at the Titanic Quarter next door, a sprawling waterfront hub shadowed by the futuristic monument to the ill-fated ship. Filled with restaurants and bars, you might hear the roar of the crowd from the 10,000-seater arena, which regularly features global superstars.

Belfast is steeped in history and the city is enjoying one of its most exciting phases yet. It’s worth taking a guided tour around the city to see how it has emerged as the bright light of the Emerald Isle it is today.

Venturing down to the Republic of Ireland is also a possibility when you hire a car in Belfast. In around two hours you can be in vibrant Dublin. The Irish capital is famous for being home to a lively, music-filled nightlife, the renowned Kilmainham Gaol and the towering pillars of leafy Trinity College.

Markets and music

Back in Belfast, explore the bustling independent stalls at St George’s Market, the last Victorian-era covered market in the city. Hit the food and craft market on Saturday for delightful trinkets to take home with you.

If you’re more into the food scene, try some fish brought fresh from the nearby port village or Portavogie, or tender beef from the rolling green fields of County Armagh. Relax with a coffee as the best local musicians play live.

Music is a major part of the Belfast way of life, and can be heard emanating from just about every bar and pub you pass in the city. The mix of music played – from classical concerts at Ulster Hall to rock and metal at venues across the city – is certainly eclectic, and complemented by the plethora of Irish pubs playing traditional tunes.

Having a laugh is part of the Irish way of life – so get down to the Empire Music Hall for some of the best comedians the UK and Ireland have to offer.

Take a giant leap

Perhaps one of the best things about hiring a car in Belfast is that it gives you easy access to the epic Giant’s Causeway.

Just under 100km from Belfast, this astounding natural phenomenon comprises a vast collection of basalt columns created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.

Northern Ireland is home to more amazing natural features. The dramatic pillars of the Cushendun Caves were formed over 400 million years – you might recognise them from the Game of Thrones TV series – while the Carrick-Rede Rope Bridge offers views of sweeping island seascapes.

Car hire in Belfast allows you to make the most of your trip to Northern Ireland by seeing all that the city and rest of this charming country have to offer.

Driving in and around Belfast

Driving around Belfast is a pretty straightforward affair – the layout of the roads is easy to follow, while its major sights, such as Belfast Castle with its spectacular views, and the eerie Crumlin Road Gaol, are well signposted.

Still, there are a number of one-way systems and bus lanes that you need to keep an eye out for, as well as speed cameras around the city to ensure you stay within the limit – generally 32km/h in Belfast centre.

The pleasurable driving experience continues on the winding roads of Northern Ireland once you leave the bustle of Belfast behind. The picturesque scenery means getting there is part of the adventure. Occasionally you’ll encounter some sharp corners and narrow roads, but they’re all part of the charm of the Northern Irish landscape.

There aren’t many highways in Northern Ireland, however the M1 is a major route that can take you quickly across the country to wherever you want to explore. Travel just 20km along the M1 and you’ll arrive at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens – a royal castle complete with endless acres of breathtaking gardens.

Explore the coast and visit Slieve Donard in County Down to breathe in the fresh sea air of the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying the mountainous landscape and golden sandy beaches.

For more information about driving in Belfast and the rules you need to follow, click here.