Hen Party Activities in Belfast

Did you know?

• Belfast is the 12th biggest UK city and the capital city of Northern Ireland.
• RMS Titanic was built in Belfast by Harland and Wolff with construction starting in 1909.
• Belfast is home to Ireland’s tallest building, Obel Tower.
• The symbol of Belfast is a seahorse.
• The nearby countryside, forests and castles were said to inspire CS Lewis when he was writing The Chronicles of Narnia.
• Belfast was nicknamed Linenopolis, after becoming the world’s biggest producer of linen in the early 19th century.
• Belfast’s Irish translation means Beal Feirste, which means mouth of the sandbank ford.
• Belfast has appeared in many movies and TV shows including Game of Thrones, Derry Girls, Sons of Anarchy and Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves.
• Belfast’s sister cities are Nashville in the US and Hefei in China.
• Led Zeppelin first played Stairway to Heaven at Ulster Hall in the city in 1971.
• In the 1960s, Professor James Francis Pantridge invented the world’s first portable defibrillator in Belfast using car batteries.
• Cavehill is said to have inspired the sleeping giant in Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift.
• Belfast has its own leaning tower! The Albert Clock was constructed on reclaimed land and tilts around 1.25.
• Liam Neeson first performed on stage at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre.
• Milk of Magnesia was invented in Belfast by James Murray in 1809.

Belfast in numbers

• More than 9.5 million people visit Belfast every year.
• There are more than 40 parks in Belfast, covering around 3,000 acres.
• One third of the population of Northern Ireland lives in Belfast.
• Belfast’s Obel Tower stands at 85m tall and has 27 floors.
• Titanic weighed around 46,328 tons and was 269m in length.
• Belfast gets on average 216 days of rain a year.
• Linen Hall Library is over 230 years old, founded in 1788.
• Belfast’s smallest house is just 3m wide.
• The Great Light on the Maritime Mile is more than 130 years old and is 7m tall.
• Belfast’s famous cranes, Samson and Goliath, are 106m and 96m tall.

Belfast is a foodie haven, with everything from hearty Irish pub grub to gourmet dining experiences on offer, fast food to trendy fusion fare. Indulge in a traditional Ulster fry to cure that hangover with bacon, sausages, eggs, potato bread and white pudding, sample fresh seafood at St. George's Market or treat yourself to a decadent afternoon tea fit for a queen. Your taste buds will thank you!

Traditional Irish cuisine is delicious. Irish stew consists of tender, succulent beef dripping in rich gravy, fluffy mashed potatoes and buttery cabbage. It's the ultimate comfort food that'll warm you from the inside out, perfect for fueling up before a night of Belfast hen party shenanigans.

And let's not forget about the seafood. After all, Belfast is right on the coast so you can treat yourself to a taste of the ocean with fresh fish and chips, succulent oysters or creamy seafood chowder. Trust us, you haven't lived until you've savoured the salty goodness of Northern Irish seafood.

Activities for Foodie Hen Parties in Belfast

A meal out is always an essential activity for a hen weekend. It's the perfect opportunity to indulge in some much-needed girl time with your besties as you clink glasses, share stories and laugh until your sides ache, all while enjoying mouth-watering food in a lively atmosphere.

Belfast is home to a vibrant culinary scene that's bursting with creativity and innovation. From cosy gastropubs serving up hearty classics with a modern twist to chic restaurants dishing out Instagram-worthy plates, there's something for every taste and budget. And let's not forget about the cocktails, because what's a hen do without a few drinks, right? Belfast's bars and pubs are legendary for their creative concoctions, from classic cocktails to quirky concoctions that'll tantalise your taste buds and get the party started in style.

Whether you're a dancing queen, a cocktail connoisseur, or just looking for a good time with your friends, this city has everything you need to make your hen party amazing. The atmosphere is unbeatable with excitement and energy in the air that's impossible to resist. Whether you're sipping cocktails on a rooftop terrace, belting out your favourite tunes at a karaoke bar or tearing up the dance floor at a top nightclub, you'll be surrounded by fellow party lovers who are ready to let loose and have a good time.

And you can always guarantee a good crowd here. The locals are super friendly and will show you a great time. Whether you're chatting with a bartender, making new friends on the dance floor or sharing a laugh with fellow partygoers, the locals will make you feel at home and able to fully let your hair down. Here are some of our favourite areas of the city to celebrate:

Cathedral Quarter

Cathedral Quarter is the beating heart of Belfast's nightlife with cobblestone streets lined with trendy bars, Irish pubs and swanky restaurants. Start your evening with pre-dinner cocktails at one of the area's chic rooftop bars where you can sip on delicious drinks while soaking in panoramic views of the city skyline. Then, it's off to the pubs and clubs where live music and infectious energy are guaranteed to keep you on your feet until the early hours. Trust me, there's no better place to kick off your hen party festivities than Cathedral Quarter!

Linen Quarter

If you're a fan of craft beer and quirky cocktails, head to the bustling Linen Quarter. This up and coming area is bang on trend and home to a vibrant mix of hip bars, speakeasies and gastropubs where you can sample local brews and inventive drinks to your heart's content. Plus, with its central location just steps away from the city centre, it's the perfect spot to start or end your hen night in Belfast.

Golden Mile

The Golden Mile is Belfast's answer to Las Vegas' famous Strip. This lively stretch of bars, clubs, and late-night eateries is where the party truly comes alive after dark. Whether you're dancing the night away in a bustling nightclub, catching live music at a trendy venue or indulging in a late-night snack at a 24-hour diner, the Golden Mile has something for everyone. Just be sure to pace yourselves. With so much excitement packed into one area, it's easy to lose track of time!

We all know Ireland isn't exactly renowned for its tropical climate but hey, a little drizzle never dampened anyone's spirits! If you're craving milder temperatures and longer days for outdoor shenanigans, then late spring through early autumn is your golden ticket. During this time, you can enjoy parks, al fresco dining and maybe even a spot of sunbathing if you're lucky. Don’t write off the colder months though, especially if you don’t mind a bit of rain, as you’ll likely see smaller crowds and cheaper flight prices.

Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival

If you happen to be having your Belfast hen party during the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in May, consider yourself lucky. This eclectic event is a melting pot of creativity, featuring everything from live music and comedy to theatre and visual arts. It’s a great thing to see and sure to add a classy atmosphere to your celebrations.

Belfast Pride

Belfast doesn't disappoint when it comes to annual festivals and events that'll have you dancing until the wee hours, and Belfast Pride Festival takes place in July. It's a celebration of love, diversity and all things fabulous! Get ready to strut your stuff in rainbow attire, join the parade and soak up the electrifying atmosphere. It's the ultimate opportunity to unleash your inner diva and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Belfast Vital Festival

If you're into your music, then August is the month for you. The Belfast Vital festival brings some of the biggest names in the music industry to town, guaranteeing epic concerts and unforgettable nights. You’ll be belting out your favourite tunes with your besties, surrounded by thousands of fellow music lovers. It’s pure bliss!

Belfast Mela Festival

Every August, Mela Festival brings together a carnival, arts, food, music and dance from across the world to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity. It’s one of Northern Ireland’s biggest arts festivals. This lively festival provides an inclusive space for everyone to celebrate their identity and have fun together.

Belfast International Arts Festival

Let's not forget about the Belfast International Arts Festival in October. It's a whirlwind of avant-garde performances, thought-provoking exhibitions and boundary-pushing art installations. Whether you're a huge art fan or just looking for something a bit different to spice up your hen do, this festival won't disappoint.

Getting to Your Belfast Hen Do

If you're flying in from the UK, you'll be pleased to know that Belfast is just a short flight away. With frequent flights from major UK cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham, you can easily find a flight that suits your schedule. Whether you're catching an early morning flight or arriving later in the day, Belfast Airport is ready to welcome you with open arms. Once you've landed, you'll find yourself approximately 30 minutes away from the city centre by taxi or bus.

If you're looking to kickstart the party as soon as possible, hopping into a taxi might be your best bet. They're readily available outside the airport and the journey will whisk you through the picturesque landscapes of Northern Ireland, setting the perfect backdrop for your hen party shenanigans. If you’d like to save a few pounds, the bus is a great option. The Airport Express 300 service runs every 15 minutes, making it super convenient for you and your squad to hop on board and make your way into town. Plus, it's a great opportunity to catch up and make a plan.

Getting Around During Your Belfast Hen Do

Once you’re in the city centre, it’s time to explore. Luckily, getting around is a breeze, with plenty of options to suit every style and budget. We always recommend exploring places by foot so you can soak up the atmosphere and see the sights at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets and discover famous landmarks and hidden gems. Grab your girls, put on your comfy shoes and see what you can find.

If you’re feeling a little less energetic (no judgement; we've all been there!), Belfast's public transport system has got you covered. The city boasts an extensive network of trains and buses, making it easy to zip from one hotspot to the next. With frequent services and routes that cover all corners of the city, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to getting around. And, of course, you can always jump in a taxi to get where you need to go in comfort.