voco Belfast

W5 LIFE (Learning Innovation for Everyone) is dedicated to addressing the skills requirements of Northern Ireland’s increasingly digitalised economy. Launched in 2022, this centre promotes inclusion and diversity through immersive STEM-based experiences and provides wider access to skills training, leading to exciting career paths and opportunities. A range of programmes and activities have been developed specifically for this centre, including collaborations with founding partners, Microsoft, Almac and Belfast Harbour. We are also the new home to the Creative Learning Centre, Nerve Belfast.

This trail will take you to the places that inspired the young C.S. Lewis, one of our most famous literary sons, best known for his magical world of Narnia. Clive Staples Lewis was born in Belfast on 29 November 1898 and grew up in family homes on Dundela Avenue and Circular Road in the east of the city. The trail starts at 'The Searcher' sculpture outside Holywood Arches Library on the Holywood Road and includes sites such as C.S. Lewis Square (containing 7 Narnia inspired sculptures), St. Mark's Church, where his grandfather was rector and where Lewis himself was baptised, and No. 47 Dundela Avenue where a Blue Plaque marks where the writer was born. The trail can be downloaded from www.communitygreenway.co.uk/trails

With over 500 animals, more than 100 species, and 55 acres to explore, find everything you need to have a ‘zooper’ visit to Belfast Zoo.

The Crumlin Road Gaol dates back to 1845 and closed its doors as a working prison in 1996. After extensive renovations the gaol has re opened as a visitor attraction and conference centre. Today you can explore the prison as part of the “Crumlin Road Gaol Experience”, learning the history of the site from when women and children were held within its walls through to the political segregation of republican and loyalist prisoners and learn about why the decision was taken to close the prison. During this experience you will visit the underground tunnel that used to connect the gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse, view all the wings from the circle and of course pay a visit to the condemned man’s cell before seeing the execution cell where the majority of the 17 men were executed.

This year Belfast Castle is celebrating a very important milestone anniversary. It is 90 years since the castle and its surrounding estate were gifted to the citizens of Belfast by the Right Honourable The Earl of Shaftesbury on 26 July 1934. The young earl, namely Anthony-Ashley Cooper, a dutiful and proud resident of the North Belfast area, served as Lord Mayor of Belfast in 1907, eventually becoming simply Lord Shaftesbury. Following the gifting of the castle and estate to the city in 1934, Belfast Castle became a visitor attraction for many. Over the years, the venue has played host to many receptions, dances and high teas, while the landscaped gardens were opened to picnickers and day-trippers to enjoy. In 2024, the castle will be commemorating its 90 years with an exciting programme of events. Stay tuned to our social media for more information. Belfast Castle is one of Belfast’s main visitor attractions with over 100,000 visitors per year. Set on the slopes of Cave Hill Country Park, the castle is a talisman for the city. It has a commanding a view from 120 metres above the heart of Belfast.

Flanked by the wild Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it. Visit Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn how the Causeway was formed with one of our award-winning storytellers by booking Visitor Experience tickets. We have guided tours running every hour; or you can pick up an audio guide and unlock the secrets of this landscape at your own pace, with information available in 11 languages and options to suit all ages. You can walk to the stones for free, but our on-site car park is reserved for those buying tickets for our Visitor Experience, which includes guided tours, running throughout the day; use of the audio guides, access to the shop, cafe and exhibition. The onsite car park is reserved for Visitor Experience ticket holders, members and local community pass holders. All visitors are encouraged to pre-book online before they visit. Pre-booking helps us prepare for your arrival and reduces queue times for you and your party. It also helps avoid disappointment or delays if you arrive at a busy time

Game of Thrones Studio Tour, located in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, was once a bustling linen mill factory, first constructed in the 1900s. In 2011, and after the linen industry had moved offshore, the site became a filming host for HBO's Game of Thrones. Working in partnership with HBO and Warner Bros Discovery, Game of Thrones Studio Tour began development after Game of Thrones, Season 8 wrapped in 2019. The Studio Tour opened in February 2022 and is the world's only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Game of Thrones Studio Tour aims to celebrate and inspire the next generation of film makers and creatives, whilst making conscious efforts to leave our working environment, in a better position for the future.

This historic trading quarter is a maze of cobblestoned streets and warehouses that are now home to trendy bars, beer gardens, clubs and restaurants. Visitor attractions include the Metropolitan Arts Centre (the MAC), St Anne’s Cathedral, the NI War Memorial, the Oh Yeah Music Centre and the Discover Ulster Scots Centre. Full of colourful street art, this area of town is buzzing with music, entertainment and fun at night.