I would have to say I was plesently surprised with this city, I really did not know what to expect when I planned this part of my trip, due to the recent history of political unrest in the area.

Belfast is a friendly town, and any time I needed help there was someone there to answer questions. I did not see any evindence of politcal temoil other than graffitii scattered through out the city center. The arcitecture, like most european cities is intertesting and unique to the area, with the City Hall and its statues making a great starting point for day walks and sight seeing.
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~gd9j-tro/belfast.gif

Getting around was easy with a bus and train service that is above avarage. 6P for a bus from the airport, and a Sunday day train pass was 4P.

The pub life in Belfast if a happening one, with the old time pubs scattered thorugh out the city. One recommendation if do not discuss Religion or Politics or the British Rule when enjoying your pint, these are very loaded topics which people take very serious, hense the years of war in the country. Keep in mind on Sundays almost NOTHING is open, so that makes it a good chance to get out into the country and explore.

My fav sight in Northern Ireland was the Giants Causeway
http://www.uaces.org/Giants%20Causeway%202.jpg
a 2 hour train ride to the Northern coast was well worth the time. Just watch if your going on a Sunday as there are only 3 buses from the town of Portrush, and the taxi is 10P, if you are there on a Sunday, try and split a cab with someone ( Thx Eddie and Lidia ).

I would return to Belfast and Northern Ireland again in the future, hopefully with my wife, so she can enjoy the sights as much as I did.

As a budget trav'la you will be looking for cheap places to stay, I will direct you to This thread so you do not go throughj what I have gone thorugh, this is my only bad experience in Belfast.

my only question is....HOW WAS THE BEER BRO??? :D

I may be heading up to Belfast in a month or so with my flatmate. She's going to be doing research during the day, so I'll have time to kill in the city - any more suggestions, CD? And is it possible to get a cheap ride down to Dublin for a day trip?

And - thanks for the heads-up about Linen House - yuck! Anyone have any *good* recommendations for VERY cheap lodging in Belfast?