A Photography Day Trip to Belfast

PHOTOGENIC RATING: 5.5/10

TOTAL DAY TRIP COST: £73.00

MUST VISIT: THE TITANIC QUARTER AND DOCKYARD

This week’s photography day trip took me to the Northern Irish capital of Belfast. The trip was great, £33 for flights, £13 for the airport-to-city transfer and £27 for entry to the Titanic museum and a ticket to board the Nomadic included in the price.

Titanic Quarter

My first stop was the Titanic Quarter, home to the famous dockyard where the RMS Titanic was built. Standing among the towering Harland & Wolff cranes, which still dominate the skyline, you can really feel how much history and significance this place holds for the city. Every corner seemed to tell a story, from the scale of the docks to the preserved shipbuilding heritage. This was easily my favourite stop of the trip, not just for the photographs, but for the sense of connection to Belfast’s past.

Cathedral Quarter

Next, I made my way into the Cathedral Quarter, a lively district known for its street art and cobbled lanes. Nearly every corner had colourful murals and creative artwork, making it a brilliant spot to explore with a camera. The mix of old buildings, quirky streets, and vibrant atmosphere gave me a totally different side of Belfast to capture.

City Hall & Botanic Gardens

After a brief visit to the City Hall an impressive building in the heart of the city, I continued on to the Botanic Gardens. Walking towards the gardens, I couldn’t help but notice how many nearby businesses were named after them, which showed me just how significant this place must be to locals. Inside, I found beautifully kept rose gardens, neatly arranged flower beds, greenhouses full of exotic plants, and wide green lawns where people were out walking dogs or enjoying the short spell of sunshine. It was a calm, welcoming space that perfectly balanced the day.

Peace Walls

My final stop was in West Belfast, at the Peace Walls. Built during the Troubles to separate communities, the walls remain one of the most important landmarks in the city. Today, they’re covered in thousands upon thousands of messages of peace written by people from all around the world. Walking alongside them was a powerful experience a reminder of the city’s history but also its hope for the future.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed my time in Belfast and managed to capture a few photos I was happy with. While the city perhaps lacked some of the character and charm of other European destinations I’ve visited, it was still a rewarding trip and I’m glad to have experienced it.

For those wondering about its photogenic score, I’d rate Belfast at 5.5/10. It wasn’t my favourite city to photograph and explore, but it’s definitely worth a visit and I’d love to return in the future to discover more of what it has to offer.