10 hidden gems to discover in Belfast this summer

Bigger isn’t always better. The Sagart is possibly the smallest bar and restaurant in Belfast, with just five tables inside and two benches outside. Its cosy, quaint atmosphere pairs perfectly with its charcuterie boards, or small plates and wine pairings menu: try cured salmon with dill and cucumber with a glass of Viognier; or scallops with nduja, apple and fennel with Chardonnay. As far as date nights go, it doesn’t get much more romantic... 

This aptly named traditional sweet shop has been putting smiles on faces for over 100 years. It may look rather diminutive from its exterior in the historic Smithfield Area, but step inside and you’ll feel as if you’ve zipped back in time to an old-timey confectionary wonderland. You might just find sweets that you haven’t seen since you were a child; but there’s also plenty of goodies by local makers.

Take your love of gin to the next level by learning the secrets of the art of distilling. Master distiller Ian will take you through the process from start to finish – and even introduce you to his mini-stills, Samson and Goliath. You’ll also get to create your own recipe from a variety of botanicals, and take some home with you!

For a slice of the tropics in Northern Ireland, had to the hidden verdant paradise that was first built in 1889 by the head gardener of Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. In true Victorian style, the Ravine was built with a sunken glen with grottoes landscapes into the walls, complete with candles and mirrors to create mind-bending lighting effects. The space has preserved many of its original features, and is just as beguiling as it was back then. 

Belfast’s tumultuous history – and in particular, the Troubles – is told through famous murals which adorn the walls of the city. Who better to illuminate them than a local cab driver who has lived and worked through the Troubles? On this acclaimed tour, you’ll visit murals which were created by people from both sides, on famous roads like Falls and Shankin. 

As far as famous names from Belfast go, author C.S. Lewis is up there with the Titanic. The man who penned The Chronicles of Narnia was born here in 1898 – and you can visit the places that inspired him when creating ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, ‘The Horse and His Boy’ and all the other much-loved classics. This self-guided trail begins at ‘The Searcher’ sculpture outside Holywood Arches Library and takes in spots like C.S. Lewis Square (look out for the seven Narnia sculptures!). Download the trail online before you go.

Fancy something sweet? You can’t do better than a gloriously rich milkshake from Maggie Mays – a Belfast café where milkshakes are topped with everything from Oreos and chocolate chip cookies and caramel syrup to frozen strawberries. There are ace vegan options, too.

Get panoramic views over Belfast (and parts of Scotland, Wales and England, for that matter) atop Divis Mountain: a peak in the sprawling moorland just north-west of Belfast. The three-mile Summit Trail, which takes up to an hour and 30 minutes, goes along the Tipperary Road through open heath and up to the very summit. It’s a challenging climb, but well worth the views. 

Immerse yourself in traditional Irish music at the oldest building in Belfast. The Dirty Onion offers a different experience every night of the week (with free entry!). Sunday afternoons are all about traditional Irish music, and on Tuesdays at 8pm, you can learn how to play the bodhran – the original Irish drum. Thursdays are all about bluegrass, and on Fridays, four live acts will take to the stage from 5pm onwards. 

Hiding in the historic Linen Quarter of Belfast is one of the city’s original rooftop bars. Find it by riding the original sliding door lift to the fifth floor, then find your way to a table overlooking the city. Open now, The Perch is ready and waiting to serve you cocktails, pizzas and small plates.