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Scaling the Heights of Belfast

Author: Helen Otto Author Ranking Blue | Posted: 26-06-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 5 | Rating:  (52) Article Popularity - Blue (?) Got a Question? Ask.
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When people think of Belfast, a variety of images may well up in their minds; having been to Belfast myself though, the City always conjures up memories of friendly people, exciting nights out in the heart of the City’s lively and vibrant social scene and stunning scenery.

Yes…that’s right stunning scenery…because you don’t have to go too far out of Belfast to find yourself right in the midst of emerald Lough’s, costal splendour or rugged mountains. The last time I was in Belfast, it was just these features that I was pursuing.

I recall that recent trip well; I landed at Belfast City Airport at around 11 O’clock in the morning after a 45 minute flight from Heathrow Airport. My landing drill was well rehearsed, courtesy of my experience from several previous trips; I had only taken some hand luggage in a sports bag, which well sufficed for the duration of my stay. I ‘hit the ground running’ and had reached the exit hall before most people had retrieved their hold luggage; I then made for the car hire desk found therein and had collected my keys within 10 minutes or so. The remainder of the operation went like clockwork; I exited the terminal, turned left, walked 50 yards to the car collection point and was in my car and on the main road in a trice.

Within a short while I was at my hotel of choice, Days Hotel Belfast, a modern and conveniently situated establishment right in the centre of the City…about 5 minutes away from the famous City Hall, in fact. For the benefit of any ladies, it’s also 5 minutes away from the main shopping district, but I digress; I checked into my more than adequate room and went on to enjoy a hearty meal in the Days Hotel restaurant, before retrieving my car from the Hotel’s car park and heading off to the first place on my itinerary; Divis and Black Mountains.

Anyone who has seen a picture of Belfast will have noticed the City framed against the rugged and brooding backdrop of the Divis and Black Mountains. These magnificent mountains were in private ownership until recently, and so access was barred; fortunately, the National Trust took possession of the land a few years ago and so the public have free access to roam these formerly forbidden wilds.

The mountains are around 1500ft tall and offer the most spectacular views across Belfast City and Northern Ireland. Strangford and Belfast Laugh’s are in plain view as are the Mourne Mountains, the Sperrins and Castlereigh and Hollywood Hills; amazingly, in the right conditions, you can also see the coasts of England, Scotland and the Isle of Man. As you might imagine, I ended up spending most of my short break exploring the vast acres of these mountains’ majestic heights, interspersed of course, with recuperative sallies back to Days Hotel.

For a break encompassing the magnificent grandeur of unspoilt nature, Northern Ireland is without doubt, the place to be; but whatever your tastes, Northern Ireland will definitely have something for you and should you choose to base yourself in the Capital as I did; you will always find a sanctuary of comfort and repose in one of the many outstanding Belfast Hotels.

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