Belfast is a city that is rich in culture and history, and there are plenty of group activities to enjoy while you’re visiting. From exploring the city’s many museums and monuments to shopping and fine dining, and just about everything in between, no matter what your interests are, Belfast has something for everyone.
So, here are a few of our favourite Belfast group activity ideas to enjoy with your friends and family.
Ghost Tours
Claimed by many to be one of the most haunted cities in Europe, Belfast is the perfect location for groups who are interested in the paranormal and ghosts. Here are some suggested tours:
- Ghost Walk Belfast
Led by experienced guides, this genuine paranormal investigation takes place at the Titanic Docks and the century old Pumphouse. The experience lasts approximately 90 minutes and visitors have access to electromagnetic field detectors.
- Crumlin Road Gaol
Crumlin Road Gaol is considered one of Belfast’s most haunted buildings, with sightings, noises and other unexplained occurrences reported within its walls. Guided and self-guided tours explore various areas where paranormal activity has been reported, including the condemned man’s cell, the execution cell and the prison’s graveyard.
- Belfast Outdoor Escape Game: Haunted City
Combining a city tour with an outdoor escape game, Belfast Ghosts and Haunted History Self-Guided Game gives private groups the freedom to move through the city at their own pace. Guided by simple email instructions and an easy-to-download app, participants follow a story and solve challenges as they explore less well-known areas of the city.
Belfast City Hall Tour
Built in 1888 to reflect Belfast’s newly conferred city status, Belfast City Hall is one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings. History lovers can explore the city’s history in six themed zones and marvel at the impressive collection of new and historic stained-glass windows.
Afterwards, groups can visit the Titanic Memorial Garden and view several monuments and memorials within the grounds. Or visit after dark to see the exterior of Belfast City Hall illuminated in a variety of colours which highlight its beautiful architecture.
Climb Cave Hill
Cave Hill is a hill in north Belfast with spectacular views of Belfast Lough and the city. It’s the perfect place to take a hike with a group of friends or family. There are several different routes to the top, so you can choose one that’s best suited to your group’s fitness level.
Escape Rooms
Gather your friends together and enjoy an escape room adventure:
- Forbidden Quest Escape Rooms
Suitable for groups of 2 -30 people, Forbidden Quest offers three different escape rooms and an outdoor escape game, The Hunt, which can accommodate up to 90 players.
- Timescape Live Escape Games
Suitable for groups of 2-7 players, Timescape features 4 different escape rooms.
- Prison Island
Suitable for groups of 4 players, Prison Island boasts 25 challenge cells which offer a mixture of mental, physical and skill-based games.
- GoT To Escape Game of Thrones Escape Rooms
Suitable for groups of 2-6 players. Larger groups will need to book more than one room.
Boat Tour
Belfast is located on the river Lagan, and there are several companies who offer riverboat cruises. These cruises offer a unique way to learn about the city’s history and architecture while enjoying the historic scenery.
Titanic Belfast
Located in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, the Titanic Belfast Museum is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the Harland and Wolff shipyard where Titanic was built, learn about the ship’s fateful maiden voyage, and view a replica of the grand staircase. The museum also offers several interactive exhibits, making it a great place for groups.
Walking Tour
Walking tours are a great way to explore the city and learn about its history, culture and people. Whatever your group’s interests, there are numerous guided walking tours to choose from, each with a different focus. Hear about The Troubles from an experienced guide, see the murals of the famous peace walls, or simply admire the city’s beautiful architecture and stop at iconic landmarks.
Murder Mystery Night
There are several companies offering a murder mystery experience in Belfast, each with their own unique perspective. Popular murder mystery night locations include:
- Titanic Murder Mystery
Hosted by Titanic Belfast on the museum’s replica ship.
- Belfast Castle
Solve a murder committed at the Castle.
- Fitzwilliam Hotel
Offers several different murder mystery dinners. Minimum group size 16 and maximum group size 30.
Belfast Food Tour
Enjoy Belfast’s award-winning food tour which takes visitors on a guided walk around some of the top food and drink spots around the city. The tour starts at the historic St George’s Market before heading off around Belfast to sample some of the best local food and drink along the way. For more details visit: https://tasteandtour.co.uk/our-tours
Belfast City Bike Tours
See the sights of Belfast from a different perspective on a pedal-powered tour! Tours cover the Cathedral Quarter, the Titanic Quarter, the Lagan Towpath, the area of Queen’s University, Gaeltacht Quarters, the Botanic Gardens and the city centre. Tours are led by local guides and offer plenty of photo opportunities plus a coffee stop at either St George’s Market or the Titanic Dock.
Axe Throwing
For something a little different, why not try your hand at axe throwing? Learn to throw axes safely at wooden targets before enjoying some friendly games and competitions. The Axe Yard offers a group package which includes exclusive use of a private lane for groups of up to 6 players.
Pub Crawl
Belfast is home to so many great pubs, and a pub crawl is the perfect way to experience some of the best that the city has to offer:
- The Belfast Waterfront Pub Crawl
Start your pub crawl at one of the city’s most popular landmarks, the Belfast Waterfront. From there, make your way to The Duke of York, The Dirty Duck, The Parlour Bar, and finally, The Belfast Empire Music Hall.
- The Titanic Quarter Pub Crawl
Start at the Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre and then head to The Cobblestone, The Harland and Wolff heavy industries mail room bar, The Titanic Hotel Belfast, and The Boxworks Belfast.
- The Cathedral Quarter Pub Crawl
Start your pub crawl at St. Anne’s Cathedral and then make your way to The John Hewitt, The Paint Room, The Garrick Bar, The Dublin Liberties and, finally, The Kitchen Bar.
Belfast Treasure Hunt
Head off on a mystery treasure hunt in Belfast with your smartphone. Your group will watch a short explanatory video about the story and how the treasure hunt works before assigning roles and navigating their way through Belfast, investigating crime scenes, solving riddles and collecting evidence to locate the missing treasure as they go. For full details visit: https://www.mycityhunt.co.uk/cities/belfast-gb-10529/treasure-hunt-belfast-1244
We hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post and that it has inspired you to try out some of these group activities while you’re visiting Belfast. Before planning your visit it’s a good idea to check when these activities are on, as some only run on specific days.
