Belfast Practical information

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

Even at the height of the Troubles, Belfast wasn’t a particularly dangerous city for tourists, and today you’re less at risk from crime here than you are in London. It’s best, however, to avoid the so-called ‘interface areas’ – near the Peace Lines in West Belfast, Crumlin Rd and the Short Strand (just east of Queen’s Bridge) – after dark; if in doubt about any area, ask at your hotel or hostel.

One irritating legacy of the Troubles is the absence of left-luggage facilities at bus and train stations. You will also notice a more obvious security presence than elsewhere in the UK and Ireland, in the form of armoured police Land Rovers, fortified police stations, and security doors on some shops (mostly outside the city centre) where you have to press the buzzer to be allowed in. There are doormen on many city-centre shops.

If you want to take photos of fortified police stations, army posts or other military or quasimilitary paraphernalia, get permission first to be on the safe side. In the Protestant and Catholic strongholds of West Belfast it’s best not to photograph people without permission; always ask first and be prepared to accept a refusal. Taking pictures of the murals is not a problem.

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While you're there

Emergency

Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre (9032 9002; www.rapecrisisni.com)

Victim Support (0845 30 30 900; ­www.victimsupport.org)

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Medical services

Accident and emergency services are available at these hospitals:

City Hospital (9032 9241; 51 Lisburn Rd)

Mater Hospital (9074 1211; 45-51 Crumlin Rd) Near the junction of Antrim Rd and Clifton St.

Royal Victoria Hospital (9024 0503; 274 Grosvenor Rd) West of the city centre.

Ulster Hospital (9048 4511; Upper Newtownards Rd, Dundonald) Near Stormont Castle.

For advice on medical and dental emergencies, call NHS Direct (0845 4647; 24hr).

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Belfast for children

W5 is the city’s biggest draw for kids – it’s hard to drag them away once they get started on the hands-on exhibits – and the Odyssey Complex houses other attractions including a video-games arcade, a ten-pin bowling rink and an IMAX cinema. Belfast Zoo is a perennial favourite, and the Ulster Museum also has plenty of exhibits and special events designed for children of all ages.

For outdoor fun, head for the Botanic Gardens, or the adventure playground in Cave Hill Country Park. Or you can try crazy golf with a difference at Pirates Adventure Golf (9048 0220; www.piratesadventuregolf.com ; 111A Dundonald Touring Caravan Park, Dundonald Rd; adult/child £5.50/3.75; 10am-10pm), a landscaped, 36-hole course decked out with waterfalls, fountains and a giant pirate ship.

Sweeties may not be at the top of parents’ shopping lists these days, but you might be prepared to make an exception for Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory (9073 2868; www.irishcandyfactory.com ; 60 Castlereagh Rd; 9.30am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4.30pm Sat). This 1950s-style shop sells fudge, candy, chocolates, toffee apples and other traditional sweets which have been made by hand, and you can get a tour of the workshop before buying the goods.

Located outside of town but near enough for a day trip, you’ll find the Ulster Folk & Transport Museums, and the Ark Open Farm, both of which are hugely popular with kids.

The free monthly Whatabout? booklet (available from the Belfast Welcome Centre) has a ‘Family Fun’ section, which lists events and attractions of interest to travellers with children. If you’re in town in late May, look out for the Belfast Children’s Festival (www.belfastchildrensfestival.com), which is packed with cultural and educational events.

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