I am headed to Dublin next week for a conference. This will be my third visit to Ireland, but my first without renting a car. I've never been to the North and was thinking about taking a train ride up to Belfast for the day..do some sightseeing and train back that night. From what I can tell, it's about a 3 hour trip each way. Does this sound reasonable? Or is that too much to do in one day? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

It's certainly dooable. Dublin (Connolly Station) to Belfast takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes and it's a comfortable enough journey with no changes. Check www.irishrail.ie for the timetable.

Journey time is 2 hours.

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What do you want to do in Belfast? The station is quite central, when you come out turn left and and first right at St Georges market.

If you want to take a bus tour they leave from the Europa hotel but Belfast is small yo can walk everywhere.

Enjoy your trip

Thank you both. I was thinking about taking the black taxi tour. Any suggestions on what do include on a short visit are welcome.

I found the Black Taxi tour to be very powerful. FYI, the tours are personalized and they'll pick you up & drop you off anywhere you want. If possible, I'd suggest including City Hall and Queen's University.

Thank you Songdoc. It was your trip report that made we consider this tour. I will make note of City Hall and Queen's University.

I'd also include a stop at the Crown Bar, preferably for lunch so you'd have even more time to admire the interior. They have an extensive menu and the prices are quite reasonable. The Beef and Guinness Pie was a big hit with our family.

Thank you Longhorn, I'd read about that bar and I am intending to do just as you recommend.