Songdoc

Next month I will return to Belfast for the fifth time (to participate in the fabulous Belfast Nashville Music Festival). I will have no fear whatsoever. However, I will steer clear of any protests--and will have no reason to go anywhere near East Belfast. I'll avoid the gorgeous City Hall, as well.

Before going to Belfast I will spend six days in one of my favorite places on Earth--a cottage at Limepark (located in Armoy) with easy access to the incredible beauty of the Antrim Coast.

Sorry, marirose -- but the Republic (while it certainly is beautiful--and a wonderful place to visit) does not have the Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, or other places that are unique to the North.

I hope my friends in Belfast will forgive me, but I don't think most tourists would have a need to go to Belfast, anyway. It has some nice architecture and it's perfectly fine--but I don't put it on par with Dublin, or some of the great European capitals, as a "must-see" for tourists.

It's heartbreaking that the troubles have flared again--but I certainly wouldn't let it stop me from seeing the unique beauty of the Antrim coast.

bobthecow

I found everything I needed to know about traveling to Belfast from people who actually live there. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...n_Ireland.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...n_Ireland.html

Evidently no need for the fear mongering of the few who get news from local gossip.