Deanes at Queens
In the vibrant Queen’s Quarter of the city, Deanes at Queens is an elegant dining space, serving local, simple, hearty food prepared to perfection.
BELFAST CITY
PLAN YOUR STAY
Getting to Belfast
For the most up-to-date information on travelling to Northern Ireland after Brexit, go to www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-after-brexit.
By Air
George Best Belfast City Airport
Belfast City Airport is just three miles from Belfast City Centre. Aer Lingus, British Airways, KLM and Eastern Airways all fly to and from Belfast City Airport.The Translink Airport Express 600 bus service runs between the airport and Belfast City Centre.
Belfast International Airport
Belfast International Airport is a 30-minute drive from Belfast City Centre. EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and Wizz all fly to and from Belfast International Airport.The Translink Airport Express 300 bus service runs between the airport and Belfast City Centre.
By Sea
From Scotland, England and Isle of Man
Belfast is easily accessed by sea, with crossings from both Scotland and England. Travel by superfast ferries with journey times from just 1 hour.
- Stena Line (travelling from Liverpool and Cairnryan)
- P&O Irish Sea (travelling from Cairnryan)
- Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (travelling from Isle of Man).
Getting to Belfast from Dublin
By Rail
From Dublin and Republic of Ireland
Irish Rail operates services from towns and cities across the Republic of Ireland to Dublin’s Connolly Station, where you can then catch a connecting train to Belfast.
The Enterprise Train service (provided jointly by Translink and Irish Rail), from Dublin’s Connolly Station to Lanyon Station (previously known as Belfast Central Station), runs eight times daily (five times on Sundays) and takes 2 hours 15 minutes. Book in advance at www.irishrail.ie for the best value fares.
Your Enterprise ticket includes free onward rail travel from Lanyon Station (previously known as Belfast Central Station) to Titanic Quarter Station (train stop for the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction) as well as a free Metro Bus Service from Lanyon Station (previously known as Belfast Central Station) to the city centre (Belfast City Hall area).
Irish Rail operates services from towns and cities across the Republic of Ireland to Dublin’s Connolly Station, where you can then catch a connecting train to Belfast.
The Enterprise Train service (provided jointly by Translink and Irish Rail), from Dublin’s Connolly Station to Lanyon Station (previously known as Belfast Central Station), runs eight times daily (five times on Sundays) and takes 2 hours 15 minutes. Book in advance at www.irishrail.ie for the best value fares.
Your Enterprise ticket includes free onward rail travel from Lanyon Station (previously known as Belfast Central Station) to Titanic Quarter Station (train stop for the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction) as well as a free Metro Bus Service from Lanyon Station (previously known as Belfast Central Station) to the city centre (Belfast City Hall area).
By Bus
From Dublin and Republic of Ireland
From Dublin, the X1 bus service (provided jointly by Translink and Bus Eireann) operates from Dublin Busáras in the city centre and Dublin Airport to Belfast, with 21 departures every day.
The journey time from Dublin to Belfast is approximately 2 hours.
For more information on routes and fares, visit www.buseireann.ie.
From Dublin, the X1 bus service (provided jointly by Translink and Bus Eireann) operates from Dublin Busáras in the city centre and Dublin Airport to Belfast, with 21 departures every day.
The journey time from Dublin to Belfast is approximately 2 hours.
For more information on routes and fares, visit www.buseireann.ie.
By Road
From Dublin
Starting out at Dublin Airport, the M1 Motorway is well signposted for Belfast; this is a toll road and there is one toll plaza approximately 31 km from Dublin Airport. Continue on this motorway signposted for Belfast.
Just after passing the city of Newry, the road becomes a dual carriageway (A1) and motorway regulations fall away. At the Sprucefield roundabout (approximately 137 km from Dublin Airport) the A1 joins the M1 motorway (signposted The North, Belfast).
Once within the Greater Belfast area, the signs will display as City Centre. At Grosvenor Road Junction (approximately 152 km from Dublin) leave the motorway and follow signs for City Centre onto the B38.
Starting out at Dublin Airport, the M1 Motorway is well signposted for Belfast; this is a toll road and there is one toll plaza approximately 31 km from Dublin Airport. Continue on this motorway signposted for Belfast.
Just after passing the city of Newry, the road becomes a dual carriageway (A1) and motorway regulations fall away. At the Sprucefield roundabout (approximately 137 km from Dublin Airport) the A1 joins the M1 motorway (signposted The North, Belfast).
Once within the Greater Belfast area, the signs will display as City Centre. At Grosvenor Road Junction (approximately 152 km from Dublin) leave the motorway and follow signs for City Centre onto the B38.
Visit Belfast
Exclusive Offer
We are delighted to partner with Visit Belfast to offer exclusive discounts to our conference delegates. These offers can be redeemed whilst in Belfast City, across many of our attractions, city tours and restaurants.
Accommodation
Grand Central Hotel
£120 per night B&B Single
£130 per night B&B Double/Twin
£130 per night B&B Double/Twin
Hastings Grand Central is more than a hotel. It’s an ode to a city. Standing tall in Bedford Street, this impressive jewel fuses glamour and grandeur with a uniquely Belfast spirit. Perfectly placed in Belfast City. Just as Belfast is at the heart of the Grand Central, the Grand Central is at the heart of Belfast. Set in the up and coming Linen Quarter, the hotel is a spectacular hub for exploring Titanic Quarter’s history or Cathedral Quarter’s charming cobbled streets, pubs and eateries. Theatre buffs, shopaholics and historians alike will all be spoiled for choice, with a host of options right on their doorstep. Conveniently located for all transport access, the Grand Central is perfectly placed for every city centre endeavour – from business to leisure and everything in between.
Booking
Quote ACTION TRAUMA when booking.
Eat & Drink
Hospitality in Belfast
Get a taste for Belfast’s incredible foodie scene. Find Michelin Star and award-winning restaurants, as well as budget friendly options and restaurants serving Italian, Indian, Chinese, Irish and fusion cuisine. Or discover our cafés, afternoon tea and one-of-a-kind food and drink experiences.
Then grab a drink in Belfast city centre’s bars, which range from historic pubs with traditional live music to modern cocktail bars, nightclubs and beer gardens.
Then grab a drink in Belfast city centre’s bars, which range from historic pubs with traditional live music to modern cocktail bars, nightclubs and beer gardens.
Places to dine
Howards Restaurant
Creating tasty dishes using the best of Northern Irish ingredients served alongside a captivating range of wines, beers and cocktails.
Sakura
Sakura is the first and only authentic Sushi Bar in Belfast, specialising in the culinary art of sushi and offering a variety of Asian food.
Hadskis
Located in a former iron foundry, you can sample the ever changing menu and European classics at Hadskis on Commercial Court.
Home Restaurant
Feel-good food served in a well-established, award-winning restaurant in the heart of the city centre.
Causerie
The Causerie at the Europa Hotel serves everything from light bites to hearty specials.
Useful Apps
Whova
Download Whova for access to the Trauma Summit schedule, live stream and playbacks as well as virtual exhibitors, networking and resources.
Translink mLink Ticketing
The mLink ticketing App is the quick and easy way to buy your tickets and use directly on your mobile device.
Translink Journey Planner
The FREE Translink Journey Planner App provides information about all scheduled services available on IOS and Android devices.
Value Cabs
The free Value Cabs taxi booking app allows you to book a taxi with a few simple taps on your mobile phone screen. Customers can also track their taxi and view its arrival time.
Things to know
Internet and WiFi
Internet and WiFi access is widely available throughout the city, including in the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.
If you require PC and printing facilities, your hotel may provide this service for free or for a small charge. Belfast Central Library can also provide PC and printing facilities for a small charge.
Phone Calls
The international dialling code for Northern Ireland is 00 44 28. The local code for Belfast is 90.
Directory enquiries can be contacted on 118 500 or dial 0 from a public telephone for operator assistance.
Post Offices
Most post offices are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm and some are also open on Saturday mornings. The main post office is located on Bridge Street in Belfast City Centre and is open 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
Internet and WiFi access is widely available throughout the city, including in the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.
If you require PC and printing facilities, your hotel may provide this service for free or for a small charge. Belfast Central Library can also provide PC and printing facilities for a small charge.
Phone Calls
The international dialling code for Northern Ireland is 00 44 28. The local code for Belfast is 90.
Directory enquiries can be contacted on 118 500 or dial 0 from a public telephone for operator assistance.
Post Offices
Most post offices are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm and some are also open on Saturday mornings. The main post office is located on Bridge Street in Belfast City Centre and is open 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
Currency
In Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, the currency is pound sterling (£). One pound is equal to 100 pence. Notes are available as £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100. Coins are available as 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.
Some shops and visitor attractions may also accept Euro – which is the official currency used in the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere in Europe – but this is not guaranteed.
Banks and Bureau de Change
Most banks are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and some are also open on Saturdays.
There are foreign money exchange facilities in the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre and various retail outlets across the city.
Credit Cards and Payment Options
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout Northern Ireland; American Express is accepted in some places but not all. Alipay is accepted in the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.
In Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, the currency is pound sterling (£). One pound is equal to 100 pence. Notes are available as £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100. Coins are available as 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.
Some shops and visitor attractions may also accept Euro – which is the official currency used in the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere in Europe – but this is not guaranteed.
Banks and Bureau de Change
Most banks are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and some are also open on Saturdays.
There are foreign money exchange facilities in the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre and various retail outlets across the city.
Credit Cards and Payment Options
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout Northern Ireland; American Express is accepted in some places but not all. Alipay is accepted in the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.
Many shops in Belfast City Centre are open:
Monday: 9am – 6pm
Tuesday: 9am – 6pm
Wednesday: 9am – 6pm (Victoria Square shopping centre is open to 9pm)
Thursday: 9am – 9pm
Friday: 9am – 6pm (Victoria Square shopping centre is open to 9pm)
Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Sunday: 1pm – 6pm
Opening hours for smaller shops may vary. Opening hours are subject to change on Bank Holidays. Shops usually extend their opening hours in the run-up to Christmas.
The award-winning St George’s Market is open Friday (6am – 3pm), Saturday (9am – 3pm) and Sunday (10am – 4pm).
Carrier Bag Levy
Northern Ireland retailers must charge at least 5p for new carrier bags. The main aim is to protect the environment by greatly cutting the number of carrier bags used. Reusing carrier bags saves natural resources and reduces the need for landfill. Find out more about the Carrier Bag Levy.
Tax Free Shopping
All visitors from outside the European Union are able to avail of tax free shopping in the UK when they purchase eligible goods from participating retailers. The scheme is entirely voluntary so look out for the Tax Free Shopping logo before you purchase. Tax free shopping is available in the gift shop in the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.
Monday: 9am – 6pm
Tuesday: 9am – 6pm
Wednesday: 9am – 6pm (Victoria Square shopping centre is open to 9pm)
Thursday: 9am – 9pm
Friday: 9am – 6pm (Victoria Square shopping centre is open to 9pm)
Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Sunday: 1pm – 6pm
Opening hours for smaller shops may vary. Opening hours are subject to change on Bank Holidays. Shops usually extend their opening hours in the run-up to Christmas.
The award-winning St George’s Market is open Friday (6am – 3pm), Saturday (9am – 3pm) and Sunday (10am – 4pm).
Carrier Bag Levy
Northern Ireland retailers must charge at least 5p for new carrier bags. The main aim is to protect the environment by greatly cutting the number of carrier bags used. Reusing carrier bags saves natural resources and reduces the need for landfill. Find out more about the Carrier Bag Levy.
Tax Free Shopping
All visitors from outside the European Union are able to avail of tax free shopping in the UK when they purchase eligible goods from participating retailers. The scheme is entirely voluntary so look out for the Tax Free Shopping logo before you purchase. Tax free shopping is available in the gift shop in the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.
Driving Laws and Road Safety
Driving in Northern Ireland is on the left-hand side of the road and all passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times. For those riding motorcycles, both motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets. Northern Ireland’s laws on drink driving are strict. Those drivers found to be contravening the laws will be heavily penalised. Use of mobile/cell phones while driving is strictly prohibited.
Roads in Northern Ireland are prefixed with an M for motorway, and an A and a B for primary and non-primary roads.
Signposts and speeds are in miles and miles per hour, as in the rest of the UK.
For more information on driving laws, road safety, insurance and licences, visit www.nidirect.gov.uk.
Driving in Northern Ireland is on the left-hand side of the road and all passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times. For those riding motorcycles, both motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets. Northern Ireland’s laws on drink driving are strict. Those drivers found to be contravening the laws will be heavily penalised. Use of mobile/cell phones while driving is strictly prohibited.
Roads in Northern Ireland are prefixed with an M for motorway, and an A and a B for primary and non-primary roads.
Signposts and speeds are in miles and miles per hour, as in the rest of the UK.
For more information on driving laws, road safety, insurance and licences, visit www.nidirect.gov.uk.
The weather in Northern Ireland can be unpredictable, and we talk about it quite a lot! We don’t have the extreme temperatures of other countries, with relatively mild winters and cool summers.
Below are the average maximum temperatures during the seasons:
As our weather can be changeable, we suggest wearing layers of clothing that you can then put on or take off as the temperature changes. Pack a rain coat and umbrella for those rainy days, and don’t forget the sun cream during the warmer summer days.
And if it does rain, there are plenty of indoor attractions, cosy pubs and tasty restaurants to enjoy!
Below are the average maximum temperatures during the seasons:
- February – April: 8 – 12°C
- May – July: 18 – 20°C
- August – November: 14 – 18°C
- December – January: 8°C
As our weather can be changeable, we suggest wearing layers of clothing that you can then put on or take off as the temperature changes. Pack a rain coat and umbrella for those rainy days, and don’t forget the sun cream during the warmer summer days.
And if it does rain, there are plenty of indoor attractions, cosy pubs and tasty restaurants to enjoy!
Smoking
Belfast has been a smoke free city since 2006. It is against the law to smoke in bars, restaurants, cafés, hotels, offices, factories and other places of work.
The majority of hotels in Belfast no longer offer smoking rooms – please check this when booking your accommodation.
Many bars and restaurants have installed outdoor smoking areas for those who choose to smoke.
Tipping
Most restaurants add a discretionary service charge to the bill for groups of six people or more.
If this charge is added to your bill, tipping is not necessary.
If a service charge is not included, a discretionary tip of 10-15% is customary.
Stay Safe
Belfast is one of the safest cities in Europe, and Northern Ireland has the second lowest crime rate in Europe.
However, it is always wise to be sensible and follow good advice when exploring a new destination. As with all travel, follow general safety tips such as leave money and valuables in a safe place and lock valuables out of sight.
Emergencies
The number for emergency services is 999.
This will connect you to the fire brigade, police, ambulance, lifeboat and mountain rescue services.
For non-urgent crimes, contact the police by calling 101.
Visas
The UK’s visa requirements vary depending on your citizenship. Check whether you need a visa to visit Northern Ireland
Citizens of the EEA member states (the 27 countries of the European Union EU, together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) and many other countries including USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand do not require visas to gain entry to Northern Ireland.
Citizens of all other countries should contact their local British Embassy/High Commission or Consular Office prior to traveling to Northern Ireland.
Left Luggage Facilities
The Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, located opposite Belfast City Hall in Belfast City Centre, has a luggage storage facility so visitors can securely store their luggage while exploring the city.
This is charged at £4 for a half day or £6 for a full day (per bag). Please note – in line with current Covid-19 restrictions this service is currently unavailable.
Public Toilets
Belfast city centre is well serviced with clean, accessible public toilets which are managed by Belfast City Council.
Electrical Adapters
Plugs in Northern Ireland are three-pronged and the electricity supply is 240v.
Drinking Tap Water
Tap water in Northern Ireland is safe to drink.
Belfast has been a smoke free city since 2006. It is against the law to smoke in bars, restaurants, cafés, hotels, offices, factories and other places of work.
The majority of hotels in Belfast no longer offer smoking rooms – please check this when booking your accommodation.
Many bars and restaurants have installed outdoor smoking areas for those who choose to smoke.
Tipping
Most restaurants add a discretionary service charge to the bill for groups of six people or more.
If this charge is added to your bill, tipping is not necessary.
If a service charge is not included, a discretionary tip of 10-15% is customary.
Stay Safe
Belfast is one of the safest cities in Europe, and Northern Ireland has the second lowest crime rate in Europe.
However, it is always wise to be sensible and follow good advice when exploring a new destination. As with all travel, follow general safety tips such as leave money and valuables in a safe place and lock valuables out of sight.
Emergencies
The number for emergency services is 999.
This will connect you to the fire brigade, police, ambulance, lifeboat and mountain rescue services.
For non-urgent crimes, contact the police by calling 101.
Visas
The UK’s visa requirements vary depending on your citizenship. Check whether you need a visa to visit Northern Ireland
Citizens of the EEA member states (the 27 countries of the European Union EU, together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) and many other countries including USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand do not require visas to gain entry to Northern Ireland.
Citizens of all other countries should contact their local British Embassy/High Commission or Consular Office prior to traveling to Northern Ireland.
Left Luggage Facilities
The Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, located opposite Belfast City Hall in Belfast City Centre, has a luggage storage facility so visitors can securely store their luggage while exploring the city.
This is charged at £4 for a half day or £6 for a full day (per bag). Please note – in line with current Covid-19 restrictions this service is currently unavailable.
Public Toilets
Belfast city centre is well serviced with clean, accessible public toilets which are managed by Belfast City Council.
Electrical Adapters
Plugs in Northern Ireland are three-pronged and the electricity supply is 240v.
Drinking Tap Water
Tap water in Northern Ireland is safe to drink.
