I have been using the forums for sometime now and have finally decided to write up my own datasheet for somewhere that doesn't have one.
I have lived in Belfast in Northern Ireland for most of the last ten years. UK and Irish women get a (fully deserved) bad rep but I think sometimes it is overstated. It's no Poland/Ukraine/Russia but going by some peoples comments, you would think there are no attractive women here and that is definately not true.
LOGISTICS:
Belfast is a city of about 300,000 people. This depends on how far out the centre you still call the city etc... The main areas of the city with bars etc... are all easily very walkable. You will only really be in the centre or the south of the city. You would have no need to get taxis or buses once you arrive from airport.
GETTING IN:
There are three main airports that you might land in if you are heading to Belfast:
'George Best' Belfast City Airport - Take the metro bus 600 which are every 20/30 minutes to the city centre and costs £3.60 for a return. Should only take 15 mins.
Belfast International Airport - Metro 300 to the city centre and run every 15mins. £10.50 for a return and takes around 45mins to centre.
Dublin - I almost always fly from here. Many more routes and you can get either the aircoach to Belfast for around 23 euro and takes just under 2 hours or from the cross border bus service. There are discounts for booking tickets online in advance.
ACCOMMODATION:
You can of course use airbnb for apartments though there aren't too many. You can also find apartments on gumtree available to rent on a monthly basis. Sometimes these are only rooms in a larger house but they would be much cheaper than an airbnb rental. If you prefer to stay in hotels then my options would be:
Premier Inn - Close to the Cathedral Quarter area
Ramada Encore - Also in the Cathedral Quarter area
Etap - Very cheap hotel right in the university area and next to one of the best bars/clubs full of students so good for logistics
Europa hotel - Once called the most bombed hotel in Europe (They actually told this to guests as they checked in)
NIGHTGAME:
The nightlife options are in two main areas - the university area and the Cathedral Quarter
University:
The Bot - Very popular, especially with students during the university term. Downstairs is a large, bar. Upstairs has a club.
The Parlour - Student bar and nightclub
Laverys - One of the largest and several outdoor smoking areas too
Thompsons - Open until 3AM and right beside City Hall. Usually a lot of underage people here but as close to a sure thing as you will find in the city.
Filthy McNasties - Right in the student area and lots of outdoor areas too. Can be quiet until after 10PM at times.
Alibi - New two floor club with three-floor smoking terrace.
Limelight - A favourite of every student in Belfast. Wide range of people but mostly known as rock/alt crowd.
City Centre/Cathedral Quarter:
Love & Death Inc - An intimate and fun club hidden away from the Cathedral Quarter.
Ollies - Ollie’s club at The Merchant Hotel is quite a lavish space with lots of deep red velvet and leather seating, mahogany walls and restored original vaulted ceilings. Also features a discreet VIP members bar.
Dirty Onion - Again a large outdoor area. Inside is very dark which could be good or bad
The Grand National Cafe - Bar with large outdoor area and a club that is open until 3AM. People get dressed up to go here but largely in groups.
DAYGAME:
Botanic Gardens - Public garden park near to the University
Victoria Square - The 'premier' shopping centre/mall in the city. The streets outside it are pedestrain only and are actually better than the shopping mall itself in my opinion
Royal Avenue - Probably the street with the most people beside city hall. Probably too busy in a way and not always the best looking people!
Botanic Avenue - Close to University accomodation with some bars and restaurants/cafes nearby. Probably the best spot to find a student and go for a instadate.
Dublin Road - At the end of Botanic Avenue is Dublin Road. This leads into the city centre and can be good spot
Cathedral Quarter - The narrow alleys of this area can be good especially in the evenigns. There is an upmarket area called "St Annes Square" which has a couple of restaurants and cafes. There is also a gym if you want to appraoch people as they go in/come out.
FOOD:
Generally the breakfast food options are fried foods with the following options being good value:
Bright's Restaurant
Maggie Mays
The Mad Hatter
For something more substantial as lunch or even dinner you can go to Boojum, a mexican buritto bar with huge portions for decent price and they even do beer. There is a small cafe/restaurant in the city centre called Grapevine specilaising in gumbo, chillis and chowders.
For those wishing to splurge a little more, you can also have:
Apartment - cocktail bar and restauarnt right beside the city hall
Scalini - Good Italian restaurant in the university area
The Merchant Hotel - Belfasts most expensive hotel and cocktail bar. This once held the world record for the most expenisve cocktail in the world
My favourite place for food at the weekends in St George's Market which runs on a Friday to Sunday every week.
So yes while Belfast may not be the best location to go to, it does have some plus points and the fact that everything is central is of course an advantage. Any questions let me know and I'll try to help.