Northern Ireland > Farewell to Belfast

The last day has already arrived. We check out of the hotel. There’s no option to leave our suitcases at the reception. We understand that this should be possible at the bus station. At the station, however, we can’t find any storage facilities. As we look around questioningly, someone immediately asks if we’re here for the golf tournament. Many people are on their way to the tournament. We are not. The information desk provides a solution. “You can store your luggage opposite the station,” explains the friendly lady. Today we explore the southern part of Belfast, an area we haven’t visited yet. We follow the walking route from the travel guide. The route starts again at City Hall and passes by the old historic buildings. Many old linen warehouses from the 17th century are now hotels, restaurants, or shops. The streetscape is very varied. Renovated old buildings alternate with dilapidated houses. Outside the city center, street life looks poorer. Through the beautiful building of Queen’s University, we reach the botanical garden.

Northern Ireland - Queens University Belfast

In the Ulster Museum, located at the corner of the garden, the history of the Troubles is explained. I skip the other exhibits on earlier history, nature, and art. In the botanical garden, the planetarium and the Palm Garden are next to each other. The Palm Garden is a 19th-century greenhouse housing all kinds of exotic plants. On the way back to the city, it starts to rain — not heavily, but enough to get wet. A gust of wind blows as well, and the umbrella, which was already not very sturdy, breaks. We decide to head to the covered St George’s Market. Yesterday the market was already closing, but today it is livelier. Stalls selling food are everywhere, and musicians play in the center. We choose the restaurant on the first floor, where a table is free with a view of the market. Here we conclude our trip to Belfast. Around three o’clock, we walk for the last time to Great Victoria Street. The bus shuttle takes us to the airport in just over thirty minutes. It’s still drizzling lightly along the way. Good to be leaving. We arrive at the airport well ahead of time. There’s nothing to do but wait. Finally, EasyJet flight EZY6775 takes off at quarter to seven towards Schiphol. We are heading home again.