Doing business
Belfast is the main hub for business and investment in Northern Ireland – almost half of the internationally-owned companies in the country are based here. There’s plenty of opportunity for speculation, in other words, with knowledge-based industries doing particularly well. It’s also somewhere that takes hospitality seriously, so don’t be surprised to go the extra pint when it comes to evening engagements. And while the city’s darker days are largely consigned to history, social tensions are still very real in certain parts of the city – outspoken political or religious debate is best avoided.

Cool hotel
The four-star Europa Hotel is often considered 'the' place to stay in Belfast, though the comp-etition is stronger than ever. See page 68 for more details, or visit www.hastingshotels.com. 

Hip restaurant
Renowned in foodie circles and groaning under the weight of industry accolades, James Street South is where to head for stylish fine dining. The city centre restaurant is overseen by owner and head chef Niall McKenna, who trained in Michelin-starred kitchens in London. It can be booked exclusively for corporate functions and is able to accommodate up to 75 guests for a sit-down dinner, or 100 for a canapé reception.  

Happening bar
Hardly a secret this place, but it always makes for a rewarding drink. The Crown Liquor Saloon is a work of art as much as it is a pub, bursting with mosaic, brocade, tiling, carved wood and mirrors. Owned by the National Trust – and lovingly preserved as a result – it is a colourful remnant of the Victorian period and unarguably one of the most impressive drinking venues in the UK. There are ten different ‘snugs’, all equipped with gun metal plates for striking matches and a bell system for ordering from the bar. 

Must-see sight
For those who want to learn more about the city’s social history, there are a number of informative tours that take in the familiar murals of Shankill and The Falls Road. If nature’s more your thing, however, the Antrim Coast Road makes for a truly spectacular drive – heading north out of Belfast’s suburbs, the road follows the scenic coastline through small villages and open countryside. 

Getting there
Belfast has two airports. The George Best Belfast City Airport is extremely close to the heart of things, sitting just two miles from the city centre – it is served by UK and Ireland flights and welcomes a number of domestic carriers. Belfast International Airport is located further out of town but also serves a number of UK carriers and low-cost and transatlantic airlines. It is also possible to sail across the Irish Sea, from both Liverpool and Stranraer, Scotland. Belfast is easily accessible from Dublin, by road, rail and air. 

Getting downtown
Both the George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport are connected to the city centre by regular bus, taking around ten and 45 minutes respectively. Taxis are also readily available. For rail passengers, Central Station is located on East Bridge Street, close to the river and near most major points of interest.

The carbon cost
A return flight from London Heathrow Airport to Belfast International will cover 1,008 kilometres and emit 0.1 tonnes of CO2. Offset this with the CarbonNeutral Company for £1.40.

INSIDER’S TIP
“If you’re seeking a unique experience to entertain business clients with, visit www.luxurybelfast.com. It showcases a range of inspirational itineraries and luxury packages with customised service, soph-isticated dining, outdoor pursuits, spa breaks, tailor-made shopping experiences and corporate entertainment.”
Martha Robb, Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau

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