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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicola Brady

Kicking around since 1896, Belfast’s St George’s Market is the longest-running market on the island of Ireland – there has been a market here on the site since 1604. It’s a buzzy, bustling hub of local producers and craftspeople inside a beautifully-restored Victorian building. Locals gather to pick up goat bacon from Broughgammon, or Young Buck blue cheese from Newtownards.

It’s not just food, either. On Friday it is a ‘variety’ market, with around 250 stalls selling everything and anything; Saturdays is ‘Food, Craft and Garden’ and Sundays is ‘Food, Craft and Antiques’. A shopper’s heaven.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The market is right in the city centre, but there’s a free shuttle bus that links Adelaide Street and Donegal Square every 20 minutes.

If you’re walking, it’s around 10 minutes from City Hall or Victoria Square. The market is open from Friday to Sunday every week, excluding some public holidays.

After a wander, head to one of the cafés on the second floor, where you can tuck into local potato bread and people-watch the shoppers below.

When to do it

The market operates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Times vary from 8am – 3pm.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Bullitt Hotel

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]

An artsy, lively hotel in the heart of the city, where vibrant style meets excellent value.

Official star rating:

Malmaison Belfast

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]

Sultry, chic and quietly opulent, this boutique hotel is the perfect base for a romantic getaway.

Official star rating:

The Merchant Hotel

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

A nod to traditional luxury, this lavish city-centre hotel is one of Belfast’s favourite hangouts.

Official star rating:

Grand Central Hotel

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

A smart, modern design hotel with exceptional views of the city, in a great central location.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Belfast

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Northern Ireland’s capital makes for a surprisingly arty city break, with convivial and cosy pubs, elegant architecture and cutting-edge cuisine.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Belfast’s Street Art

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]

Discover Belfast’s vibrant and fascinating street art, and the stories behind them, on tours led by local artists.

Best for ages: 8+ | £15 | 1 hour

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Titanic Belfast

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.6 miles]

Standing where the Titanic was built, this moving, interactive exhibition tells the story of the giant cruiser’s construction and sinking.

Best for ages: 4+ | £20

Crumlin Road Gaol

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.9 miles]

Belfast’s imposing former prison offers a haunting peek into the city’s tumultuous history, from famous inmates to infamous riots.   

Best for ages: 13+ | £12

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Side view of the city hall during the day
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Belfast City Hall

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]

Take a free tour of Belfast’s baroque City Hall, dating back to 1906, with impressive interiors to match the elegant, Edwardian frontage.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Duke of York Pub
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Duke of York Pub

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One of the oldest pubs in Belfast, the Duke of York is a traditional boozer found down a cobbled alleyway, with well-worn seats, antique memorabilia and an old printing press in the corner. On sunny days, people take their drinks out to the flower-lined courtyard.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Street view of the colourful Crown Bar decorated in full colour
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Crown Bar

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]

A Victorian ‘Gin Palace’, restored to its original glory by the National Trust and now a Belfast landmark. The elaborate interiors feature colourful mosaics, stained-glass windows, decorative ceilings, and snugs lit by gas lamps.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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External view of the cathedral during the daytime
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Belfast Cathedral

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 miles]

This Romanesque cathedral is one of the city’s finest architectural feats – take a tour to admire the stained glass, and the 40-foot glass spire, named the ‘Spire of Hope’.

Best for ages: 18+ | £5

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