Belfast, a paradise for shoppers and Christmas lovers, is just waiting for you to explore. The best part? You can go on luxurious bus trips to Christmas markets and enjoy the ride.
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Shopping for presents is part of what makes Christmas fun and special. But what if you can go on an amazing weekend city break while you’re at it?
That’s exactly what Belfast, the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, has to offer. It has plenty of shopping destinations – from charming markets to outlet centres and designer boutiques – so you can shop for everyone on your list, including yourself.
The city also has an exciting food scene and spectacular holiday events – everything you want on a weekend getaway.
A stress-free way to travel
What’s more is you can get to Belfast stress-free. Your trip will be safe, very comfortable and cost effective if you travel with Hannon Coach.
Eve Mcstravick, who works at Hannon Coach and lives in Belfast, explains: “We have an express service that picks you up at Glasgow’s Buchanan bus station.
“All our coaches are luxury touring class coaches. They have leather interiors, toilets on board and Wi-Fi. They’re all large, each with around 50 seats. You can load all your luggage onto the coach and you won’t need to lift them again until you get to Belfast.
“The bus takes you straight to a boat. Once you’re there, you can get off the coach. Enjoy the ferry ride while sitting at the cafés or popping into the shops on the boat.
“When the ferry gets to Belfast, you’ll be driven off straight into Belfast City Centre and dropped off at the new Belfast Grand Central Station. It’s a fantastic facility that has links with the train station and other buses depending on where you want to go. It’s also close to many hotels and other places where people can stay.”
A festive weekend in Belfast
Here’s how you can spend a fun weekend in Belfast shopping for Christmas and getting into the holiday spirit.
© Supplied by Hannon CoachFriday
You can leave Glasgow at 8:30am and arrive in Belfast at 2:15pm with Hannon Coach. Its coach and sail service will take you from point A to point B without you worrying about a thing.
Then you can check into your hotel and freshen up after travelling all morning.
Before having dinner and drinks, you’ll have enough time to visit Titanic Belfast. You’ll learn how RMS Titanic was built and launched right in the city. You’ll even get to experience what it was like to be a passenger boarding the vessel on its fateful maiden voyage.
Saturday
You’ll have the entire day to make the most of what Belfast has to offer.
Head to Victoria Square right in the heart of Belfast city centre where there’s a mix of designer and high street stores. Don’t miss the Dome, the iconic platform inside Victoria Square that offers spectacular views of the city. A tour guide will be on hand to point out local attractions like the City Hall, the Albert Clock and Cave Hill.
Castle Court is another must-visit destination for shopaholics, with its huge range of high street and independent shops. It even has a cinema offering a luxury experience in case you want to take a break from carrying all your bags.
For dinner, visit Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter – home to the best bars and restaurants and fantastic nightlife.
© Supplied by Hannon CoachEve recommends House of Zen, describing it as one of her favourite restaurants. She also suggests Pizza Punks which has great cocktails – the perfect nightcap to your exciting day.
Sunday
It’s your last day in Belfast but you still have the whole morning to spend in the city.
Why not grab some brunch at St George’s Market? The charming Victorian building is one of the city’s oldest attractions. Here, you can sample the finest local produce as you listen to musicians for free! You can also meet local craftspeople while picking up unique gifts and souvenirs.
© Supplied by Hannon CoachDon’t miss your bus home! You can return to Glasgow at 2:30pm with Hannon Coach which leaves from stand 18 at Belfast Grand Central Station.
Book Hannon Coach’s coach and sail service now
Hannon Coach operates its convenient express coach and sail service between Glasgow and Belfast every day, seven days a week, twice a day in each direction.
Tickets cost £44 each way and bags go FREE.
Eve says: “Everybody can bring a large 23kg suitcase and a small carry-on bag. So there’s plenty of room for all your Christmas shopping.”
To book, visit Hannon Coach’s website. You can also email info@hannoncoach.com or call +44 (0)28 92 650 700.
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