Getting There
Ceremony: St Mary's on the Hill Church Reception: Clandeboye Lodge Bangor
The Ceremony is about a 30-40 minute drive from the Church. The Ceremony will take place from 1pm, and finish around 2pm. Guests are invited to join us at the Clandeboye Lodge hotel from 3pm onwards for celebrations, dinner and dancing.
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A bus has been hired to take guests from the church to the reception if you aren't driving.
Once You're Here
We’re excited to share a few of our favorite places in the area with you. We realise a lot of people attending our wedding aren't from Belfast, and since you're making the big trip over, we wanted to share some of our favourites places! Below are some tips on where to stay and what to explore in the city. Sorcha (me) will take you through some of the places I think are the best craic (fun)
Ulster Museum at Botanic Gardens
I love the Ulster Museum. It is situated inside Belfast's gorgeous Botanic Gardens, where in August you can explore a gorgeous green house and Palm house full of tropical plants. The Ulster Museum is filled with beautiful paintings, it also has a floor dedicated to the history of Ireland and the troubles as well as historical artefacts, fossils and animal bones! I love the Cafés and bars around this student area of Belfast too.
Crumlin Road Gaol - Tour and Restaurant
Crumlin Road Gaol is just an amazing place to visit. Today you can explore the prison as part of the “Crumlin Road Gaol Experience”, learning the history of the site from when women and children were held within its walls through to the political segregation of Irish republican prisoners and learn about why the decision was taken to close the prison.
During this experience you will visit the underground tunnel that used to connect the gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse.
There is also an incredible resturant in the Gaol appropriately called Cuffs. All ingredients are fresh and sourced locally from small independent suppliers
The QFT Cinema
As many of you know - or should know - I am an animator. And Queen’s Film Theatre is such a stable of our cinema scene in Belfast that I couldn't not put it on this list. QFT is a unique cultural venue with over 50 years of experience of bringing a high quality film experience to Belfast audiences. QFT is also a friendly, intimate cinema, with a fully stocked bar and snack area, comfy seats and most importantly of all - curated films from all over the world. These films aren't usually screened by major cinemas and so aren't usually given a wide audience. If indie films aren't your thing though, don't worry, they have all the same blockbusters as any big chain cinema would have! Without visitors and support an incredible independant theatre such as QFT would not be able to exist.
I have loved every visit to QFT, it is clear that they values its audiences and the cinema experience.
Where to Stay
Hotels and B&Bs to check out around Belfast and Glenglormley
Clandeboye lodege Hotel
Of course I'm going to reccomend the reception hotel itself!
I think this is great if you decide to party on late into the night and want somewhere easy to rest your head after a night of boogy-ing.
I also think it's the wise choice if you're worried about taxis and getting from the reception back to wherever you are staying.
The Clandeboye Lodge is a 4 star hotel situated just outside of Belfast. It's a gorgeous country hotel with gardens and golf course. It also has an incredible resturant with the yummiest of food.
Air BnBs in Glenglormley
Glenglomley is where I live! And right beside where the ceremony church is. If you want to roll out of bed and get to the church on time that Friday morning, an air bnb beside the church might be the most handy for you.
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I think Air BnBs can be very cost effective. You'll have your own kitchen, driveway if you're renting or bringing your car, and you can cut the costs by staying with other friends who are guests too.
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The 1852
A very nice and cheap option for those who want to stay in the heart of Belfast City Centre. It's above Town SQ resturant which is another amazing place for food and drinks in Belfast City Centre
It has easy check-in, super comfy beds, iconic dining and drinks, and probably the best location in Belfast
If you do stay here, check out Empire's Comedy Club - or Lavery's Comedy Club.