Belfast Gardens

So after we got back to the hostel, I cleared off my memory cards and wrote a blog post, and Bethany decided to take some time to write her postcards she had bought in Dublin and Belfast. And as early evening set in, we decided to head out to catch the post office before they closed, find some dinner, and explore around the hostel some more.

Unfortunately, we didn't realize that the Queen's Diamond Jubilee would be a two-day bank holiday, and so even though it wasn't until the next day, all of the post offices were closed. Fortunately, our hostel was in quite a picturesque part of south Belfast, with the Queen's University of Belfast and the Botanical gardens quite literally at the end of the road.

The university's main gate.

Much like most modern universities, the Queen's University's campus is sprawling and urban, but the classic core is quite small and strikingly beautiful, graced by a main gate, a massive piece of classic British architecture, and a small, but lovely, courtyard, complete with a statue.

The main building of the university.

The courtyard and statue, in front of the main building.

Just next door to the impressive architecture and looming gates of the Queen's University is the understated entrance to the Belfast Botanical Gardens. These aren't quite the botanical gardens that most Americans think of, with a very museum like quality to them, rather more like a large park, which was a nice change of pace from the otherwise very urban and industrial city.

The gates to the gardens. Visitors, however, passed through a small
door just to the left.

One of the wooded areas. The gardens had quite a few dotting the wide open lawns.

It wasn't long before Beth and I came across a large trellis area and a rose garden, and Beth learned the risk of traveling with me is that I make you pose for photos. Lots of them...

Bethany, enjoying the roses.

Bethany with the hanging flowers.

Afterwards, we headed into the wooded area, following a little stream. The shade was nice, and the whole adventure was really relaxing.

The path along the stream.

I made Bethany pose for me a few more times on the bridge.

I think she's trying to hide the "Are you done yet?" face.

The wooded path popped us out near the back of the gardens, so we headed out to wander the winding streets, first heading through a residential neighborhood and eventually back to the University. After that we went to the market and got some sandwiches and chips (or crisps, as they were labeled...) and headed back to the hostel to get ready for our tour the next day.

Overall, this was the only full day we spent in Belfast, and it was really enjoyable. The bus tour was great, which isn't terribly common in most cities, and we had a good time doing a little exploring on our own. Despite what you may believe, the troubles of the city's past are mostly behind them now, and the people are amazingly friendly towards all tourists. Asking for directions is a breeze, and they'll even help you find the little gems that most tourists miss. Overall, the city was safe, clean, and fun, and I'm really glad we made it part of our trip.