Overview
East Belfast produced C.S. Lewis, George Best and Van Morrison inside a couple of square miles, and the EastSide (as it styles itself) has turned that into its main draw for visitors. Between the Stormont Estate and the harbour, a district built around the Harland & Wolff shipyard now runs on self-guided trails, independent cafés and public sculpture. If your time is short, the two things to do are C.S. Lewis Square and a stretch of the Comber Greenway – one gives you the Narnia connection, the other the best flat, traffic-free walk or cycle in the city.
History and character
The eastern wards grew up around the Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the RMS Titanic was built along with thousands of other ships. That tight, working-class world produced Lewis, Best and Morrison within a short walk of one another. As heavy industry declined, the response was to lean into the area’s own story rather than paper over it – hence the literary and shipyard trails, the murals, and the visitor centre that ties them together. It remains one of the most walkable parts of Belfast.
What to See & Do
C.S. Lewis Square
Located on Newtownards Road, this public plaza honours the Belfast-born author of The Chronicles of Narnia. Seven bronze sculptures depicting characters such as Aslan, the White Witch and Mr Tumnus are arranged around the square and illuminated after dark. The site is open around the clock and serves as a convenient starting point for self-guided walks through the author’s former neighbourhood.
EastSide Visitor Centre
On the Newtownards Road next to C.S. Lewis Square, the Visitor Centre is the sensible first stop: free trail leaflets for the C.S. Lewis, Van Morrison and George Best routes, information on the quarter’s attractions, and a Caffè Nero to plan your day over. Staff can advise on seasonal walking tours and what’s on locally.
Titanic Public Art: The Yardmen
Situated in Pitt Park, this bronze sculpture by artist Ross Wilson commemorates the shipyard workers who built the Titanic. A self-guided leaflet is available at the Visitor Centre, guiding visitors through the former shipyard grounds and highlighting other industrial heritage sites in the area.
Stormont Estate & Parliament Buildings
The seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly sits within extensive landscaped grounds that offer free public access. Guided tours of the Parliament Buildings run on weekdays, while the surrounding parkland features walking paths, picnic areas and a children’s playground.
Victoria Park
Open at all times, Victoria Park is a green space that combines recreational facilities with quiet walking routes. The park includes a lake, sports pitches, a BMX track and accessible paths, making it a reliable option for families and casual strolls regardless of the weather.
George Best House
Best grew up at 16 Burren Way, a modest terraced house in the Cregagh Estate, and it has been restored to how it looked in his boyhood. It works two ways: as a tribute B&B you can actually stay in, and as a guided tour. Tours run most Friday mornings from April to September and once a month from October to March, last about 45 minutes and cost £12 for adults – so it takes a bit of planning rather than a walk-up visit. The Museum of Orange Heritage, on the nearby Cregagh Road, is a separate stop if you want more of the area’s history.
Walking & Cycling Routes
Comber Greenway (NCN Route 99)
The Comber Greenway is a traffic-free path that follows the disused Belfast to County Down railway line. Running roughly seven miles through the eastern suburbs, the route connects urban neighbourhoods with coastal views and rural landscapes. It is fully accessible for cyclists and pedestrians, with cycle-repair stations positioned at key junctions. The greenway links directly to the wider National Cycle Network, making it ideal for both short recreational rides and longer touring routes.
Coastal Cycling & Walking
East Belfast serves as a starting point for several coastal routes heading north along the Antrim coast. Cyclists and walkers can follow signposted paths through Carrickfergus, Whitehead and Larne, with numerous cafés and heritage stops along the way. For those preferring shorter walks, the riverside paths along the Connswater and Sydenham offer green corridors through the city, though visitors should check local tide warnings during high-water periods.
Food, Drink & Community Events
The EastSide’s independent food and drink scene has expanded significantly over the past decade. Craft breweries, taprooms and neighbourhood cafés line Newtownards Road and surrounding streets, many of which welcome dogs and host regular community events. Local markets and seasonal festivals pop up throughout the year, showcasing regional producers, street food and live music. Visitors are advised to check local event calendars or ask at the Visitor Centre for the most up-to-date schedules, as programming changes seasonally.
Street Art & Mural Trail
East Belfast is home to a dynamic street art scene that reflects the area’s history, politics and cultural identity. A self-guided mural trail guides visitors past works that range from traditional shipyard and community themes to contemporary abstract pieces. QR codes placed near several artworks provide background information from local artists. The trail is continuously updated as new community projects are commissioned, offering a living snapshot of the neighbourhood’s evolving visual culture.
Practical Information
Getting there – East Belfast is easily reached via the Glider tram system, with the Holywood Arches stop providing direct access to the Visitor Centre and C.S. Lewis Square. Translink bus routes also serve the area frequently, and the nearby Titanic Quarter railway station connects to Dublin and other major cities.
Parking – On-street pay-and-display near the Visitor Centre and along Newtownards Road is charged Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, and free in the evenings and on Sundays; council car parks are free outside those hours. There is an Eastside Park & Ride on Middlepath Street (BT5) if you’d rather leave the car and take the Glider in.
Opening hours & admission – Most outdoor attractions, including C.S. Lewis Square, Victoria Park and the Comber Greenway, are open 24 hours and free to access. The EastSide Visitor Centre and Stormont guided tours operate on weekday schedules with seasonal variations; check official websites before visiting.
Accessibility – The Comber Greenway, C.S. Lewis Square and the Visitor Centre are wheelchair accessible. Most park paths are paved and suitable for pushchairs and mobility aids.
Dog-friendly – Dogs are welcome in Victoria Park, along the Comber Greenway and in many of the quarter’s independent cafés and taprooms. Leashes are required in public spaces.
Nearby attractions – Across the river, the Titanic Quarter and Belfast Botanic Gardens are a short Glider or bus ride away. Belfast Zoo and Belfast Castle are further out, on the Antrim Road in the north of the city on the slopes of the Belfast Hills – a proper trip across town rather than a stroll from the EastSide.
For the best of East Belfast in a morning, start at the Visitor Centre for a coffee and a trail leaflet, walk the Narnia sculptures at C.S. Lewis Square next door, then pick up the Comber Greenway from the same spot and follow it as far as the legs fancy before turning back.