The Royal British Legion is a small, popular social club along the Shore Road. Acting as a meeting…read moreplace for members of the Legion it also doubles as an establishment. For a bit of background info, the British Legion safeguards the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces and they help serving and ex-Service personnel and their families. Not just those who fought in the two World Wars, but also those involved in the many conflicts since 1945 and those still fighting today. As to the bar, well, you get all types coming in here, it's mainly the locals and the students from NRC or UUJ or the strays wandering in, wondering what the place is like. Well, if you didn't make it you're not missing much. If you're a history fan and enjoy old men talking about the topic for a good few pints then come on down. I'm sure you'll be more than welcome. Again note, you have to sign in. It's not up to much but everyone's different so it could be your thing. Adorning the walls are memorabilia of past wars and events from the club. A lot of these are really interesting pictures so have a look. The prices are great and it's probably a great bar if you are a member. If interested then call in for more information to see for yourself. If you're out for a walk and fancy a little pick me up, then I'd have to recommend either The Lighthouse or Bureau a little while on down the road in Whiteabbey Village.

Was at a private party here in the upstairs room…read more Would be worthwhile place to hire for a birthday party ... Engagement party etc as you can bring your own entertainment. Staff were friendly and the drink was reasonably priced ... Members get 20% off but unfortunately I'm not one of them :(

History and modern clash here in the Cathedral Quarter which is in the shadow of Belfast's Saint…read moreAnne's Cathedral. I spent most of my time along Hill Street but there's more. The narrow cobblestone alleyways are lined with classic pubs, fashionable bars and a spectrum of restaurants for different tastes and budgets. Many of the walls here are covered with street art, either sanctioned or unsanctioned. This makes for a colorful (colourful?) tour as you stumble from one drinking establishment to the next. Thankfully, my hotel was not too far away from Hill Street so I didn't have to stumble too far after enjoying drinks in the Dirty Onion and the Dark Horse the Garrick bar and the Duke of York. Lots of traditional Irish music, some whiskey, some Guinness and more. Don't miss the Yardbird which smelled amazing with their rotisserie chicken cooking. [Review 1994 of 2024 - 896 in United Kingdom - 23016 overall]

It has become a trend of modern times to quarter off cities into distinct areas. A technique to…read moreimprove the tourist experience and enhance city environments for locals. Some commentators criticise this, pointing to gentrification as a side effect of such urban planning. However, Belfast as a city emerging from decades of turmoil due to The Troubles, needed urban improvement more than any other UK city. The Cathedral Quarter has given Belfast an area to be proud of and I personally think it's brilliant. With cobbled streets, the continental feel of St Anne's Square, street art, The MAC, Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast Print Workshop, Duke of York, 2Taps, Coppi, The Merchant and many more pubs, restaurants, independent shops and galleries the Cathedral Quarter brings a long awaited vibrancy to Belfast. It's my favourite area in Belfast to hang out and relax with friends and family. An area buzzing with people, music and culture which makes me proud of my city. Also don't miss it on Culture Night which is an event occurring annually in September. On this one night, the best night of the year for Culture Vultures, Cathedral Quarter abounds with live art, music, performance, dance, fire, colour and entertainment that will make you glad to be alive. You would be a fool to miss it - and bring the kids as it's family friendly up until 9pm.

The Whitehouse Working Mens Club (a.k.a. The Workies) is, as far as I've seen, a bar which is…read morepredominantly reserved for locals (if you're not a member you have to sign in upon arrival ) but the wee old man who sits at the front desk is the best of banter (He used to be my milk man!) he's still very pleasant and accommodating. The bar certainly can get busy over the weekends but I'd say it's pretty quiet for the rest of the time. It's a good bar for an older crowd to enjoy a quiet drink at the weekend. The bar itself is split in to various floors and sections so you can experience different surroundings. It's nothing fancy but no over the top airs or graces. It does what it says on the tin, a club for working (wo)men to come relax, have a drink or a meal. The restaurant has only opened a short while ago (then closed, apparently over row with chef, now reopened under new management) and although it is now a little more pricey it still does the same job. You can come and enjoy your Friday lunch here and won't have to worry about breaking the bank. You won't come any where near. Bonus, did I mention how cheap the pints are? Your round! Cheers!

Great artwork of a 33ft long by artist John Kindness. This fish is a ceramic tile and located at…read morethe bank of Lagan River. It's very noticeable and well created. Glad that I visited.

We live laugh love the salmon of knowledge!!! Big Fish was a huge highlight of the trip, even…read morethough we only got to see it at night because of our timing.

The provincial players put on several plays throughout the year here with the biggest being the…read morepantomime. They spend months rehearsing and designing and building the sets. It shows performances being second to none. They never fail to entertain year in year out. the ticket prices do vary depending on the performances but they are never excessive and OAP'S and children are less.

When I joined "MyOmniPass" it was £11.99 which included access to any screen and recliner seats for…read moreany movie. Within 6 months the price was increased to £14.99 for "OmniPass Premium" or else pay £11.99 with no access to MAXX screens or recliner seats. Within another 6 months of the price increase Omniplex Dundonald withdrew the "Premium" option and reverted the price t o£11.99 but with a sneaky £6 uplift per seat per film if you want recliner seats. Pure greed ! The pick and mix sweets area is unhygienic , food and drink is expensive and the toilet facilities are also often unclean. Sadly Omniplex Dundonald will no longer be receiving my business.

Quite possibly the flashiest cinema in Belfast. Cleaner and more modern than the Odeon in VIctoria…read moresquare. Cheaper o think also.Well that is except for the toilets. Lack of soap,broken locks on doors and toilet roll everywhere. Seats area very comfy and angled in a way that you never get any tall person blocking your view. Love the red strip lights on the stairs. It has also been recent redesigned and updated with an iMax complex.

The Somme heritage centre is an experience you will not forget celebrating the glorious history of…read moreIrelands war effort during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. The centre is educational and informative and hosts many school visits throughout the year. You will feel your brain expand upon entering the building and you will be left with a sense of pride as you march out of the Somme Heritage Centre. "The battle of the Somme resulted in 25,000 casualties and many of those casualties were Northern Irish and from 3 local volunteer Divisions: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division. Tour guides will bring the visitor back in time to 1910 where they learn about the Home Rule Crisis, recruiting and training of men and life in the trenches. Reconstructed trenches of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. The Great war is discussed and every aspect will be analysed. The tours are extremely interactive, this is not your normal museum. After visiting I felt appreciative of the war effort and educated as to what those involved went through on a daily basis. If this is the only function of the Somme heritage centre then it is a good thing. There is a café and a Somme Heritage centre gift shop on site, you could easily get caught up in the history and spend the whole day at the centre.

I've lived in Northern Ireland for 17 years and never visited here before however as it's the 100…read moreyear anniversary and I had family visiting I thought I would give it a go The entrance fee for an adult is £6.50 with the option of a guided tour, as this doesn't cost any extra I would highly recommend that you go around with the guide rather than on your own It's not the largest of exhibitions however the guides are knowledgeable and give you a great insight into the history Whether you live in Northern Ireland or you're visiting this is a great place to visit although there is a bus stop close by its much more accessible by car and there is plenty of free parking

Stephen Jamison is a self taught local artist who describes himself as "Old,fat and having fun!"…read moreWell you can say that again, he's someone who passionately enjoys the work he does, and what great work it is! Stephen aims to provide 'affordable art for all', you can find out more by contacting him personally or via his website. (See below) Now I know that where art is concerned, everyone has their own individual and personal taste but real skill is something that cannot be disputed and it's definitely something Stephen has buckets of. Because this is such a visual experience I urge you to visit one of his websites and see for yourself the amazing way he captures the essence of all his subjects, be it real or still life. Although he enjoys painting all sorts of subjects, his favourite is African portraiture. I recently attended one of his exhibitions at Belfast Zoo where he was displaying his "Faces of Africa" series in support of African Charities. These paintings are incredible! On his website the paintings are for sale with his promise that 20% of the profit goes to SOS Children's Villages caring for orphans of AIDS in 44 different countries. I love the way he has taken so much from their culture in terms of his research and now he is giving back what he can to help them. You don't have to take my word for it, go online and see for yourself. Email:53_jamison@o2.co.uk 2nd website: www.paintingsilove.com/artist/stephenjamison

A gallery and framers which shows a diverse range of contemporary artworks. Paintings, sculptures,…read moreprints, drawings - they have it all. Canvas staff are friendly and allow you to have a browse at your own leisure. The one and only drawback is that it is such a small space.

I am basing my review on a launch of an exhibition I attended here in November of last year…read more It was a great little show where 50 artists submitted 2 small canvasses each to the show. The canvasses filled the walls and it was fun trying to guess the pairs artists had submitted. My friend had two fantastic paintings in this show, but some of the stuff submitted was real amateur crap. Like stuff drawn with markers with tinfoil stuck on it. I mean come on! For someone like my friend, who has a degree in Fine Art, works in an artist studio and is trained to a high level to be exhibiting her work beside some messers using markers was a bit questionable for me. I would agree with the other reviewer in saying the standard of art Canvas show is average.

Mossley Mill, the other name for this centre which includes council offices and exhibition space in…read moreaddition to the theatre, is a triumph in the art of repurposing an old industrial building. The architects have come up with a glass fronted extension to the Victorian mill which looks brilliant especially with original chimney standing beside it - a wonderful combination of modernity and history, on an impressive hillside site. It's certainly drawing plenty of people, at least there was a good number of visitors on the evening I saw a powerful exhibition there about Anne Frank, which was on tour and is now moved elsewhere. There is a wide programme entertainment on offer at the theatre throughout the winter including both professional productions and shows involving local groups hopefully providing a healthy mix of culture and community.

Went to Theatre at the Mill for the first time this week to see the Harlem Gospel Choir. I was very…read moreimpressed with the theatre, particularly the setting- the restored mill is stunning! The acoustics were great so at times, the choir was able to sing without microphones. The theatre has free parking and a licensed bar. I will definitely look to see what future shows are coming up!