New romantic-comedy series The Lovers sees a self-absorbed political broadcaster fall for a spiky shop assistant in Belfast – and it is easy to see why you would fall for the city too.
The stars, Roisin Gallagher (The Fall, The Dry) and Johnny Flynn (Operation Mincemeat, Emma), got the chance to discover the beauty of Belfast while making the show.
“I loved just discovering Belfast, really, and for Roisin to also be a bit of a guide… having not spent a huge amount of time there,” Flynn said.
“So all of that was joyful, a wonderful thing. And getting out to the coast as well, which is beautiful. So gorgeous.”
He continued: “It’s a totally modern version of Belfast that I haven’t seen, that is diverse and colourful and full of life and brilliant. It was a great thing to be able to discover the city.”
If The Lovers (available to watch on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW) has inspired you to check out Belfast, these are the hidden gems to see.
Friar’s Bush Graveyard
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Thought to be the oldest Christian burial site in Belfast, this cemetery is particularly historically important because it was the place of burial for hundreds of victims of Belfast’s cholera outbreaks.
It’s well worth a visit to see the gorgeous Gothic gate lodge – which dates back to 1828 – and the mysterious Friar’s Stone in the graveyard, which bears the inscription AD 485.
The Salmon of Knowledge
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Also known as The Big Fish, the Salmon of Knowledge is a popular tourist attraction – but you really need to get up close and personal with it to understand why it’s a true Belfast gem.
The 10-metre ceramic statue – created by Northern Irish artist John Kindness – is covered in scales, which tell the story of the city of Belfast.
It’s linked to an old legend about a magical salmon in the River Boyne that was said to have all the wisdom of the universe – which it would pass on to whoever caught and ate it.
The Sunflower Pub
An icon of the Belfast bar scene, The Sunflower Pub may have only stood in its current guise since 2012, but a pub has sat on that street corner since the late 1800s.
Previously called The Tavern, the pub is a favourite for top-class live music, great beers, and its famous ‘No topless bathing, Ulster has suffered enough’ sign.
Belfast Exposed
One of Northern Ireland’s most notable photography galleries, Belfast Exposed was set up following the turmoil of the 1980-1981 Hunger Strikes. It was created to document daily life in the city, capturing the feel of Belfast at the time.
The gallery is now home to work from photographers from diverse backgrounds and has constantly evolving exhibitions in its space.
Helen’s Bay
If you’re looking for an easy escape from the city, you can be at the stunning beach of Helen’s Bay within half an hour by train or car.
Pack swimming costumes to take a dip, or go for a walk around the country park behind the beach.
