11 Romantic Getaways in Belfast That Made Her Fall for Me (Again)
My girlfriend is a great date planner—she likes crafting detailed itineraries that I also actually enjoy. This has always been our dynamic, so the moment she asked me to plan the date for us for a change, the nervousness (and sweat) took over.
But I was too proud to admit that, and I didn’t want to disappoint her. Instead, I told her to get ready for the best ‘mystery date’ of her life. Though not long after, she already guessed where I’d take her! Like, seriously, how does she do that?
That made me more serious with my research. Instead of a one-and-done dinner, I took her to the most romantic getaway in Belfast for a whole weekend—and she was ecstatic that I did pretty well. Here are more amazing options I came up with ever since.
1. The Merchant Hotel
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Website: https://www.themerchanthotel.com/
Address: 16 Skipper St
Contact Details: +44 28 9023 4888, [email protected]
Fees:
- Room for Romance Package – starts at £199 per person (including champagne, treats, and a £100 credit)
- Wedding Packages (bespoke wedding and ceremony) – from £75.00 to £110.00 per person
- Afternoon Tea – around £42.50 per person
- Parking
- Secured Self-Parking – £15 per day
- Covered Valet Parking – £39 per day
- Early Check-In – £100
- Late Check-Out – £50
The Merchant Hotel is a romantic getaway in Belfast that can give you a 5-star experience for a birthday, proposal, anniversary, or a ‘just because’ date. Think chandeliers, plush velvet lounges, and even rooftop spas!
You can book fine dining in The Great Room and chill at the Cocktail Bar. You can also end your day with a spa time and rooftop hot tub views over the city skyline.
Pro tip:
Want to amp up your date surprise? Take a cocktail masterclass at The Merchant Hotel and make your partner their favourite drink with a twist!
2. Rayanne House
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Website: http://www.rayannehouse.com/
Address: 60 Demesne Rd, Holywood
Contact Details: +44 28 9042 5859, [email protected]
Fees:
- Superior Double/Twin
- Without breakfast – £125 per night
- With breakfast – £145 per night
- Superior Double with balcony and sea views
- Without breakfast – £135 per night
- With breakfast – £165 per night
- Extra Bed – £30 per person, per night
Rayanne House is a charming guesthouse for a couple’s retreat, just minutes outside central Belfast. It’s known for providing majestic sights over Belfast Lough, so you can enjoy a lovely backdrop for your photos.
Another highlight for visitors is the Titanic Menu! Whatever occasion you’re celebrating, the 9-course fine-dining here is a unique experience that blends luxury with history—it recreates the last dinner on the RMS Titanic!
Cool idea:
Besides selecting a room with Belfast Lough views at Rayanne House, why not go for a stroll through the nearby Hollywood seaside town as you catch the sunset? For many, it’s a great place to propose or offer a gift to your date.
3. The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
Website: https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/
Address: 45 Malone Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9460 0123, [email protected]
Fees: Belfast Romantic Break (Aristocrat Room package for 2 guests) – around £320
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Want a romantic vacation that looks like a storybook setting? The Harrison Chambers of Distinction is a quirky, boutique hotel with creative themed rooms inspired by Belfast’s artists and cultural icons.
There are also several attractions nearby, like Queen’s Quarter, Botanic Gardens, and Ulster Museum, to make your daytime itinerary more exciting.
Alternatively, you can have your date indoors with books, in-room treats, and curated playlists here. Moreover, you can order the cosiest breakfast in bed the next day with fresh, locally sourced produce.
Nifty trick:
Request champagne on arrival at The Harrison Chambers of Distinction! The staff will make a beautiful setup in your room, which could set a nice tone for your romantic weekend.
4. The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
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Website: https://www.fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com/
Address: 1-3 Great Victoria St
Contact Details: +44 28 9044 2080, [email protected]
Fees:
- Standard Room (1-night stay for 2 adults) – £179
- Valet Parking – £30 per day
Had a chaotic week? The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast is a sophisticated choice if you prefer a quiet yet glamorous romantic hideaway this weekend.
You can curate a wonderful night, starting with pre-dinner cocktails in a lavish lobby lounge before dining at The Restaurant with local cuisine. Even your suite would look heavenly, with the fancy bedding and mood lighting, as well as floor-to-ceiling views.
Fun idea:
Pair your stay at The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast with a show! Right next door is The Grand Opera House, if you want a cosy theatre date.
5. Tara Lodge
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Website: http://www.taralodge.com/
Address: 36 Cromwell Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9059 0900, [email protected]
Fees:
- Nightly Rate – varies but can go as low as £81
- Early Check-In – extra charge of £20
Unlike many grand 5-star accommodations, Tara Lodge focuses on warm, intimate dates with its many trendy rooms.
The rooms offer a cosy vibe, and its gourmet breakfast in bed is a crowd favourite. You can also stroll down Botanic Avenue with several wine bars or cafes to explore. No strict dress code either—casual or smart-casual outfits are perfectly fine.
Expert advice:
For the best experience at Tara Lodge, book an upper-floor room for more peace and privacy. You can opt for a midweek stay for better rates too!
6. Malmaison
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Website: https://www.malmaison.com/locations/belfast/
Address: 34-38 Victoria St
Contact Details: +44 28 9600 1405, [email protected]
Fees:
- Room Packages – can go as low as £49 (but may require spending £50 or more at the Chez Mal Brasserie and Bar
- Typical Nightly Rate – depends on the day or season (can go from £99 to £800)
- Breakfast – extra £23 per adult
- Parking – £17.50 per day
- Pet – extra fee of £25 per pet, per night
- Extra Rollaway Bed – £30 per night
As it’s housed in a converted seed warehouse, Malmaison is a love nest escape that can charm visitors with its moody interiors. This involves bold decor and exposed bricks to give off a playful and sultry feel.
The Chez Mal Brasserie (the dining spot here) is perfect for both steak and seafood fans too. Plus, you can pair it with colourful cocktails at the bar. And later, you can even unwind together in your suite’s bathtub.
For more entertainment:
How about timing your Malmaison stay when there’s an event nearby? This boutique hotel is only walking distance from Waterfront Hall (a live music venue) and SSE Arena, in case you’re interested in seeing a show or gig.
7. Botanic Gardens
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Website: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/botanicgardens
Address: College Park Ave, Botanic Ave
Contact Details: +44 28 9031 4762
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 8:30 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
Fees: Free entry
The Botanic Gardens is a 28-acre park, amazing (and free) for a romantic outdoor getaway. It’s got lots of exotic plants and greenery, as well as the Tropical Ravine (with Killarney fern, orchid, banana, and cinnamon) and Victorian Palm House.
Why not pack a picnic with your favourite sandwiches and snacks? There are nearby cafes for a nice cup of Joe too. This experience is a convenient spot for flower enthusiasts, instead of only handing your significant other a single bouquet.
Smart pointer:
Visit the Botanic Gardens during Spring to see all the flowers in bloom! For many, there’s also something about the golden hour’s sunset lighting that makes the gardens even more romantic.
8. The Dome
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Address: Victoria Square
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 6 PM
Fees: Free entry
Should you like enchanting 360-degree views, The Dome is among the best places to be on your couple’s night out in Belfast. It’s open year-round as well, so you don’t have to worry about rescheduling if you have to.
Moreover, this can be a casual date—nothing too fancy but still meaningful. You can go window shopping, get coffee, and just have a sweet moment at The Dome.
Savvy suggestion:
Take advantage of the free tours at The Dome! The staff can guide you and give lots of fun insights about the cityscape.
9. The Observatory – Grand Central Hotel Belfast
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Website: https://www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com/observatory/
Address: Grand Central Hotel, 9- 15 Bedford St
Contact Details: +44 28 9023 1066, [email protected]
Fees:
- Afternoon Tea – £45 per person
- The Bollinger Experience – £120 for a reserved window table for 90 minutes
- Overnight Rate (for 2 people) – starts at around £170 with taxes and fees
- Valet Parking – £30 per night
- Full Breakfast (if not included) – £25 per adult
Fan of the city lights? The Observatory is on the 23rd floor at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast, making it Ireland’s highest bar and a perfect place to see everything—the Mourne Mountains, Cave Hill, and even Scotland when it’s not too foggy.
And since everyone’s usually wearing something fancy, why not dress to impress here with your best suit or dress? There are also private table bookings if you want a more intimate setting.
Something extra:
Look for seasonal menus at The Observatory! If it’s around Valentine’s, Christmas, and summer, you’ll likely see a bunch of themed cocktails if you want to try something different.
10. OX Belfast
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Website: http://www.oxbelfast.com/
Address: 1 Oxford St
Contact Details: +44 28 9031 4121, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday – 6 PM to 9:30 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 2 PM, 6 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday to Tuesday – Closed
Fees:
- Dinner Tasting Menu – typically around £110 per person
- Lunch Menu
- 2 courses – £40
- 3 courses – £45
- Wine Pairing
- Classic Pairing (selection of 6 wines) – £75 per person
- Prestige Pairing (premium selection) – £115 per person
- Non-Alcoholic Pairing – £40 per person
You can rarely go wrong with a Michelin-starred restaurant like OX Belfast for a lovely dinner. It offers creative and seasonal tasting menus and a curated wine selection, as well as an intimate riverside setting (River Lagan) to make nights feel more exquisite.
And while this dining spot is known for its candlelit dinners with lobsters, halibut, and 70% dark chocolate, having lunch here is a good alternative for a refined experience too.
Some things to remember:
When making a reservation at OX Belfast, mention what you’re celebrating, as well as any important dietary preferences, to ensure everything will go seamlessly.
11. Lyric Theatre
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Website: http://www.lyrictheatre.co.uk/
Address: 55 Ridgeway St
Contact Details: +44 28 9038 1081, [email protected]
Fees:
- Tickets for 2 – £50 to £100 (booking fees apply)
- Pre-Theatre Meal
- Cheese and Charcuterie Board for 2 – £15 (sharing plate)
- Cheese and Charcuterie Board for 2 with Drinks – £25
- Drinks at the Bar – extra £15 to £25
Lyric Theatre is a cultural gem in Belfast, ideal for art and culture fans. It often showcases local productions or reimagined classics to give the couples a very memorable night.
There’s something for everyone because this theatre has most genres, like classic plays, romantic dramas, contemporary drama, musicals, comedy, and the like. You can even join a behind-the-scenes experience or creative event here now and then.
Insider scoop:
Take a backstage tour at Lyric Theatre! This is available on select Fridays and Sundays, so it’s best to reach out in advance to secure your slot.