Breakfast in Belfast

Staying in Newcastle, County Down, we were just a short jaunt from Belfast – the capital city of Northern Ireland.

Although well-known for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic (yes, that Titanic), Belfast had many interesting things to offer beyond the Titanic Quarter.

Since we were planning to stop in Belfast only briefly on our way up to see the Giant’s Causeway, we left quite early in the morning, choosing to stop at an cozy, packed, and surprisingly edgy cafe called Maggie May’s.

The only way I can describe this place is “the ultimate hangover destination.” With pancake stacks, breakfast panini, and classic Irish fry’s sharing equal space on the menu, there were plenty of options for meat lovers and off-the-wall oddballs like me alike (including vegan milkshakes – helloooo!)

Huddled in our little black booth inhaling the fried delight while sipping on some fantastic coffee, we didn’t think it could get any better. Until the food came (YUM).

Kyle’s mind being blown.

After breakfast, we headed out to see the Peace Walls or “peace lines,” gigantic walls that were built to separate nationalist and unionist neighborhoods from each other in an attempt to eliminate outbreaks of violence. Time Travel Turtle has a great overview of these walls and their history – check it out here.

Although it’s been 20 years since the official end of this period of conflict, the walls still stand, now covered in murals and graffiti, with differing themes of expression depending on which side of the wall you’re on.

Seeing these works of art provides a window into Ireland’s past (and present) and a glimpse of sentiments that are still felt by current residents of Belfast (as well as the remainder of the country). If you find yourself in Northern Ireland, I highly recommend you add this to your itinerary.