This is not only a beautiful, Belfast walk within easy access of the city centre but it also circuits one of the finest Neolithic earthwork henges in the country called, of course, the Giant’s Ring. To add to that, the heavy snow today made it nothing short of spectacular. For a map and statistics go to https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=21481908

Start at the car park at Shaw’s Bridge ( built 1709), cross the bridge and zigzag down to the river-side track, turning left away from the city.  Follow the track through beautiful open scenery to reach the Minnowburn. Cross the tiny bridge and follow the path going immediately left.  As it starts to ascend you will see the first sign for the Giant’s Ring and it is very well signposted from here.

The Giant’s Ring would be impressive anywhere, but finding it without even leaving Belfast is remarkable. It is an enormous earthwork henge, roughly 180m across, with a stone passage tomb at its centre. The whole construction is thought to be more than 4,000 years old and has had some sort of public use throughout its history.

Cross this remarkable site or walk half circle along the embankment to reach a stile and track which will lead you down to Edenderry village.  Walk through the village and pass through a gateway giving access to a path which will take you down to a bridge and the river towpath.  Keep right on the righthand bank and this will take you back to the Minnowburn from where you can retrace your steps to Shaw’s Bridge.

This is a wonderful 4 kilometres Belfast afternoon winter’s walk along the beautiful River Lagan from Cutter’s Wharf to the city centre and the promise of music, craic and much more in the oldest bar in Belfast, Kelly’s Cellars.  For a map and statistics go to https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=21357903

Start at the car park at Cutter’s Wharf, walk along Lockview Road to the roundabout at Stranmillis College and then follow the Stranmillis Embankment to where it intersects with the Ormeau Road.

Crossover and follow the Ormeau Embankment as far as East Bridge Street.  Cross again and follow Laganbank Road passing the Waterfront Hall to reach Upper Ann Street.  Walk down Ann Street, go right into Cornmarket, turn left into Castle Place and Bank Street and Kelly’s Cellars are directly in front of you between the Bank Buildings and Tesco Metro.

Kelly’s Cellars is Belfast’s oldest traditional Irish pub, often described as “a hidden gem that oozes old traditional values”. It’s famous for the best pint of Guinness in Belfast.

Built in 1720, it is situated in the heart of the city. Kelly’s Cellars has changed very little in 200 years and still has most of its original features.

The whitewashed walls and uneven concrete floor are in keeping with a traditional Irish bar. There is nothing plastic about this place – it is the genuine article. Unlike modern places, the bar is what you would imagine a few hundred years ago – low arches and an original open fire make Kelly’s Cellars feel like home from home and people singing a song or two is a familiar part of a vibrant pub.

Kelly’s has rich musical heritage and Irish musicians from all over Ireland and beyond often call in for a few tunes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Kelly’s is also known for its history – the United Irishmen used Kelly’s cellars as a meeting place and plotted the 1798 rebellion against English rule, which is still prevalent in today’s political climate. Henry Joy McCracken, one of the leaders, was eventually caught and executed 300 yards from the bar. He is buried in a local cemetery, ten minutes walk from the city centre.

The Irish language is spoken by the owner and most members of staff and Irish speakers flock to Kelly’s and are proud to speak their native tongue and hear it spoken. The Irish language is an important part of our rich culture and has taken pride of place in Kelly’s Cellars!

This is a great spot to end a lovely Belfast winter’s walk!