Belfast, UNESCO City of Music

It's impossible not to head north and take in the view of the Irish Sea and countryside from the train. The end point of the five-hour journey from Athlone to Lanyon Place is Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital and UNESCO City of Music. Dynamic and cosmopolitan, it has made a smart transformation from an industrial centre to an urban laboratory of sustainability, thanks in part to its thriving cultural scene. The Maritime Mile is full of attractions, including the epic Titanic Belfast Museum. Its artistic side can be discovered on a Street Art Walking Tour and for a relaxing break, you can spend some time in the beautiful botanical gardens. The dining scene is also lively and creative: a fine dining experience at Ox or Edo is highly recommended.