Carol's handy advice !

Make sure you have change for bus drivers - they don't like to accept notes. Make sure you put your hand out for a bus to stop - otherwise they won't Trains do take money via your phone. If you download the app and use journey planner this will help you work out which public transport is best. The location of the Boat house is Whiteabbey so use this as your journey starting point.

In Northern Ireland - at any time of the year you will get all the seasons in one day. So pack layers - always have a waterproof to hand as rain is common but you will also always find a church or pub to shelter in so you will want layers you can take on and off. In November- March bring gloves as we do get frost and a hat. The Boathouse has a washer/dryer and a spare umbrella.

There's a website called Groupon and it can give you great savings off some key visitors attractions especially in low season. Do take a look and if you are staying in my Boat House and I see something of interest I will send it to you !

This is a spectacular coastal walk built in the Victorian era. You need a level of fitness to do it but if you can it is well worth making time for.

The use of language in Belfast is what makes it a great experience - some hints are here. We talk fast and tend to swear a lot but its in good spirits or "craic" as we say. Be aware we will use the term "wee" for everything even when things aren't little. We will talk about "Your man" - "Your woman" - this is just a saying … We say Cheerio as good bye. We say "Happy days" instead of OK. We say "What about Ya" as hello.

Belfast is actually a really small city and you can easily walk around. Take one of the maps from the Boat House and plan your journey. Start at the Cathedral Quarter - lots of great pubs and street art and do make your way around to Titanic - across and along the River Lagan. Don't forget to take in the city hall and then I would suggest a quick train or bus to Botanic and Queens - lovely architecture and gardens. All very doable in a day!

We are known for our Tayto cheese and onion crisps - and we provide complimentary packets in the Boat House. We don't mind if you dislike them but please do give them a go. They go really well with a pint of harp or Guinness. Belfast folks love good strong tea - and we have some Titanic tea in the Boat House for you to try. Other must nibble items are breads - we love our potato bread, wheaten bread, buttermilk pancakes, soda bread - get some, and try some ! You fry potato bread in a little oil until crispy. Soda, pancakes and wheaten work well with butter and jam. If you want to try them all then order an Ulster Fry or Soda bap - or even a Belfast bap - some breakfast time....make sure you are hungry !

Check out the Boat House's facebook page for details of the cruise ship schedule and watch them sail past - as once the Titanic did - at night in particular it is very special.

Available throughout the city !