Shopping in Belfast - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

You can buy a wide variety of products in Belfast. There are familiar food markets and fairly large shopping centers here. Both products from local manufacturers and products of world-famous brands are sold there. The city cannot be called a shopping center. So if you want to spend a few days walking through shopping galleries and picky choices of branded clothing and shoes, you'll be disappointed. The choice of branded products here is not superior to other small towns despite the fact that there are a dozen shopping centers in Belfast. The discount season comes here at exactly the same time as across the UK.

You can start shopping at the Square Shopping Centre. This is not only a fairly large establishment in the city center. It is also a real tourist attraction thanks to the circular observation deck. The view of Belfast is magnificent from it. You can also go shopping at the relatively small Forestside Shopping Center. You can also visit the not-too-crowded Yorkgate. There is also a Great Northern Mall in the city. It is characterized by an unusual sculptural composition at the entrance. You can buy souvenirs at the Kennedy Centre, The Park Centre, or Westwood Shopping Centre. CastleCourt is popular with both tourists and locals.

Of course, you can bring branded clothing, cosmetics, and electronics from Belfast. But true Irish goods are much more interesting. They are sold in large stores and small shops. You can also buy them in the markets. You can buy the world-famous Aran sweater in memory of the trip. Sailors brought this piece of clothing to Ireland from the Islands of the same name many centuries ago. A real Aran sweater doesn't get wet. It warms in the cold and allows the skin to cool in the heat thanks to the unique technique of processing wool and knitting. This detail of the wardrobe served not only as a protection from the weather but also as a talisman against the forces of evil in ancient times. The patterns that decorated the sweater and the colors of the threads had a ritual meaning in ancient times. They were meant to protect humans from misfortune. Today you can also find sweaters in traditional protective patterns and products that meet all the latest fashion trends. A real Aran sweater is not cheap. But it will remain in good condition for more than one season with proper care. You can also pay attention to local laces. They are used both in decorating interior items and in creating women's clothing. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If you are not interested in clothing, you can pay attention to practical interior items. Pewter is very popular with Belfast merchants. Tin is the material that does not change in any way when it comes into contact with food. This is why it has been used to make tableware in Ireland for centuries. Today you can buy tin mugs, bowls, plates, tureens, forks, and spoons in a variety of designs, from the cheapest and simplest forks and spoons to incredibly richly decorated sets. You can also pay attention to the local crystal. A small model of a sailboat or the Titanic created in Belfast will be an interesting gift.

The Claddagh ring will be a good gift for your beloved. According to legend, an Irishman who was captured created it. He mastered the craft of jewelry in captivity as a symbol of homesickness. The choice of symbols is not accidental: the heart symbolized love, the hands — trust, and the crown — loyalty. Today it is customary to give a Claddagh ring as a sign of friendship. It can also be used as an engagement ring. Such jewelry is also made as a type of costume jewelry and as a jewel made of silver or gold. Often it is even decorated with precious stones.

It will be a good choice to buy something from traditional Irish food. Vacuum-packed cheeses will not spoil even during a long flight. You will definitely be able to find your favorite taste in a huge assortment. You can pay attention to local sausages. They are not only delicious but also original. You can find sausages with plum, honey or mustard in supermarkets in Belfast. High-quality tea from local brands is quite popular. Baileys or Guinness candies will appeal to sweet fans.

Whiskey deserves attention from alcoholic beverages, of course. Its price can vary greatly depending on the variety and aging. Honey wine will be a more original purchase. This drink was very popular in Belfast in the past. It can be sweet, semi-sweet, or dry. Local supermarkets are characterized by a large selection of quality beer. If you want something inexpensive, you should look for souvenirs with Celtic patterns, CDs with recordings of local folk bands, and photos of the Belfast Wall in different years of its existence.