Day 2 started with fine weather which uplifted my spirits somewhat. Although Day 1 was interesting and I was able to delve into the recent history of Belfast, I found it was sad, even depressing. I needed to go somewhere and see something which reduced that feeling and where better than to experience nature at the Belfast Botanic Gardens.

As well as being a history freak I love visiting gardens, especially gardens in different countries.

Once again, I opted to catch the Hop on Hop off bus as it stopped near the Gardens but didn’t waste time walking to find the stop. I caught the local bus to the city, boarded the tourist bus, scrambled up the stairs and to my delight found the front seat vacant.

It was spring and I was greeted by a mass of colour in the garden beds. I first made my way to the Palm House, a stunning, Victorian structure designed by Charles Lanyon with work commenced in 1839 by Richard Turner. The two wings were completed in 1840 and the huge centre dome added in 1852.

The cool wing was filled with a mass of fuscias, geraniums, and begonias. The hot wing had a range of exotic plants such as bromeliads and coleus. The centre dome contained tall trees, climbers and colourful hanging baskets. It was a heady mix, a sight to fill the heart of the most avid gardener!

I made my way out of the Palm House and wandered the colourful garden beds, then passed the open green lawns towards what I found out later was the rockery.

It was a haven of peace, with trees lining the path, birds twittering and cheeky squirrels chasing each other up trees, around shrubs and through the undergrowth.

Everything was a vibrant green. A few couples also walked the path, but we were all anxious to avoid each other so our photos didn’t get photobombed.

A tiny stream trickled its way through the rocks, adding to the birdsong.

I lingered in the shade and soaked up the peace then followed the path that ran through more sweeping lawns, ending up among rhododendrums, poppies and clematis where I tested out some of the features of my iPhone. Successfully? Probably not, but it was fun seeing what a mess I could make of the photos.

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After walking the gardens for 4.5 hours my feet were killing me. The Ulster Museum was close, but I’d lost the enthusiasm for more standing, walking and photography so decided a rest at the ice-cream stand was a just reward.

The Belfast Botanic Gardens aren’t huge compared to some I’ve seen but they were filled with beautiful areas of peace in a busy city. Just what I needed!

The bus back to my accommodation was uneventful, and once more I went to my favourite pub for dinner.

I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 full days in Belfast and spent what seemed like many hours walking the streets of the city centre trying to find out where I was and where the bus stops and specific shops were. I’m usually quite good at orientating myself in a strange city but Belfast almost (but not quite) defeated me!

Day 3 of my Northern Ireland holiday lay ahead, with a drive north along the coast beckoning.