Our team has just got back from an amazing work trip to Belfast, and it’s safe to say we came home with stronger connections, a lot of laughs and plenty of stories to tell. If you’re planning team building in Belfast, you’ll be spoilt for choice with activities. Here’s a full run-through of what we did, why it worked so well for team building and some handy tips if you’re planning a Belfast away day or weekend.
Accommodation in Belfast
We based ourselves at the Hampton by Hilton Belfast City Centre. For team trips, convenience and comfort matter, and this hotel was great for both. The rooms were clean, spacious and had comfy beds to collapse into after a day packed with activities. There’s lots of space to get ready in groups, chat over a morning coffee in the lounge or grab a quick team meeting before heading out for the day.
It’s about a mile from the city centre, so you’re close enough to walk wherever you need to go but far enough away in a quieter area for a good night’s rest. The hotel also has the added bonus of being near the train station. The breakfast buffet was another winning feature with everything from cooked breakfasts to lighter options.
Conquering the Great Outdoors at Colin Glen
First on our itinerary was Colin Glen, a forest park packed with outdoor activities that test your nerves, stamina, and teamwork. It’s spread across several sites, so you get loads of variety and a chance to rotate through different challenges as a group.
We started with the climbing wall, which sounds simple until you’re halfway up and stuck. It became a real exercise in encouragement, with everyone on the ground shouting advice, cheering each other on and giggling whenever someone made a slightly questionable move. It was a great way to build trust and morale right from the start.
Then it was onto the Skytrek high ropes courses at 20ft and 40ft. With a few nerves, the team harnessed up and stepped out onto the platforms. It was terrifying and exhilarating but there’s something about seeing your colleagues cheering you on from below that makes you feel braver. It really showed us how important support and encouragement are in a team environment.
Next came the Black Bull Run Alpine Coaster, Ireland’s first and only one of its kind. Flying through the forest at up to 25mph had us all screaming, laughing and swapping stories at the bottom about who braked the most and who went full throttle.
Finally, we wound down with an hour at the driving range, where we had a premium bay, unlimited balls and a snack box. Golf is one of those activities that’s accessible to everyone, but still lets the more competitive types flex their skills. It was the perfect way to round off the day before heading back to the hotel.
Dinner and Drinks at Granny Annies
After a busy day outdoors, Granny Annies was exactly what we needed. It’s quirky, cosy and has a fun atmosphere. The decor is full of little surprises that kept us entertained and the staff made us feel right at home.
The food was huge and tasty, exactly what you want after a busy day. Cocktails were delicious and the live music created the perfect backdrop for conversation. For team building, shared meals are so important because they give everyone the chance to relax, chat and just connect without any pressure. Granny Annies made that easy.
Puzzles and Fun at Prison Island
The next day, we headed to Prison Island, one of the most unique team building activities in Belfast. Think Crystal Maze in real life with more than 30 challenge rooms. Each room tested different skills such as brainpower, agility, strength and teamwork.
We split into teams and went head to head which was great fun and got the competitive juices flowing. Challenges like escape rooms are great for identifying strengths within your team. Someone who’s faily quiet in the office could suddenly became the star in the puzzle rooms, while others shone in physical tasks.
After Prison Island, we tried Quiz Boxing which we all love. It was like a fast-paced TV quiz show with big buttons, flashing lights and interactive screens. It’s perfect for groups because it’s competitive but still very funny with everyone getting involved, whether they’re good at quizzes or not.
Then it was onto axe throwing, which was surprisingly satisfying and a great release after all the mental challenges. The instructors made it safe but fun, and we spent just as much time laughing at the throws that went wildly off target as we did celebrating the bullseyes.
Cocktail Making and Dinner at River Rooms
In the evening, we headed to River Rooms for a cocktail making class. This activity was a hit with the whole because it was relaxed, interactive and gave everyone the chance to get a bit creative as they learnt how to whip up a range of drinks from scratch. There was also lots of time for conversation as we sipped the drinks we had made.
We then sat down for a two-course meal. The food was delicious, the restaurant was stylish without being formal and the staff kept the atmosphere upbeat and friendly. It was a great way to sit together and enjoy good food and conversation.
Bar Crawl in Belfast
To help us to experience the best of the nightlife, we did a guided Belfast pub crawl. It included five pubs, each with its own unique vibe, from traditional Irish music pubs to lively bars. We got around 45 minutes in each pub, which kept the energy high and gave us a taste of Belfast at night without ever feeling rushed.
In two of the pubs, we got a free shot with our first drink, choosing from whisky, Irish cream, or apple sours. Between the drinks, our friendly guide gave us bits of pub history so there was a bit of culture with our pints.
It’s worth wearing comfy shoes as the pubs are about five minutes apart, and Belfast on a weekend is packed, so don’t expect seats. But honestly, standing with a pint and chatting or having a dance to the live music made it even more fun.
Why Belfast is Perfect for Team Building
What made Belfast such a fantastic choice for our work trip is the variety. That mix kept everyone engaged and made sure all personalities in the group had something they loved. The city itself is also the perfect size. Everything is close by, so you’re not wasting hours travelling between activities, and it’s easy to walk or grab a short taxi.
Our Top 5 Tips for Team Building in Belfast
- Book activities early – Belfast is busy at the weekends and the most popular activities like Colin Glen and Prison Island get booked up quickly. Secure your spots in advance to avoid disappointment and make sure the whole team can take part together.
- Mix adrenaline with downtime – Not everyone wants to spend two full days climbing ropes or throwing axes. The key is balance so pair high-energy activities with more relaxed options like cocktail making or shared meals. That way, everyone in the group feels included.
- Choose accommodation that works for groups – Hotels like Hampton by Hilton Belfast City Centre are ideal. You’ll want somewhere central enough for easy access but quiet enough for a decent night’s sleep. Spacious rooms and good breakfasts also make a big difference on a team trip.
- Pack for comfort, not style – Make sure to pack for the activities that you have booked. Flat shoes and smart but casual clothes are the way to go if you’re planning on doing something active and outdoorsy or a pub crawl where you’ll be on your feet most of the night.
- Make time to connect outside of activities – Some of the best bonding moments happen over dinner or while grabbing a drink together. Don’t cram the schedule too tightly. Build in relaxed meals and social time so the team can chat, laugh and really gel.
Final Thoughts on Our Team Trip to Belfast
Our Belfast team building trip gave us a fun break away from the office to form stronger bonds, and bring a fresh sense of energy back into work. If you’re planning a team building trip, Belfast is a great place. It’s exciting, welcoming and jam-packed with activities that are entertaining and effective. We came home with a stronger sense of being part of the same team. And really, that’s what team building is all about. Why not start planning your session of team building in Belfast today?
