My friends and I always looked for new ways to spice up our weekends. We’d conquered every escape room in town and ran out of options.
That’s when we decided to take our adventures to the next level: Prison Island Belfast. From axe throwing to rock climbing, we tried it all.
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about planning your adrenaline-filled day at Prison Island Belfast, including the best spots to explore and tips for conquering the challenges. You won’t want to miss what this place has to offer!
What is the Prison Island in Belfast known for?
Media credit: prisonislandbelfast
Prison Island in Belfast is an escape room and multi-activity venue inspired by the TV show The Crystal Maze. It features 31 themed challenge cells designed to test various skills.
It’s an awesome place with mental puzzles, physical tasks, and skill-based games. There are 12 mental challenges, 10 skill challenges, and nine physical challenges to keep you entertained.
What’s cool is that the activities are suitable for all ages, from kids as young as nine to adults. You can go with a small group of 2 to 5 players, and the best part is that you can move between cells and leave at any time.
Each challenge takes about five minutes, and you can earn points based on how well you do. They even have a live scoring system to keep track of your performance in real-time.
Best Time to Go to Prison Island
Media credit: prisonislandbelfast
We recommend visiting Prison Island in Spring or early autumn. If you prefer a more laid-back vibe with fewer people, weekdays in the early afternoon are the way to go. It’s a great way to enjoy the challenge cells without too much of a wait.
But if you’re into the lively atmosphere, weekend evenings are the way to go – it’s buzzing with groups and families having a blast in the escape rooms.
Just keep in mind that during school holidays and festive seasons, things get busier, so it’s smart to book ahead to lock in your preferred time slot.
Quick Tips to Enjoy Your Visit to Prison Island
Bring up to 5 friends. The recommended team size at Prison Island is between 2 to 5 players per challenge cell. Larger groups can be split into teams to compete against each other, which adds a competitive edge to the experience.
Book your session in advance. By booking your session online, you’ll secure your preferred time slot and avoid the disappointment of being turned away due to full capacity. You can also choose the duration of your game—options range from one hour to two and a half hours.
How to Get to Prison Island
Media credit: prisonislandbelfast
1. Public Bus Services
Several bus routes, like the 9C, 9A, 9B, 92, and 92A, stop nearby. You can hop on at any designated bus stop in the city center and be on your way in no time.
Once on the bus, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. The buses in Belfast are generally reliable, and you can easily check the schedule online or via a mobile app. When you get off at the nearest stop, it’s just a short walk to Prison Island.
2. Driving Your Car
Prison Island is located just off the M1 motorway, so it’s easy to get there by car. However, there is no on-site parking, but you can find several nearby parking facilities to leave your vehicle during your visit.
You just need to follow the signs to Balmoral Road when you get there. Once you’re parked, it’s only about a 5-minute walk to the entrance of Prison Island.
What to Do at Prison Island
1. Experience the Thrill of Throwing Axes at Axe Yard
Media credit: axeyardbelfast
Address: Unit 3, Axe Yard, 17 Balmoral Rd, Belfast BT12 6QA, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890380862
The Axe Yard at Prison Island had a cool modern vibe, with glow-in-the-dark axes that made the whole experience super exciting. And get this – each lane had its interactive tablet with 12 different games to choose from!
Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, there’s something for everyone, from classic axe throwing to games like “Connect Four” and even a general knowledge quiz. It felt like our little arena, ready for some friendly competition and fun.
What made the experience stand out for us was that we had our own dedicated space. There were no sharing lanes with strangers, which meant we could just focus on having a blast without any distractions.
Plus, having a coach there to guide us was a game-changer. They showed us the ropes and helped us improve our technique. We went from awkwardly tossing axes to nailing the targets like pros in no time!
2. Join a TV-Style Quiz Game in a Boxing Ring
Media credit: quizboxingbelfast
Address: Unit 3, 17 Balmoral Rd, Belfast BT12 6QA, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890380862
With Quiz Boxing, picture this: we were in an actual boxing ring, ready to test our trivia knowledge. The host fired questions at us while we stood in our corners, and it felt like we were part of a game show.
It was a fun twist, and the competitive spirit kicked in as we tried to outsmart each other. We laughed and cheered while answering questions about pop culture and history.
3. Try the THINKBOX Challenge
Media credit: prisonislandbelfast
Address: Unit 3, 17 Balmoral Rd, Belfast BT12 6QA, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890380862
Prison Island has this challenge called THINKBOX. It’s about solving puzzles and unlocking these boxes with many locks. There are 12 boxes, each with its own set of tasks, and you’ve got to beat the clock to unlock them all.
What I loved most was that it wasn’t just about solving puzzles on your own; it required teamwork, creativity, and a bit of strategy. And get this – a live leaderboard keeps track of your points, so the competition is real!
Where to Stay Near Prison Island
1. Slieve Donard
Media credit: sleepermagazine
Address: Downs Rd, Newcastle BT33 0AH, United Kingdom
Phone: +442843721066
Pricing: €€€
Slieve Donard is a luxury resort located at the base of the stunning Mourne Mountains. The views are breathtaking. The guest rooms are beautifully updated, blending Victorian style with modern comfort.
The amenities were amazing! The spa treatments were so indulgent, and after a day of challenges at Prison Island, sinking into the thermal suite or taking a dip in the indoor pool was pure bliss.
Plus, if you’re into golf, you’ll love the proximity to the Royal County Down Golf Club. We even took advantage of the complimentary bike rentals to explore the beautiful surroundings at our own pace.
2. Ballygally Castle
Media credit: ballygally_castle_official
Address: Coast Rd, Ballygalley, Larne BT40 2QZ, United Kingdom
Phone: +442828581066
Pricing: €€€
Ballygally Castle felt like stepping into a fairy tale! The 17th-century castle sits on the Antrim coast and offers breathtaking views of Ballygally Bay. The castle’s architecture transported us back in time but still provided all the modern comforts.
We stayed in a beautifully decorated suite with panoramic views of the sea. The amenities were top-notch, too—free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a flat-screen TV made our stay super comfortable.
We couldn’t resist exploring the castle’s ghostly reputation; we even took a peek into the ‘ghost room’ in one of the towers! It added an extra layer of intrigue to our stay that we found delightful.
3. Curran Court Hotel
Media credit: thecurrancourt
Address: 6 Redlands Rd, Larne BT40 1FD, United Kingdom
Phone: +442828275505
Pricing: €€€
Curran Court Hotel made me feel right at home, thanks to the friendly staff. The hotel has 33 spacious guest rooms, and let me tell you, the beds were so comfortable.
We also loved unwinding at Katy Jane’s Bar & Beer Garden, where we enjoyed live music and a cozy atmosphere after our Prison Island adventures.
The hotel’s location is perfect for exploring the area. It’s next to the Port of Larne and a short drive from iconic attractions like the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
4. Maryville House
Media credit: maryvillehouse
Address: 2 Maryville Park, Belfast BT9 6LN, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890681510
Pricing: €€€
Maryville House was a Victorian gentleman’s residence, but now it’s a cozy bed and breakfast. As soon as we walked in, we felt the warm vibe and saw the beautiful decor that reflected its history.
The rooms were so comfy and had a cool mix of modern and classic style—we really felt at home there. One of the best things about Maryville House was the tearooms, where we had breakfast every morning.
The location was perfect, too – tucked away in a peaceful area but still close to the city center. Plus, the gardens around the property were so beautiful – we loved chilling out there.
5. The Number 11 by Warren Collection
Media credit: warrencollectionhotels
Address: 11 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6RT, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890995121
Pricing: €€
The Number 11 by Warren Collection felt like a cozy retreat right in the heart of the city. The hotel has this modern yet warm vibe, with stylish decor that screams comfort and elegance.
Our spacious room had everything we needed for a relaxing stay—the plush bedding was a dream! And let me tell you about the self-service buffet breakfast—it was a highlight of our stay.
Plus, being just over a mile from the city center made it easy to explore local attractions and stop for a quick rest between activities.
Where to Eat Near Prison Island
1. Holohan’s Pantry & The Spanish Earl
Media credit: holohanspantry
Address: 43 University Rd, Belfast BT7 1ND, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890291103
Pricing: €€
When we walked into Holohan’s Pantry & The Spanish Earl, we felt like we were stepping into a cozy Irish haven. The decor was a mix of modern and traditional, and the staff made us feel welcome.
The menu was a delightful mix of local ingredients and classic Irish dishes, with a special focus on boxty. We tried the Beef and Guinness Boxty. And let’s not forget about dessert! We couldn’t resist the Sticky Guinness Pudding to end the meal.
2. The Lantern Restaurant
Media credit: lanternbelfast
Address: 58 Wellington Pl, Belfast BT1 6GF, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890328844
Pricing: €€
The cozy yet elegant ambiance of the Lantern Restaurant made us feel at home. The menu is packed with locally sourced dishes, and we tried their famous Beef and Guinness Pie.
They also have plenty of vegetarian options, so there’s something for everyone.
The attentive service and the little details made our night special. The staff was so friendly and helped us pick the perfect wine. And let’s not forget the decadent chocolate cake we had for dessert—it was heavenly!
3. Stix and Stones City Centre
Media credit: stixandstonesbelfastrestaurant
Address: 44-46 Upper Queen St, Belfast BT1 6FD, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890319418
Pricing: €€
Stix and Stones City Centre has a unique restaurant concept: you cook your own steak on hot stones right at your table. How cool is that?
We decided to try the “Steak on a Stone. ” Searing our steaks just as we liked them was such a fun experience. The steaks are sourced from local farmers and dry-aged to perfection, so every bite was incredibly tender and flavorful.
They also have a selection of fresh seafood, but for me, the steak was the show’s star. Oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ve got to try their Tomahawk steak. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience!
4. Portside Inn
Media credit: portsideinn
Address: 1 Dargan Rd, ·, Belfast BT3 9JU, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890771422
Pricing: €€
Portside Inn has a cozy pub-style vibe. The wooden furnishings and warm lighting give it a laid-back feel, and the mix of locals and visitors makes it feel like we’ve found a real Belfast treasure.
The menu had all sorts of traditional homemade dishes, but we went for their signature Portside Burger, which was mouthwatering! Plus, they had great tips about local attractions, and we even tried out some of their local beers and spirits – so good!
5. Grapevine
Media credit: thegrapevinebelfast
Address: 5 Pottinger’s Entry, Belfast BT1 4DT, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890310446
Pricing: €
As soon as we walked into Grapevine, we were hit with this cozy, inviting vibe – rustic decor, comfy seating, and an all-around homey feel. The menu was full of delicious dishes made with local ingredients and flavors.
Choosing what to eat was a fun challenge in itself! We couldn’t resist trying the seafood chowder, which was a game-changer.
And the drinks! Their coffee was just what we needed to recharge before more exploring. What’s cool is that Grapevine also offers takeout, which is perfect if you’re on the go. And the prices were reasonable for the quality of the food.
Where to Shop Near Prison Island
1. CastleCourt Shopping Centre
Media credit: freshpop.shop
Address: Royal Ave, Belfast BT1 1DD, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890234591
CastleCourt Shopping Centre has a lively atmosphere with families and friends enjoying their shopping sprees. The variety of stores was amazing, with over 80 shops ranging from popular high street brands to unique independent ones.
What stood out to us was how family-friendly CastleCourt is. They offer services like Shop Mobility and have dedicated parent and child spaces in the parking lot, which is thoughtful and convenient for families.
2. Victoria Square
Media credit: victoriasqbelfast
Address: 1 Victoria Square, Belfast BT1 4QG, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890322277
Victoria Square has over 70 stores, a mix of high-end brands and popular high-street names. The coolest thing was the stunning dome, which offers panoramic views of Belfast and the Mourne Mountains.
We went up to the viewing gallery, and the 360-degree views were breathtaking. The dome also hosts events and exhibitions throughout the year, so there’s always something extra going on.
3. Forestside Shopping Centre
Media credit: colmheaney
Address: Upper Galwally, Belfast BT8 6FX, United Kingdom
Phone: +442890494990
Forestside Shopping Centre has everything from popular fashion stores like H&M and Next to specialty shops like Argento and Dunnes Stores. The layout is user-friendly, with plenty of signage leading you to your favorite stores.
But what really stood out to me about Forestside is its commitment to community engagement. It’s more than just a shopping center; it feels like a cultural hub.
They host events and live performances throughout the year, showcasing local talent and creating a vibrant atmosphere.