How to Get to Heaven from Belfast: New Route, Plans and Reactions Unveiled

City officials and transport planners have put fresh proposals on the table this week that locals say answer the whimsical question, "How to get to heaven from Belfast, " in a practical, travel-oriented sense. The package — announced at a morning briefing on Feb. 17, 2026 (ET) — combines heritage routes, a new coastal shuttle trial and improved links for walkers and cyclists aimed at boosting tourism and local mobility.

What the proposals include

The multi-part plan centers on a branded visitor route that stitches together city heritage sites, scenic viewpoints and a new coastal shuttle service running between central Belfast and key harborside attractions. Planners described the route as an effort to create an accessible experience for day-trippers and longer-stay visitors, positioning certain vantage points as the closest things to a "heavenly" view over the city and sea.

Key elements outlined are:

• A trial coastal shuttle with frequent stops linking waterfront attractions to central transit hubs;
• Upgrades to walking and cycling infrastructure along the proposed route, including signage and safety improvements;
• A marketing initiative that packages the route around scenic lookouts and cultural stops to attract domestic and international visitors.

Officials emphasized that the shuttle will be a trial with closely monitored ridership data and community feedback to assess viability. Improvements to pedestrian and cycle paths will prioritize safety and accessibility, particularly for families and older visitors.

Local reaction and concerns

Reaction among residents and local business owners has been mixed. Supporters note potential economic benefits for hospitality and retail businesses along the route, saying it could breathe life into lesser-visited neighborhoods and boost weekend foot traffic. Tourism operators welcomed clearer, integrated transport options that help visitors move easily between attractions.

Critics raised practical questions about funding, environmental impact and whether a short-term shuttle trial can address long-standing transport gaps. Some community groups warned that branding scenic spots as "heavenly" risks glossing over infrastructure inequalities in other parts of the city that urgently need investment. Commenters also urged that any marketing focus should be accompanied by concrete commitments to affordable and reliable public transport.

Next steps and timeline

the shuttle trial and infrastructure upgrades will begin rolling out in phases this spring, with the initial 12-week shuttle evaluation starting as soon as permits and vehicles are in place. Data collection and public consultation will continue through the trial period, with a full review scheduled for late spring to determine whether to extend or expand the service.

Transport planners noted potential adjustments depending on ridership, cost-effectiveness and community feedback. If successful, the package could be expanded to include guided walking tours, seasonal events and partnership programs with local cultural institutions to deepen the route’s appeal.

For now, the plan offers a timely answer to the playful question of how to get to heaven from Belfast — combining practical transport choices with a curated visitor experience designed to highlight the city's coastal beauty and cultural heritage.