Thanks for the replies! And let me know when you are next over..
Of course I know the Ormeau Road and the Cregah Road - in fact my parents grew up in and around those areas.
Belfast has definitely changed a lot over the past decade, and for the better. Its much cooler and more cosmopolitan now than it was. Some nice bars : ) North Coast, Donegal and Dublin all within striking distance...there, i've done my bit for the Tourist Board!
But you're right to advise people not to comment on "the Troubles" because you don't know who you're talking to or what they've been through. Also, better not ask if that person is Prot or Catholic.
Anyway thanks for the replies, and more generally, if any 2+2er is in NI then PM me and I'll take you here
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/images/photos/belfast/crown.htm
for a guiness : )