Belfast

[anjelikaferrett]

It's the politicians who give the place a bad name. A right shower.

Isn't it always!

 

[anjelikaferrett]

Unfortunately I have the Titanic bug too. I went a few years back and took in the sights and it's a highly enjoyable experience. The museum is ok but for me the weakest bit of the trip apart from the ride that takes you around the dock as if it was being built in front of you. If you want to see the grand staircase replica you need to buy afternoon tea - it isn't cheap!

Just walking around outside the museum you can see the slipways where the Olympic/Titanic/Britannic were built. (the hull shape is lit up at night and gives an impression of the size of these ships) like another poster has mentioned the Normadic is dry docked not far from the museum, it was one of the ships that used to ferry passengers out to the Titanic/Olympic.

The Thompson graving dock is a 10 minute walk and that to me was the highlight of the trip where I felt closest to the past. It's awe-inspiring but a little eerie at the same time as it's so quiet. (well it was when I was there anyhow...) Standing at the bottom next to this wall of steel that is absolutely massive but it only came up to the waterline of the ship:

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While I was in Northern Ireland I also took a coach tour to take in Giants Causeway, the Bushmills distillery, (Yes I sampled the whiskey... quite a lot actually... ) Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and you get to take in the coast in general on the way up which is amazing. If anyone does decide to do this tour though wear comfortable trainers as there is a lot of walking!!!

Wow. Thank you. Lots to think about