Titanic Belfast Visitor ExperienceWe toured the four floor Titanic Belfast which has been open for five years now. It was very interesting and packed with multimedia and interactive experiences. Among other exhibits, the visit included an interactive ride and a room with three walls and a virtual reality tour of the boat.
We also explored the outside area which was plotted out to show where the boat had actually been built. That gave us a good feeling for the size of the Titanic and connected us to the history in a different way. While outside, we could also really appreciate the unique architecture of the Titanic Center. It stood as an impressive presence in the city. |
Walking Tour of Belfast
We were dropped off near the Belfast courthouse for lunch and exploring on our own. After eating a quick sandwich, we headed across the street to check out the local library. This was worth the visit. We found a card catalog with hand-written cards in it referencing deaths and births, presumably for genealogy use. We also saw a good collection of American classics, and the stairwell was decorated with posters from the troubled times in Northern Ireland.
We met at the courthouse for a guided tour by the granddaughter of a local who died on the Titanic. She told the story of how her father and his brother were both given pennies. They were told not to spend them until her father returned. Unfortunately, her father never came back, so the brother kept the pennies and passed them down to the next generation. Our guide now has them. She also talked about how Belfast is now only recently coming to terms with the tragedy of the Titanic. They have felt it was a great embarrassment that the city boasted about the boat, and it only sailed for 14 hours.
Our guide shared some other Belfast facts and history, including a description of Belfast as the manufacturing center of Ireland. This contrasts with Dublin which is the financial/banking capital. Belfast is currently undergoing a developmental boom since the economic downturn has ended. As part of our tour, we stopped at the Ulster/Scottish interpretive center. Once again, our guides were fantastic.
We met at the courthouse for a guided tour by the granddaughter of a local who died on the Titanic. She told the story of how her father and his brother were both given pennies. They were told not to spend them until her father returned. Unfortunately, her father never came back, so the brother kept the pennies and passed them down to the next generation. Our guide now has them. She also talked about how Belfast is now only recently coming to terms with the tragedy of the Titanic. They have felt it was a great embarrassment that the city boasted about the boat, and it only sailed for 14 hours.
Our guide shared some other Belfast facts and history, including a description of Belfast as the manufacturing center of Ireland. This contrasts with Dublin which is the financial/banking capital. Belfast is currently undergoing a developmental boom since the economic downturn has ended. As part of our tour, we stopped at the Ulster/Scottish interpretive center. Once again, our guides were fantastic.
Final Group Dinner and Night Out
The final group dinner was awesome! There was much laughing and sharing of stories. Dara bought some wine, and it was flowing freely. After dinner, Dara arranged for another private concert with local musicians and dancers. They were great, and Dara even sang a little for us. After that, we all went to Crown Bar, and that was a really neat experience as well. It was filled with booths that looked like you'd find in old churches, and the character of the place was oozing. We had a great time hanging out with everyone. What a group, and what a finale to a fantastic trip!
As we flew home the next morning, we looked back with fond memories on our travels through Ireland, and once again, we were thankful to have chosen a Rick Steves' Tour. The experiences are simply the best traveling we have ever done. Everything is well planned and paced. The guide takes care of the stressful parts, so the tour members can just relax and enjoy their travels. And finally, the people have always been great. Once again, we have learned lots, enjoyed ourselves immensely and have left with a very valuable souvenir--perspective.
Thanks, group! Thanks, Pascal! Thanks, Dara! And thanks, Rick! We will be back for more!
If you decide the Ireland experience appeals to you, check out Rick Steves' Best of Ireland in 14 Days, and you too can feel the pulse of a nation, the song of its soul, and the music of a beautiful land!
As we flew home the next morning, we looked back with fond memories on our travels through Ireland, and once again, we were thankful to have chosen a Rick Steves' Tour. The experiences are simply the best traveling we have ever done. Everything is well planned and paced. The guide takes care of the stressful parts, so the tour members can just relax and enjoy their travels. And finally, the people have always been great. Once again, we have learned lots, enjoyed ourselves immensely and have left with a very valuable souvenir--perspective.
Thanks, group! Thanks, Pascal! Thanks, Dara! And thanks, Rick! We will be back for more!
If you decide the Ireland experience appeals to you, check out Rick Steves' Best of Ireland in 14 Days, and you too can feel the pulse of a nation, the song of its soul, and the music of a beautiful land!
People and Culture
New FriendsWe gathered for some final pictures with a few of our new friends. These fine folks and the rest of our group were awesome!
|
A Last Night of FunWe made the most of our last night together: laughing, sharing stories and wishing each other safe travels!
|
Our Last Meal TogetherOur last meal together was filled with laughter, stories, goodbyes, and Dara helping out as a waiter.
|
Places and Sights
Titanic CenterIt was fun touring the new Titanic Center. The experience was interactive and multi-media rich. Very cool!
|
Belfast CourthouseOur walking tour around the Belfast Courthouse area was very interesting and informative with good weather once again!
|
Crown BarThe Crown Bar was an excellent final stop on our journey. We enjoy the local color of the place as well as many hugs and goodbyes!
|
Music and the Arts
River Dancers!Dara arranged a private performance for us. The river dancers were awesome, and they even helped tour members dance!
|
Talented MusiciansOnce again, we were amazed at the local talent and the extent to which they embrace the music of their culture. Great concert!
|
Street PaintingsLike we saw in Londonderry, there were many building decorated with impressive paintings. This was one of our favorites.
|