The Birthplace of Titanic - Belfast, United Kingdom

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) and the birthplace of the Titanic and the portable defibrillator was invented here in 1965. The city name may also be linked to the car bombings, riots and revenge killings that occurred for thirty years, ending in the late 1990’s, now known as ‘the troubles’. Today, in neighborhoods where Protestants and Catholics live closely, some of the walls still exist because residents still do not feel comfortable. Living peacefully here will take generations to achieve, as my tour guide explained, but the city is on the road to healing. One event that still takes place is the Presbyterian bonfires lit in some areas on July 11th to mark the battle of the Boyne in 1690 when Protestant King William III defeated Catholic King James II. Bonfires were lit to welcome and guide William.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

The Titanic Belfast is the ship’s story told from the early days of construction through the modern day efforts to visit the wreckage. This is the exterior of the building in the shape of the ship’s hull.

A few of the sights in the Titanic Belfast museum.

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A Belfast Child: My true story of life and death in the Troubles

By Chambers, John

Titanic Belfast - Tour Guide

By Costecalde, Claude; Doherty, John Paul

Making Sense of the Troubles: The Story of the Conflict in Northern Ireland

By McKittrick, David, McVea, David

Another of the displays at Titanic Belfast

A few of the public political statements

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Some of the public murals

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The Crown Bar dates back to the 1800’s and was considered one of the mightiest Victorian Gin Palaces in the city, and still has some original features, including gaslighting.

Queens University founded in 1845

St Malachy’s Church was dedicated in 1844 and is the 3rd largest church in Belfast.

Belfast City Hall was built in 1898

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The Robinson and Cleaver Building in Donegal Square was built between 1886 and 1888.

The details above the entrance to the Assembly Buildings of the Presbyterian Church built in 1905.

St Anne’s Cathedral on Donegal Street was built in 1904.

The Grand Opera House opened its doors to the public in 1895.

The Presbyterian Church House built in 1905.

St Mary’s Church is Belfast’s oldest church where the first mass was celebrated in 1784.

There are plenty of restaurants

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Colorful window displays of stores that are no longer occupied.

Spencer House on Royal Avenue built between 1883 and 1889.

The old art deco Sinclair’s Department Store Building was built in 1926.

The Scottish Mutual Building was built in 1906.

Ulster Hall is a concert hall that was built in 1859 and was renovated in 2009.

Another view of City Hall

This is the Titanic Memorial, outside City Hall, that was dedicated in June, 1920.

The newer Grand Central Hotel is the tallest building in Belfast

More contemporary architecture is popping up.

More of the city’s architecture.

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What you should know:

• The currency is the Pound Sterling.

• Sometimes there is a service charge included in the bill, if not a 10-15% tip is acceptable.

• Hop-on Hop-off bus is a great way to get the lay of the land.

• The city is very walkable, and a great way to get around.

• People are friendly and helpful.

• You will need a valid passport and a UK travel power adapter if you are from the U.S.

• You could spend a couple of hours to a few days exploring the city, depending on you level of interest.

For more information: Belfast