Belfast

Your history was full of bleak,

Of  mischief and great sorrow.

Many struggle from week to week,

As you strive for a better tomorrow. 

While murals and walls remind you of the past,

And what was to be a great achievement disappeared to the deep blue.

Your steadfast Irish pride will surely last,

Your perseverance a great hue.

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It was a whirlwind trip but a good one. While we finally got the rain we had always associated with this part of the world, it didn’t dampen (see what I did there) our drive to explore the city with such a checkered history that still forms the fabric of society for born and bred locals. 

Our one day in Belfast saw us get one of the famous Black Cab Tours. If you haven’t booked in advance, you can book at the visitor centre across from City Hall. Checking out the murals and the walls still erected around the city with a local was eye-opening. History at school never really covered what went on so it was extremely interesting and worthwhile for any visitor to Belfast. We explored the markets that were held at City Hall that were only there for two days and treated ourselves to the most opulent muffin you have ever seen.

Then it was off to the big tourist attraction, the Titanic Belfast. As most of my knowledge of the Titanic comes from the 1997 James Cameron movie (Jack totally could have fit on that piece of furniture), it was really interesting to learn about the history of it being built in Belfast and all that took place before, during and after the tragedy. While a little expensive, it was a great way to get a bit of local history while keeping out of the rain.

It did manage to clear up for a little more sightseeing and wandering the streets around our Airbnb the next morning close-ish to Ormeau Park. Side note: the house we stayed in was once owned and renovated by a set designer for Game of Thrones. I was a little too excited by this fact. Before we knew it we were off to catch a ferry across to Scotland which was the fanciest ferry I have ever been on. While we didn’t have time to go check out the Dark Hedges or Giant’s Causeway (I know, shame on us!) our short time in Northern Ireland was an educational one.

Check out the photos below for a quick snapshot of Belfast.

See you on the flip side!