BEST THINGS YOU CAN DO IN BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
People often think of Belfast in Northern Ireland when they think of The Troubles of 20th Century, where religions encouraged violence and divided the city (quite literally). Today, the walls that separated Shankhill Road from Falls Road still stand. Belfast is more than just a city that struggles with religious differences. Belfast is a wonderful city that offers many activities and stands out from its troubled past.
We were too focused on the Troubles during our first visit to Belfast. However, when we returned, we spent more time downtown and discovered the many hidden gems and attractions that should not be missed. There is so much to do in Belfast! We’ll show you how to convert kilometers from miles to British pounds. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is part of the United Kingdom (not Republic of Ireland). Dublin is a tourist city, but Belfast is more local. There are people who hustle to work downtown and there are many locals in the pubs. Belfast is the best place to experience true Irish culture. Make sure you take at least 2 days to explore it. You may be wondering why? To entice you north to the Emerald Isle, we’ll share the top things to do in Belfast.
Titanic Belfast
Visit Titanic Belfast is without a doubt one of the most visited things to do when in Belfast. This interactive museum is dedicated the tragic Titanic voyage. Belfast’s shipyards were the place where the ill-fated RMS Titanic went down. This museum will take you on a journey from the building of the Titanic to the rescue and recovery of survivors off Canada’s coast.
Titanic Belfast has multimedia displays that tell first-hand accounts. These stories are played over loudspeakers as visitors walk through the galleries, which feature replicas of rooms aboard the Titanic and other relics from the site.
You can take a Disney-like ride on the self-guided tour. It takes you through the ship’s interior, gliding through its bowels. We’ve been to Titanic Belfast three times, and each time we find something new.
SS Nomadic
Your ticket includes a self guided tour of the SS Nomadic (the last White Star Line ship left in the world) once you’ve finished in Titanic Belfast. It’s a fascinating stop that allows you to experience firsthand the Titanic’s atmosphere. The SS Nomadic was used for passengers’ transport to the Titanic. It was constructed with the same materials as the Titanic.
Because it was built right alongside the Titanic, it was sometimes called the mini Titanic. It is only one-third the size of the original ship. It was the first and second-class passengers that it carried from Cherbourg, France to deeper waters to board Titanic. However, it did not follow the Titanic’s fate and continued to serve for 50 more years, seeing many famous passengers pass its halls, including Elizabeth Taylor and Charlie Chaplin.
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 7 pm
- Website: Explore SS Nomadic
- Address: Hamilton Dock, Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
Titanic’s Dock and Pumphouse
You’ll spend most of your time in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. It’s worth spending a few minutes in the Titanic Quarter to take in the rich history of this former Harland & Wolff Shipyard. The Titanic Experience doesn’t require you to visit Titanic Belfast.
You can see the dry dock where the huge ship was moored before it was launched. You can see the entire footprint of the Titanic here. Visitors can descend 44ft (13m) The pumphouse, which was used to drain the water from the dock and was known as the Thompson Dry Dock at the time, is located right next to the visitor’s entrance. Today there are displays and machinery that were used in the construction of the Titanic.
Titanic Hotel
Even if your stay is not at the Titanic Hotel Hotel, it’s worthwhile to go inside for a drink and a bite to eat. This historic hotel is a mix of museum and hotel. It is directly across from Titanic Belfast. The Titanic’s former headquarters, Harland & Wolff (the builders), is home to historic photographs, posters and memorabilia dating back to the White Star Lines era.