Belfast Part Two-The Political Tour

Following our tour of the Titanic Museum, I had arranged to be picked up by Billy,from Touring Around Belfast Tours
I have to highly recommend this experience. First, Billy was an amazing source of knowledge on all subjects, and not only did we get The Political Tour that we had signed up for, we also got a very thorough tour of Belfast. Billy was always able to answer any question that we had with both grace and humour.
In many ways it is hard to believe that Belfast now is the same city that for years tourists avoided. It was interesting to learn about all the efforts that have taken place to make these changes. This tour provided a review of the history as well as seeing the current situation.

Our tour began in an area where many muralists paint.


You can catch us here with native son, Van Morrison. Sorry I cut him off here.





See if you can identify any of these well know Northern Irelanders.
We then made our way into the Shankhill Area, the Protestant stronghold and the scene of much violence through the years.


Many modest homes are covered in Union Jacks.












Financial encouragement is given to have murals of a more historical and peaceful nature. The second below would be an example.









This a poorer area of town and many Protestants moved away from the "troubles".

Very close by is the area known as The Falls, the Catholic area.














I have to say the experience was rather chilly, thinking of all the violence that occurred and imagining what it would be like growing up in areas like this. it was interesting learning of how between these areas they are building shopping malls were equal numbers of Catholics and Protestants are hired in hopes that has people work together they get to know each other. There are many encouraging signs all over the city. But of course probably the most moving is this Peace Mural.













And here is my message. it was difficult to find space and to write near the bottom of the wall.


And here we were spotted by a BBC reporter and interviewed about why we came to interview and what we thought of the wall.



I am just going to share a few more images of a city that we honestly would have liked to have had more time to spend.



















Next blog we are off to Donegal with unexpected results.

Location:Bushmills

Belfast Part One

On Thursday we got up early and headed for Coleraine to take the train to Belfast. The train was great and we were at Central Station within an hour and a half. From there we took a taxi to the Titantic Quarter so that we would be in plenty of time for our scheduled 10:20 tour. In case you are planning to go, make sure you book online before you go. You need about two hours to see everything in the museum.









There is a very nice coffee shop and restaurant in the complex as well as the requisite gift shop. The Museumis the centerpiece of an ambitious long term plan for this quarter.





In just a couple of words, the museum is great, very interactive and with many multimedia features.
We first visited Belfast in 1912 and learned about it's history, and its importance in production of linen fabric and ship building. We learned about the company that built the Titanic, and actually still exists but now mainly assembles wind generators!
We saw how The Titanic was built and learned about the designers and craftsmen and workers.


And then we got to go on the ship!












Check out a couple of rooms...





If you were really wealthy this could have been your first class suite.


Here was the proposed schedule...


We learned about various crew and passengers.





And then of course








We heard the voices of those rescued, we found out who had died and who was saved. We also witnessed the inquiry.


And we were able to see a film about the submerged Titanic and see artifacts found there.


At the end they had displays of work done by school children. Needless to say I am now planning a Titanic unit. Then if you liked, you could be served tea in Titanic high style.

We totally enjoyed our morning but there is more to tell about our visit and I know you want to hear about us being interviewed by BBC Belfast so stay tuned to Belfast Part Two.

Location:Bushmills, actually Letterkenney

More along the Causeway coast on Wednesday

The day began with checking out the train station in Coleraine as we were planning to take the train to Belfast from there the following day. Our next stop was Port Rush. The ocean seems to surround this small town. You can see the pretty harbour above and below.





Then a short drive through town brought us to another beautiful beach vista.


We also liked the interesting architecture.


From here we drove to Dunluce Castle, dating back to the 14th century.






It was quite spectacular. We didn't take the tour for 13£ each but we did take a tea break.





We learned a bit about the local salmon fishing from one of the locals as well.
We contained our drive east along the coast to our destination,Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. Now rope bridges are not my favorite so in the end I didn't take it to the island and Sue and Irene found the bridge a bit disappointing as it wasn't very long. Patricia doesn't like heights so she didn't even consider it, but even without going onto the island the views were amazing.








The above picture gives you a good view of the island.









Now another reason I decided not to cross,the bridge was that my camera battery died or I might have overcome my dislike of swinging over water for yet another picture!

We spent the next hour trying to find The Dark Hedges. This took us through some lovely countryside and Irene was even invited for a drink, but eventually we got there.


Needless to say the road back to Bushmills was far shorter!



On our return, Sue and I decided to take the Bushmills Distillery tour, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The sounds of breakfast make me think I had better end this here. Stay tuned for our journey to Belfast!

Location:Bushmills