On The Road to Belfast
/For the past two day we’ve been in another country - Northern Ireland. There really is no border as you leave the The Republic of Ireland (or just Ireland) to Northern Ireland. Without going into a major history lesson, it’s best explained as Ireland is a sovereign (independent) state, and a member of the EU (European Union). Northern Ireland has been part of the UK (United Kingdom) since 1921.
We started our tour of Northern Ireland in the town of Derry. There are many noticeable differences - this area carries the scars of hundreds of years of conflict. As we walked up Bishop Street the thick walls are a reminder of the days when they were needed as a protection from bombings. More recently, murals pay homage to those who fought and those who perished.
Since the Good Friday Peace Agreement of 1998, many cities in Northern Ireland have seen a steady increase of tourism. In Derry, the Craft Village, built in the 1990s is filled with quaint shops and restaurants (even one with a thatched roof)!
The stunning Guildhall opened in 1890 as an administrative centre - today it is home to the Derry City Council, as well as a special place to host events. The Guildhall organ, with 3,132 pipes is the second largest in Northern Ireland! The exquisite stained glass windows depict the history of Derry. The 1998 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to John Hume, along with other peace prizes were gifted to the city of Derry and late last year went on display at the Guildhall.
Our next stop was not only a natural wonder, but a chance to get some good exercise! Giant’s Causeway located along the far northern coast, was created by an underwater volcano some 6-million years ago! You’ll find about 40.000 hexagonal basalt columns along the shore - incredible to see…and to climb!
After all that rock climbing, I took a very sound nap on the bus on our way to Belfast! Upon arrival we got a walking tour introduction to the city and several landmarks, including the Albert Memorial Clock. Built in 1869, at 118 ft. high, it actually leans to one side by 4 1/2 ft. because it was built on marshy ground! It has since been stabilized to prevent further leaning.
We passed by City Hall, constructed after Queen Victoria granted city status to Belfast in 1888. In 1920 a Titanic Memorial Garden was added, listing the names of all 1,512 who perished in the disaster. We saw McHughs; built in 1711, it’s the oldest building in Belfast. And Ulster Hall, built in 1862, is where Led Zeppelin first performed “Stairway to Heaven!”
Our fabulous guide Jim then took us to an amazing pub, The Duke of York in the Cathedral Quarter and to a hidden gem of a local restaurant for fish n’ chips. I don’t think we could have fit any more into that day if we tried!
Day two in Belfast started with a deeper dive within the city. We visited Queen’s University - founded in 1845 by Queen Victoria as a non-denominational alternative to Trinity College in Dublin which was controlled by the Anglican Church at the time.
Our next stop - the Titanic Museum, built on the site of the former Harland and Wolff Shipyard (which constructed the fateful ship). The museum has 9 interactive galleries that re-tell the iconic story.
Cheesy touristy moment!
Just a short walk from the museum is Titanic Distillers, where we got a tasting and a tour explaining how Irish whisky is made. *Do you know one main difference between Irish whisky and Scotch? Irish whiskey goes through 3 distillations for a smoother flavor. Scotch goes through two creating a more robust taste.
The rest of the day was free time, so Sara and I walked around the Cathedral Quarter, City Centre and Duncairn, spending our time shopping, sightseeing and eating! We found the cutest little cafe, Dilly and Dolly’s, for scones and lattes! We passed by the BBC building (didn’t have the nerve to try and get in!) bought clothes at Victoria Square, and wrapped things up with a wonderful dinner of meat pie and of course, fish ‘n chips! We walked back along the River Lagan back to the hotel to pack - tomorrow we head to Scotland.
