Day 12 - Belfast Northern Ireland

 We had a really good sleep in our hotel (Marriott Riverfront). Yesterday we thought we may be in a bit of a dodgy area but when we left this morning on foot to find the walking tour we had booked, we discovered we were five minutes from the downtown core and in an area that is under a lot of redevelopment. New walking paths on both sides of the river and brand new sports and entertainment facilities along with several new high rise hotels under construction.

Our Belfast Hotel on the River Lagan

Our walking tour started at the City Hall that was constructed at the turn of the last century during the era where councils built opulent buildings with public funds. Certainly wouldn't happen in today's political climate where we can't seem to provide our Prime Minister with a decent house to live in. Unfortunately we didn't have time to tour the interior of the building.

Our tour guide was excellent, pointing out and giving the history of many of the buildings in the downtown core.

Our tour guide Barbara

This hotel was bombed more than 30 times during "The Troubles"

Titanic Memorial

Ulster Hall where every major musical group has played

Our tour guide had grown up as a child during 'The Troubles" and it was interesting to hear her talk of the divisive times and the effect it had on her. It took her a long time to get over it and it still continues in the minds of some people today. So sad having to have had to live through that but things seem much more "normal" today.

After the walking tour, we crossed the bridge to the side of the river where the H&W Shipyards are still located. This was the company that constructed the Titanic for the White Star Line. Probably the biggest tourist attraction in Belfast is the relatively newly constructed Titanic Experience which takes you through the history of Belfast shipbuilding and the story of the construction and demise of the fabled ocean liner.

After a day of walking, we took our tour guide's suggestion and headed to The Thirsty Goat for rehydration and an early supper. I had another traditional Irish meal, Boxty with Chicken.