Today I took my first train ride and I feel like I’m a character in Harry Potter! Especially when the food cart came by.
I sat with a sweet Doctor around my age and her 4 month old son. She loved how excited I became by everything on the trip and took pictures of me with the cart. She is an Irish native and is heading to Northern Ireland to visit her sister. We swapped stories and asked the cliche questions about our countries.
No, in Texas we don’t all wear cowboy hats and own horses.
In Ireland their cars are not constantly stopped by sheep like in the movie Leap Year.
I knew Northern Ireland was part of the UK but thanks to my new friend I was informed mostly that the two do get along and there was a deal between the countries where we won’t have to show our passports upon entering. I had no idea what I was riding into and am thankful I made a friend for the two hours of my ride.
Once in Belfast I head to St. George’s Market for some window shopping and lunch. I am obsessed with cheese wheel pasta and the options at Tapitas look incredible and the pasta tastes even better. I enjoy my lunch while listening to local music and chatting with a sweet local couple. Everyone here is so friendly. I highly recommend visiting the Market, which is only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday so plan accordingly.
A few years ago my Dad visited Belfast and toured the Titanic Museum. Since then he has been telling me I have to go. He knew I would love it. My Dad was right, this museum is amazing!
The tour starts with the history of Belfast. Did you know they are the linen capital of the world? One of my previous jobs was a sales representative in the high end linen industry so I found this section of the tour fascinating.
Since Belfast is the linen capital they were responsible for providing linens for Titanic. They had to supply large quantities since there wouldn’t be a way to wash the linens once the ship set sail.
As you move through the experience you see first hand how the Titanic came to fruition, including a short ride to show the workers building the ship. Each cart on the ride is grouped based on language. I’m impressed how this ship was built and the detail the museum provides to make you feel as if you were there.
After seeing how the ship was built you are guided to the cabins and dining area where you can see menus, china, and examples of what life on the Titanic was like.
The tour then becomes somber as you undergo the events that led to hitting the iceberg and sinking. I learned a lot of facts that I was unaware of but I won’t provide spoilers so you have another reason to visit the museum. This might my one of my favorite non art museums and if it isn’t on your list when visiting Belfast, it should be. Be sure to walk around the grounds after your tour and see where the Titanic was built and launched!
Before heading back to the train station I walked around town. I am a fan of Game of Thrones, well until the terrible ending, but I won’t vent about that here. Around town there are stained glass art pieces with various tributes to the show and books. Even if you are not a fan of GoT the artwork is incredible.
I did a little research on Belfast before coming up here and I kept seeing The Salmon of Knowledge, it is a time capsule that depicts the history and culture of the city. It is a fun sculpture and I appreciate the attention to detail you see once upclose the the salmon.
I wish I had more time in Belfast and next time I visit Ireland I plan on spening a few nights here, over a weekend of course, so I can visit St. George’s Market.
Today’s Helpful Tips
St. George Market
Hours of operation: Friday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lunch
Cheese Wheel Pasta at Tapitas; “food that tells a story!”
Titanic Museum
I purchased Titanic Experience the day before I visited. I enjoyed this tour, it is self guided and interactive. A great way to spend a few hours in Belfast.
Belfast
Check out The Salmon of Knowledge, and walk the area surrounding it to see The Albert Memorial Clock and St. George’s Church.
