Monday, March 11, 2013

Adventures in Belfast

In lieu of a Scotland Sundays post, I thought I would share with you where I have been for most of this past week....Belfast, Northern Ireland!  This was my first trip to Belfast and I LOVED it!  I went for work so only got to see a little bit of the city but managed to see a few interesting sites including Queen's University Belfast:



How beautiful is that building?  I'm a sucker for ancient universities and the QUB campus does not disappoint!  The University was first charted in 1845 and conducts world-leading research across a variety of subject areas.  I was lucky to be able to meet with some of the faculty from the School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work.

I was also able to sneak away for a short period to the Titanic Centre:


The Titanic Centre only opened last year--on the centenary of the Titanic's maiden voyage.  Having the Centre in Belfast is perfect since the Titanic was built, among other amazing ships, in the heart of Belfast.  The building itself looks like the prow of a ship.  The construction is quite amazing.

I was very impressed with the museum.  It's a hands-on experience and you learn a lot about the industrial period in Belfast--not just about ship building but also about the linen and other industries (which was fascinating!).  There are lots of things on display from original documents and ship plans to neat White Star Line posters.  You get to touch lots of things and you can take pictures throughout the building!


I must say that I was a little hesitant to go to the museum.  I mean the ship sank and a lot of people tragically lost their lives.  I didn't know if I could handle that part of the museum--but it was very tastefully done.  I felt like the museum focused equally on all parts of the Titanic heritage--from the amazing ingenuity in building the ship, to the beautiful interiors and everything the ship encompassed for the time period to the sinking and survivor stories to finally how the event impacted the entire world.

And well, it wouldn't be the Titanic museum without a bit of Hollywood memorabilia:


I got some great photos of the costumes from the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet:



For the outing, I wore some of my me-made items including my 1943 white DuBarry blouse and my 1941 Simplicity trousers (with a neat sweater vest that I found in a vintage sale here in Edinburgh):


If you are ever in Belfast, it is well worth the visit!
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17 comments

  1. Thanks for sharing! Not that I'm going to be in Belfast anytime soon, but I was wondering how the museum was. Love that architecture, and of course they had to put in the movie costumes...

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  2. How exciting that you paid a little visit to my city Debi! So glad you enjoyed your time. We get far too much bad press, and not enough good, so thanks for this lovely review. It's good to let people know it's not as bad as it looks in the news! Next time you come back you MUST head up to the North Coast, or the Mourne Mountains - both are absolutely stunning!

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    1. Oh fantastic to know you are from Belfast! I just loved it!!! I definitely want to go back and head up North...that sounds amazing!

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  3. I'm getting married in Belfast next month - it's where I'm from originally. I'm hoping all my guests will have a chance to explore the city. I've not been to the Titanic centre myself so it's good to hear that it's worth the visit. I'll be recommending it to everyone!

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    1. Congrats on your wedding!!! And yes, definitely recommend the Titanic Centre...I think it has a bit of something for everyone :-)

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  4. I'd never heard of the Titanic Museum, and am glad to hear it is all done with good taste. If I ever get to Belfast again I'll put it on my list. Thanks for sharing Debi. Hope you had a productive and interesting trip.

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  5. I love seeing photos of the "swim dress". No one ever replicates the varying colors of the layers.

    Thanks for sharing! I hope to visit someday!

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  6. This so adds another item to my "places I want to visit"-list... Gorgeous university building!

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  7. What a beautiful city! I hope to visit it someday! Thanks for sharing your photos!

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  8. SO jealous!!! I spent a couple weeks in the West of Ireland and felt about every clump of mossy rocks in a ruin the same way you feel about these old buildings. Awesome!

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  9. Lovely photos of Belfast! That's wonderful that you were able to visit the Titanic Museum. The tragedy of the Titanic is such an important part of our history that it'd be a shame not to visit and pay your respects.

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    1. I definitely agree!!! It was very humbling to be there and to delve more into the history!

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  10. Hi Debi, thank you for posting. I really like the new Titanic Experience too. Although the event was brooding, the Experience incorporates a trove of Belfast history across the classes, and it's really interactive. I'm glad you enjoyed. There are many fantastic buildings in Belfast with historical and architectural importance, even the new Victoria Square! I hope you got the chance to peruse around. :) Maybe you can explore more nooks and impressive fancies of Ireland on another visit!

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    1. oh yes!!! I definitely want to explore so much more!!!

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  11. Hi there, I am only too happy for you to use my photo of Queen's University shown above, on your blog page, but could you please link it to the website from which you have copied it. Many Thanks, Paddy

    http://paddys-wagon.blogspot.co.nz/2012/03/brave-beautiful-belfast.html

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  12. Hi Paddy! Many apologies--I usually link to all my photo source. Sorry for this oversight!


    xoxoxo
    Debi

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  13. No problems Debi. Don't mean to be a snitch about it but thank you for putting the link up, really appreciate that. I've really enjoyed your blog about Belfast. I had such an enjoyable time there myself, last year. Sadly, we had to leave Belfast just 2 days before the grand opening of the Titanic Museum. It's on my list for next time I'm there.
    Paddy

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I read each and every comment--thank you so much!

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