Wednesday 25 September – Belfast

We decided to miss out on our bus trip around Belfast when we first arrived but as we managed the return trip in one day, rather than sit around kicking our heels thought we'd give it a go. So after a reasonable start to a lovely morning we headed back into Belfast, parking up close to the Titanic Centre from where we knew we could catch one of the tourist buses.

Typically we managed to miss two! But it seems that they had a couple of extra tours on today so didn't have to wait long. A friendly and knowledgeable guide welcomed us aboard and we set off, first out of the city proper to Stormont and the seat of the N.I. Government. After a brief security check the bus was allowed right up to the palace and passengers got off, apparently there being a proper tour. 

Stormont

Along the way we were given lots of info as to the history and current situation, as well as comments about the areas we passed through. We were surprised to learn, and see, that the famed Harland and Wolff factory had gone into admistration a few weeks ago due to a continuing strike by its workforce, who had a picket line around the gates.

A big part of the tour covered the area that featured “The Troubles”, the 30 year civil unrest where so many died, all in the name of religion – although if you look back in history it all started when the English land and factory owners caused the separation of the two main protagonists and it just developed from there. However that's another story.

The Peace Wall (1)

(2)

(3)

Enough about the past; despite there still being some ill-feeling much has been done to heal the rifts and the area is now thriving although there is much of the famous street art, left we presume as a reminder that the past must not be alllowed to repeat itself. What did surprise is that the famed separation wall still exists (see photos above) and is still locked at night.

Crumlin Road Jail - now a museum & visitor centre

The very centre of Belfast, as well as having it's share of fine old architecture, is very much like other cities with much modern development. It is extremely busy, several times we were held up in traffic but the tour company seem to have factored that in as the bus ran pretty much to schedule. With more time it would be nice to explore more, however not for us on this occasion. We changed buses in the city centre when ours stopped for their break, and returned quite quickly to the Titanic Centre. We often use these tour buses when we want a taste of a city and the Belfast example was as good as others.

HMS Caroline

Back to the van, then, and a late lunch before making our way back to Carrickfergus for our last night. We plan to eat out again before an earlyish night, ready for a reasonable start in the morning to the ferry terminal which, thankfully, is only 20 mins away.