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Travel

A Titanic trip to Belfast, ships, cranes, countryside and cushions

Tooting Mama
42 Comments
January 8, 2017
3 Mins read
754 Views
Titanic2

A flying visit to Belfast to visit family, just before Christmas, meant we were wrecking our routine, but this weekend away was a success for our two adopted children. Belfast is familiar, it’s where grandparents, one uncle, and two aunts and a couple of cousins live. Everyone speaks English. And we stayed at the Premier Inn, in the Titanic Quarter. It was buffet breakfasts galore.

Hanging out in the Titanic Quarter, Belfast

Belfast’s Titanic Quarter is a sprawling expanse of urban space, and is one of the world’s largest regeneration projects, injecting life into this area.  And standing in the centre is the Titanic Belfast.

The Titanic Belfast celebrates the historic ship the RMS Titanic, its history, its people – those that sailed on it and those that worked on it, those who died on it and those who survived.  The Titanic Belfast uncovers the ship’s incredible stories, its tragic end and brings to life the city’s rich, local history.

The children loved it and once kitted out with their own kids’ audio guide, they were off.

What is great about the centre is its sheer scale, it’s enormous, the exhibits are interactive and easily accessible for children and there’s even an indoor cable car ride.

Titanic, Belfast

Titanic Belfast
1 Olympic Way
Queens Road
Titanic Quarter
Belfast BT3 9EP

Admission prices

Discovering St George’s Market

If you are a foodie then this is a must. Housed in a beautiful Victorian building is this award winning, glorious, indoor food market. Last year the market scooped the Observer Food Monthly 2016 Best Market Award. 

St George’s Market is overflowing with stalls selling Donegal oysters, fresh meat, cakes, doughnuts even curries. We were there on a Saturday when the food is complemented with high-quality arts and crafts.

I’ve fallen for Flax Fox’s Textile Designs. I love the hand drawn art and I want to get my hands on the Belfast cranes cushion, featuring Samson and Goliath, the city’s celebrity cranes.

St George’s Market, Belfast
12 – 20 East Bridge Street
Belfast
Antrim BT1 3NQ

And you’re just minutes from the countryside

Belfast is a small city surrounded by glorious countryside. It’s well worth taking the trip to explore some of the city’s lush surroundings.

Cave Hill Country Park

After stuffing ourselves silly with the Premier Inn buffet breakfast, we had to burn off a few calories. And just nearby is Cave Hill Country Park. We didn’t complete the full four and-half-mile route but got the kids up a small part of the walk. We stopped off to take in the view.

The hills overlook Belfast, and one the landmark’s most famous feature is ‘ Napoleon’s Nose’. It is said to be the inspiration for the giant in Gulliver’s Travels. And yes, when you are looking from afar, it does really look like a sleeping giant!

Cave Hill Country Park
Cave Hill
Antrim Road
Belfast BT15 5GR

Lough Neagh Northern Ireland’s largest freshwater lake

Lough Neagh,  just outside Belfast, is a large fresh-water lake, the largest in Northern Ireland. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot. Great if you want to escape for some tranquillity.

 

A great place to head to is Oxford Island nature reserve and take a wander along the paths, meadows, and if you are a keen birdwatcher, seek refuge in the hides. It’s a really beautiful spot.

Lough Neagh and its waterways

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My Petit Canard
Wander Mum
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42 Comments
  1. Elizabeth (Wander Mum)

    January 16, 2017 3:35 pm

    I have never been to Belfast before but this has certainly given some inspiration. I’d really like to go one day. Thanks for linking #citytripping
    Elizabeth (Wander Mum) recently posted…Children’s Skiwear Essentials with Muddy PuddlesMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Maddadskillz

    January 13, 2017 11:07 pm

    I have a very similar post in the works. Belfast is my home town but it’s changed so much. And seeing it from a parent’s eyes now has really helped me fall back in love with it.
    Hopefully your guide convinces more families to visit.
    #bigpinklink

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 14, 2017 7:20 pm

      Over the past 18 years I have seen the city change so much. It’s a fab holiday destination, the city and the coastline, more people ought to go!

      Reply
  3. Cathy (Mummytravels)

    January 12, 2017 4:46 pm

    I loved Belfast when I visited- just before the Titanic Museum opened so would love to go back with my daughter (only a bump last time!) #citytripping
    Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…City Tripping #59My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 13, 2017 11:45 am

      I do hope you get back there, the city has changed a lot, always getting better and better.

      Reply
  4. Life as Mum

    January 12, 2017 10:21 am

    I’ve never visited before but it looks amazing! I’d love to visit there one day.
    #MarvMondays

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 12, 2017 11:36 am

      It’s a fab place, really worth dropping by if you get the chance!

      Reply
  5. Corey with fifi + hop

    January 11, 2017 4:41 pm

    I would love to go to Belfast – I’m quite obsessed with the Titanic, for its story and also because I had a great uncle on it. Looks like there are many other enticing parts of the city as well. Hope to make it there some day. #citytripping

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 12, 2017 11:44 am

      With that personal connection you really should go. It’s a brilliant experience.

      Reply
  6. This Mum's Life

    January 11, 2017 3:51 pm

    Oh it looks amazing!! I love Ireland, but have never visited Belfast (I’ve been to Dublin, Galway, Cork, and some of the rural areas surrounding these places,) but now Belfast is firmly on the list of places I’d like to go, so will have to save your tips! It was great that the children weren’t too unsettled there-it sounds like a huge win all around!
    #bigpinklink
    This Mum’s Life recently posted…PCOS Has Ruined My LifeMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 12, 2017 11:39 am

      I do love going to Ireland, I’d love to take the kids to southern Ireland, it’s brilliant there to! Yes this was one of our more successful holidays.

      Reply
  7. wendy

    January 11, 2017 2:55 pm

    I have never been to Ireland but I really would love to go one day. I find the story of the titanic really interesting too and the places you visited look beautiful xx #bigpinklink

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 12, 2017 11:42 am

      The story of the Titanic is pretty amazing, and hugely tragic, it was so interesting to learn about the more personal stories of people on board the ship.

      Reply
  8. Kat

    January 11, 2017 9:43 am

    Oh these are good tips because I’m thinking of travelling to Belfast sometime in October. I know it’s a long way more to go but there will be a Travel Bloggers’ Exchange (TBEX) conference in Killarney, thus I’m considering a Belfast trip post-conference will be a good idea. Thanks for sharing 🙂 #citytripping

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 9:59 am

      That’s a brilliant idea, it’s a super friendly city too – enjoy!

      Reply
  9. Lolo

    January 11, 2017 9:15 am

    It would be incredibly interesting to visiting Belfast and learn more about the Titanic! I’ve always found the movie, story and history so interesting! #CityTripping

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 9:59 am

      I hope you get a chance to pay Belfast a visit, I’m sure you’ll love it!

      Reply
  10. Brooke of Passport Couture

    January 11, 2017 4:39 am

    As a foodie and lover of the outdoors I’d be up for St. George’s Market and Cave Hill County Park. Belfast sounds like a great place to stop and explore.
    Brooke of Passport Couture recently posted…Fashion and Pantone 2017My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 8:31 am

      It’d be perfect for you. If you are a foodie – then the north coast is amazing, and pay a visit to Harry’s Shack – you won’t be disappointed!

      Reply
  11. Wandermust Mummy

    January 11, 2017 4:32 am

    I’ve only recently started seeing Belfast as somewhere I’d like to visit but with Titanic and Game of thrones etc I think i would really enjoy #citytripping

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 8:32 am

      I think you ought to pay a visit, the city, the countryside, and the coastline is stunning – but maybe wait for the summer months!

      Reply
  12. Fashion and Style Police

    January 10, 2017 11:24 pm

    What a lovely post. I would love to visit Belfast.

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 8:32 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  13. Kerry Norris

    January 10, 2017 11:20 pm

    I’ve never been to Belfast would love to go. I’d especially enjoy learning about the titanic

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 8:34 am

      The Titanic Belfast is a brilliant place, so much to learn about the ship and the city.

      Reply
  14. Nisbah - Five Adventurers

    January 10, 2017 7:07 pm

    looks like you have had a wonderful time and perfect timing as we are hoping to visit in a few weeks. will be adding them to the list! Looks like you had a wonderful time! #citytripping

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 8:37 am

      Oooh perfect eh! Have a fantastic time.

      Reply
  15. Hilary

    January 10, 2017 5:21 pm

    We loved our visit to Titanic Belfast and Northern Ireland! I am hoping to find my way back someday… #citytripping
    Hilary recently posted…Visiting The Anne Frank HouseMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 8:38 am

      I hope you do, it’s a fabulous place, well worth another visit. My favourite areas are the coastlines, they are just stunning.

      Reply
  16. Mother of 3

    January 10, 2017 12:03 am

    Sounds like a wonderful place to visit; I’d love to see the Titanic Quarter.
    Mother of 3 recently posted…The Benefits of Daily Fresh Air and ExerciseMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 8:41 am

      Well, if you have a list of places you are hoping to visit, stick Belfast on it!

      Reply
  17. Ana De- Jesus

    January 9, 2017 10:23 pm

    One of my good friends is from Belfast originally and I know that she has mentioned the freshwater lake a couple of times. Its beautiful xx

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 8:41 am

      Thank you, it’s really beautiful out there, well worth a visit.

      Reply
  18. Sarah - let them be small

    January 9, 2017 7:35 pm

    some great ideas there of places to visit x
    Sarah – let them be small recently posted…Meal Planning – Week 2My Profile

    Reply
  19. Lyndsey O'Halloran

    January 9, 2017 6:15 pm

    Sounds like a great place to visit and more to do than I would have thought

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 9:55 am

      Belfast is full of surprises!

      Reply
  20. Annette, 3 Little Buttons

    January 9, 2017 2:37 pm

    This looks like such a fun place to visit and loving the view from Cave Hill Country Park! I love historical finds. #MarvMondays
    Annette, 3 Little Buttons recently posted…#HappyLittleButtons December Round UpMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 8:44 am

      Thank you. It is a stunning place.

      Reply
  21. Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs

    January 9, 2017 12:18 pm

    Sounds like you all had a lovely break. I’ve just had a nosy on the Titanic, Belfast site and it looks such an awesome place to visit whilst over there 🙂 x

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 8:45 am

      The Titanic Belfast is a super place and child friendly too which is fab.

      Reply
  22. Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too

    January 9, 2017 12:07 pm

    What a beautiful place to visit, with so many different activities. I’d love to visit the Titanic Quarter and look at all the history.
    Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too recently posted…iCandy Peach All Terrain PushchairMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      January 11, 2017 8:46 am

      Thank you, we have a super weekend, and we learned so much too.

      Reply
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Ranji Thangiah

Food writer, recipe creator and photographer

I'm Ranji! I am a food photographer, recipe creator, lover of Sri Lankan food which I want to share with you.

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About Me

Ranji Thangiah

Food writer, recipe creator and photographer

I'm Ranji! I am a food photographer, recipe creator, lover of Sri Lankan food which I want to share with you.

Most Popular

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How to make an authentic Sri Lankan devilled prawns

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