Belfast

[Khandro]

I've never been there, but I've just been reading about it, and it seems strange that its 'main tourist attraction' is the Titanic Museum (the Titanic was of course built there). But does it not seem strange that Belfast takes such pride in having constructed one of the world's best known disasters ?

If that wasn't enough, the city's airport is named after the footballer George Best, whose brilliant early career was scuppered by another disastrous collision - that of alcohol.

I hasten to add, that I have met such nice people from that city.

Is it worth a visit?

[lankeela]

Given the level of interest of anything 'Titanic' I am not surprised.

[anneasquith]

I don’t think Belfast are proud of building the titanic, it’s a tourist attraction.
George Best had major addiction to alcohol, doesn’t mean we should not appreciate what a tremendous football player he was .

[Moorea7]

Khandro was asking if Belfast is worth a visit - there must be some members from that city who could answer the question properly?

[david small]

Best had two livers and destroyed them both. Titanic had design faults, and a perfect storm of arrogance, and incompetence.
Belfast has been a hot bed of disaffection and conflict for many years.
A beautiful place with lovely people, but I wouldn’t want to live there.

[barry1010]

It's over 40 years since I was in Belfast and I expect it is a very different place now.
Everywhere is worth a visit, Khandro. If you get fed up of the city there is lots of beautiful places to visit close by - mountains, seaside, smaller towns, historical buildings.

[Khandro]

Oddly, I posted that last night & this morning's Telegraph is running a feature on the town. I don't know if you can see this but there is a picture of a pub called The Duke of York.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/lazy-city-rachel-connolly-review/

[KUSTARD]

Funnily enough I am going to Belfast for the first time in three weeks on my own. I have a free day in the city (we are going to the Titanic exhibition on another day) so can you recommend anything I should see Barry? Thanks.

[Bobbisox1]

Yes it’s worth a visit , we went a few years ago and found it to be a vibrant city although still very divided by religious bigotry

[sandyRoe]

https://www.belfastpoliticaltour.com/

If you've a few hours to spare this might be worth doing. The guides are former 'players' so maybe take what they say with a pinch of salt.

[jennyjoan]

some new hotels are built - Grand Central Hotel, Europa - fabulous wee cafes, do try the Golden Mile - where the Europa is - Crown Bar - facing Europa Hotel.

Now I'm not sure but Europa Hotel have a jazz session on a Saturday (day) have a nosey. Fiddley music (trad music) here and there. Don' worry about the political divide it's not so bad now.

My very best friends (when I was working) were Protestants and I loved them all. In fact I was only 16 years of age when I met my first Proddie LOL.

[Bobbisox1]

Hi JJ , my friends married in the height of the troubles in the 60s one was Protestant the other a catholic, both , like yourself have some terrible things happen to them , they’ve moved several times to escape the bigotry

[vulcan42]

I don't think the city of Belfast takes a particular pride in building the Titanic museum, they realised there is a worldwide interest in all aspects of the ship and offered a facility to explain their role in its building. No different, in my opinion, to the many war museums scattered around the country and with nearly 4 million visitors a year, about a million less than the natural history museum in London receives, it is obviously popular.

[KUSTARD]

Thanks for your suggestions. Having done the Titanic exhibition on the previous day, Sandy, I don't fancy anything else depressing!!! Sorry Joan. I can't do your suggestion as I am there Monday to Friday.

[jennyjoan]

I typed something there and lost it.

Khandro - try the Golden Mile - lovely wee cafes - where the Europa Hotel is, beautiful hotel Grand Central Hotel, oh by the way there are tourist buses in High Street - they will take you all over Belfast - try and get that.

I can't remember but Europa Hotel have a jazz session on a Saturday (day) - if it's still going. Crown Bar facing Europa - maybe a wee bit of trad music - but you will get music from somewhere. Good luck and have a good time!

[jennyjoan]

Ach -you will get some music somewhere -

[jennyjoan]

have plenty of money - mind you LOL

[10ClarionSt]

HMS Glorious was built in Belfast. My uncle died on her when she was sunk in 1940. Just sayin'.

With regard to the Titanic, as the people of Belfast always say:

"She was alright when she left here"

[jennyjoan]

yes - my friend's two brothers were shot in the face coming from work. We will just have to leave it behind - btw their faces weren't too badly scarred but they were of course. One emigrated to Australia - the one is here too.

Also their house was taken over by IRA snipers for a week - 8 brothers and 3 sisters - and not one of them republican but there it goes.

The night I was shot - my brother was singing in a local and somebody went over to him and told him I was shot dead. He came over to RVH - you know what I said to him "Ah Jesus - don't tell that woman (my mother) - she'll kill me LOL

[Bobbisox1]

The IRA took over our friends business JJ

[Bobbisox1]

Haha,JJ you should be given best answer for your humour here xx