Belfast - We Are Sailing!

Sponsored by:

Our feet hardly stayed on dry land on Saturday! ;)

But before we set off for out day on the high seas (sort of) we made sure we had a hearty breakfast at the hotel. A much anticipated Ulster Fry was just what was needed. The differences noted in the Ulster Fry compared to an English Fry was the absence of baked beans and the addition of soda bread and potato bread.






We were to be at the Quay for 11am to go on a Titantic Boat Tour. We found our way there easily enough and were greeted by Derek and Alan. It turns out we were to be the only people on the boat and the trip had been laid on especially for us - VIP treatment!

From the Titanic Boat Tour website:

The tours we offer aim to provide a totally different perspective of Belfast from the river, harbour area and the lough to tourists, local residents, and school and community groups. Commentary focuses on the constantly changing mixture of heritage and modern developments on the river, history of the area, conservation issues and the impact of new development on the river environment. The tours also provide a welcome and relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of city life

As Alan steered the boat around the harbour, Derek told us tales of the docks old and new and was very informative. His great sense of humour kept us entertained as well and it was a very relaxing jaunt on the water.

Alan kindly invited us to visit him in the evening. He lives on a barge on the River Lagan (the only person to actually live on the river), so we took him up on his invitation and said we would see him later on.

We said goodbye to our new friends and made our way to the other side of the river to join the Titantic Walking Tour hosted by Colin Cobb. The heat of earlier in the morning had been replaced by heavy rain, but luckily Derek had lent me an umbrella to take with me on the walk (thank you Derek!).

Our tour guide, Colin

The Titanic Walking Tour includes:

Odyssey Centre
Abercorn Basin
Hamilton Dock
Queens Island
Titanic Quarter
Engine Works
Titanic Drawing Offices
Titanic Slipway
HMS Caroline
Alexandra Dock
Science Park
Thompson Dock & Pump House
Includes full pump house tour and audio visual presentation

The tour lasts for 2 hours and covers approx 1.5miles and includes a 30 minute tea break at a cafe. You will also have to walk the 1.5miles back to the start again when the tour is over, so bear that in mind. I believe there is a bus service during the week, but not at the weekends. It's a fairly quick paced walk, so be sure you don't fall behind (like we did!) and wear some comfortable shoes too.

We learnt a lot about the docks and it's workers; facts, figures and dates andthe hardships the men suffered when working there; the early starts, the low wages, and even the timed toilet breaks!

It was great to get an idea of the size and scale of the Titanic. It was VERY BIG! ;)

Life sized figures in the Titanics dock.

As part of the redevelopment plans for the area (lots of flats, offices and shops) it appears from plans that this huge historic hole is going to be covered over. I haven't got any ideas about what else could be done with the hole, but it seems a shame to fill it in really.

What you won't know about the Titanic after this tour and the Titanic Boat Tour won't be worth knowing! We all know of the Titantic's tragic end, but as they like to say in Belfast, "She was alright when she left here!"

With both Titanic tours over myself and Nicky took a couple of hours to chill out. Nicky took a little nap and I caught up on tweeting - more about that in my next post!

Rested and refreshed we were ready to get going again. Before heading out for the evening we had a little drink at the hotel bar and met this motley crew! They were over from Sunderland and surprise, surprise out on a stag night.

It seems Belfast is getting quite a popular place for stag and hen nights, though I am not too sure how happy the Belfast people are about this!

The naughty school boys bought me and Nicky a drink. I had to go for one of my favourite tipples....! MMmmmm!

Earlier in the day we had walked past McHugh's pub which is the oldest building in Belfast city. I quite fancied going there for dinner and a few drinks in the evening.

McHugh's website says:

McHughs is within a grade A listed building, built between 1710 and 1720, making it officially the oldest building in the city of Belfast, enjoying a long history and a sometimes colourful reputation. Built in the thriving dock area of Belfast under the gaze of the Albert Clock, McHughs has been restored as an integral piece of Belfast's past for Belfast's future.The new McHughs is a combination of the old McHughs building and it's end of terrace neighbour Du-Barry's . The latter establishment was a favourite of North American service men during the Second World War when it was a regular haunt for women of dubious reputation.The sympathetic restoration and refurbishment of McHughs is a classic example of a building, preserved as a functional landmark of Belfast's heritage, which can be enjoyed for many years to come.

The dining area is upstairs and is beautifully furnished. We were greeted by a friendly and happy waiter who took great care of us for the rest of the evening.

Feeling adventurous we decided upon the Black Rock Grill Tuna Steaks:

New to Northern Ireland, our Black Rock Grills allow you to cook your own steak at your table on 430˚c volcanic rock. The volcanic rock intensifies the flavour and provides the most amazing aromas whilst offering a healthier option as no oil or fat is used. Our chefs simply begin the cooking process leaving you to finish your steak at your table exactly to your liking.

It's a novel way of serving steaks, the rock is RED HOT and I quite liked the danger element of scorching heat that was introduced into our dining experience!

Through twitter I 'met' fellow photographer and blogger Phil O'Kane who lives in Belfast. We arranged to meet up at McHugh's and then all headed off to see Alan on his barge, M.V Confiance.

Alan put the draw bridge down and we boarded the barge to a friendly welcome.

The living area is small but perfect. Two bedrooms, kitchen, living room, shower room and separate toilet, with the same repeated at the other end of the barge.

Alan took us on a tour of the bulkhead and told us of his exciting plans for it!

The Lagan Legacy has big plans. Alan and Derek and a team of other people are going to bring the barge to life and support local arts and culture. They have secured lottery funding and this is going to help enormously in giving the Belfast community and visitors a unique River Lagan experience.

Belfast Port is the only port not to have a maritime museum. The Confiance will host that. The museum will document the story of Harland and Wolff and the boats of the River Lagan including the Titanic.

A member of the Lagan Legacy is in the process of interviewing the old ship yard workers. They are getting few and far between and they have played an important part in the history of Belfast. It's vital to record their accounts of life in the Belfast dockyards.

There is also going to be a stage for gigs and theatre and there will also be a cinema. The Confiance will support local talent and offer a base and support for young people of the community.

I am truly inspired by the plans Alan and Derek and their co-worker have. They are playing a vital part in the city and really deserve lots of support. Amazing stuff.

After our visit to the bulk head we retired to the living quarters and enjoyed a few wee drinks!

Alan was the perfect host and made us feel so at home. It was a beautiful night, the water on the river was still and I took a few minutes to sit outside on the deck to enjoy the quietness of the city.

View from the barge

It was a wonderful evening. We all swapped stories, enjoyed great music and even broke open a bottle of 45% Russian whisky!

Alan is very knowledgeable about his city and you can just tell how proud he is of it. He is a great person to have behind the Lagan Legacy and I know all their plans will be a huge success and a great boost to the city. Keep an eye out for it!