Tag: Northern Ireland
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Heart Stopper: Ireland’s Harrowing Rope Bridge
Would you dare walk across this single-file rope bridge in Northern Ireland?
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Experience the Majesty and Tragedy of the Titanic at Belfast, Northern Ireland’s Stunning Museum
Belfast’s Titanic Museum is an impressive tribute to the city’s shipbuilding legacy and the iconic ocean liner that was built there over a century ago. The museum is an essential destination for anyone interested in the history of the Titanic and the people of Belfast who built it.
Shipyard Window Wide View (Photo By Susan Geiger) 
Shipyard Window Close Up (Photo By Susan Geiger) As soon as visitors arrive at the museum, they are struck by the dramatic exterior architecture that resembles the hull of a ship. The entrance is flanked by two massive columns that look like the Titanic’s iconic smokestacks, and a glass atrium offers a tantalizing glimpse of what lies inside.
Once inside the museum, visitors are immediately transported back in time to the early 1900s, when Belfast was a bustling center of shipbuilding and the Titanic was the pride of the White Star Line. The museum is divided into nine galleries that span six levels, each with a different theme that tells the story of the Titanic’s construction, launch, and tragic sinking.
Titanic Museum Atrium (Photo By Steve Geiger) The first level of the museum is dedicated to the construction of the Titanic, and visitors can explore exhibits that detail the shipyard’s history and the workers who built the massive ocean liner. Visitors can also see a replica of the Titanic’s massive anchor and explore the workshops where the ship’s engines and other machinery were built.
As visitors move up through the museum, they learn about the design and engineering of the Titanic, including the ship’s state-of-the-art safety features, luxurious amenities, and intricate interior details. One of the most popular exhibits is a recreation of one of the ship’s cabins, complete with authentic furnishings and decor.
Shipyard Sign (Photo By Steve Geiger) The museum also includes exhibits that detail the Titanic’s maiden voyage, the passengers who sailed on the ship, and the tragic events of the ship’s sinking. Visitors can explore a replica of the ship’s grand staircase, see artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Titanic, and learn about the rescue efforts that followed the disaster.
One of the museum’s most innovative features is the Ocean Exploration Center, which includes interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore the depths of the ocean and learn about the technology used to locate and study shipwrecks like the Titanic. Visitors can touch a real iceberg, see footage of deep-sea exploration, and learn about the ongoing efforts to preserve the Titanic’s legacy.
Titanic Model (Photo By Susan Geiger) The layout of the museum is designed to be immersive and engaging, with multimedia displays, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities that bring the history of the Titanic to life. The museum’s innovative design and engaging exhibits make it a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history of the Titanic and the city of Belfast.
Titanic Exhibit (Photo By Steve Geiger) -
The Wonder In Exploring The Land Of Mythical GiantsÂ
Northern Ireland’s coastline is a treasure trove of scenic splendor. When I stepped on the vast trail known as the Giants Causeway nestled between the wild North Atlantic Ocean and enormous cliffs, I was dwarfed by the larger beauty around me. Giants Causeway is Northern Ireland’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Huge slender basalt stone columns, some 40,000 of them, rise from the shoreline, where they have stood since volcanic eruptions created them 60 million years ago.
Photos by Susan Geiger
The National Trust, Northern Ireland’s conservation charity, is the caretaker of Giants Causeway. Visitors have free access to the trails leading to the stone and rock formations. For a fee, you can join a tour with a professional guide from the Giants Causeway Visitors Center. At some point during your visit (or through your own research), you’ll hear several versions of a folk tale of two giants: Finn McCool of Ireland and his archenemy Benandonner of Scotland. McCool, according to one tale, was building the causeway as a bridge to Scotland to rescue his love who was held captive by Benadonner. However, McCool ultimately perished from exhaustion during a storm. Another tale has McCool building the causeway to scare-off Benadonner. Visit any Irish pub and you’ll likely hear various versions of this folk tale as the Guinness flows.
Hiking the Giants Causeway trails is a stimulating workout over gentle hills and into somewhat deep valleys. You may see a cow or two lazing in a sunny meadow along the way. The landscape also pops with spring and summer wildflowers. On clear days, you can see Scotland’s coastline. You’ll also come upon trail markers describing historical spots and geological wonders.
The incredible stepping stones on the Causeway are shaped like hexagons and extend from the shoreline directly into the water. You can venture out on them, but proceed with caution because they’re slippery when wet. I opted out and instead sat on a rock watching the youthful exuberance of kids and their parents walk and climb on the stone columns.
The drive along the Causeway Coastal Route is equally stunning. You’ll drive by the ruins of Dunluce Castle, which sits on a craggy cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The 16th century castle ruins are one of the most dramatic sights in Northern Ireland. Also nearby is Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, built in 1755 by salmon fishermen. The single file rope bridge looks harrowing as it’s suspended across a chasm with the Atlantic Ocean below. Visitors to the site can book a walk across the bridge, if they dare.
Dunluce Castle 
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge 
Carrick-A-Rede Chasm Just east of Giants Causeway is the charming little village of Portrush, known as the capital of the Causeway Coast. This seaside village has picturesque beaches, quaint surfside cafes and restaurants, shops, and a 90-year-old amusement park. The historic Royal Portrush Golf Course is also one of the most famous and challenging in the world.
Portrush The trip to Giants Causeway is a pleasant and scenic drive from where we stayed in Belfast. A perfect day trip that is most gratifying.
Press Play For A Giants Causeway Video Tour
