Unforgettable Belfast

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]ver thought of exploring Northern Ireland? Why not start by visiting the capital itself, Béal Feirste, or as we know it: Belfast! A must-see is the Giant´s Causeway which is found on the Northern Coast in

Photo: Ty/ Flickr

the county of Antrim. It is not a typical coastal area, as there are approximately 40, 000 basalt columns emerging from the sea. In 1986, UNESCO declared it a National Heritage Site. Although the basalt columns stem from volcanic activity, the Irish like to tell a different story; the story of the giant Finn McCool (Irish: Fionn mac Cumhaill). He led a happy life with his wife Oonagh in the county of Antrim, yet found himself taunted by his rival on the Scottish coast, another Giant named Benandonner. As Finn wished for a proper fight, he decided to build a causeway of gigantic stepping stones in order to cross the sea and thus be able to reach the Scottish coast. At the sight of his rival, who appeared to be a lot bigger than Finn, he ran back home in terror. Oonagh disguised him as a baby to protect him from Benandonner´s bellicosity. As it happens, the giant arrived, attempting to challenge Finn but instead he encountered the supposed baby. Considering the baby´s size, he figured that the father must be enormous and fled back to Scotland destroying the causeway so that he could not be followed. In fact, similar columns to those in Antrim can be found on the Scottish island, Staffa.

This tour can be booked in addition to a visit to Carrick-a-Rede and its famous Rope Bridge. The bridge measures 65 feet and is almost 100 feet above sea level. It connects the mainland with the small island Carrick-a-Rede (Irish: Carraig a´ Ráid meaning “rock of the casting”). Cross it if you dare, but keep in mind that a fee of £5 will be incurred for this small adventure! The bus drivers will make sure that tourists get their money´s worth and will provide you with the necessary background information for the tour that you have booked. Now, Game of Thrones supporters will be delighted to hear that the HBO series is filmed in Belfast and Northern Ireland. Various tours are being offered, by bus or taxi which bring you to shooting locations. Some of the destinations include: Winterfell, Robb’s Camp in the Riverlands, one of Walder Frey’s Twins, and Castle Black.

Game of Thrones supporters will be delighted to hear that the HBO series is filmed in Belfast

In the city of Belfast itself there are a lot of sights worth seeing; for example the Titanic Museum, which tells the story of the Titanic from its conception, and its maiden voyage to its end on six different floors.
For Belfast’s history, especially the Troubles in 1969, the city offers a black taxi tour. People who witnessed the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants, who saw or have been affected by the riots, take you on a journey back in time. The driver will tell you stories about the city´s past and stop the taxi at specific and historically important locations. It is quite a political mural tour and makes one realise that the troubles still have an influence on the city´s present political situation. The aftermath of the Troubles is also visible in the infrastructure, for example in the fact that in some parts of Belfast, the city is divided by a so-called peace line which separates Catholic quarters from Protestant quarters. On some parts along the peace line, access to the areas is restricted by gates which are open only during daytime.

If you are looking for the perfect place to stay and not spend too much money, Vagabonds is a backpacker-friendly hostel, with a 10 minute walk to the city centre. The room rates are fair and include breakfast with free coffee, tea and milk all day long! The staff members are always up for some fun nights out and enjoy a decent game of pool once in a while. Don´t miss out on the various pubs which are to be found all over the city. In the style of Taylor Swift, you can just “Shake it off” to some great Irish live music. Additionally, you will experience the kindness, happiness and uniqueness of the Irish!