You may not know that the legendary- and doomed – vessel known as the RMS Titanic was actually built in Belfast…
In fact, every aspect of the ship’s production was overseen from the harbour region of this Irish city.
Today, remnants of the Titanic’s history and meaning remain visible in the Belfast area, and these reminders are well within reach of those who know where to look…
For example, a poignant black-and-white mural (shown above) featuring the ship and the phrase, “Nearer my God to thee” is prominently displayed on the side of a Dee Street building.
Belfast Honours Titanic History…
At the moment, a new interactive museum centered on Titanic lore and history is being constructed in Belfast, and it will open in April of 2012.
This ultra-modern Titanic Belfast building and its multiple exhibits are meant to honor the upcoming 100th anniversary of the ship’s tragic sinking…the Titanic went down on April 14, 1912…
Exhibits at this stunning new attraction will include “dark rides”, and nine separate galleries filled with information and artifacts related to the pre-planning, construction, launch and aftermath of the RMS Titanic; of course, information on its sinking will also be displayed.
The Titanic Beneath area of the building will house a fascinating study of the ship’s undersea wreckage. The museum’s Ocean Exploration Center will offer visitors a chance to learn more about the underwater world…
Belfast’s Titanic Quarter
Once known as Queen’s Island, Belfast Harbour is at the heart of the city’s Titanic Quarter, which is currently being rebuilt and gentrified to highlight the area’s unique charms and special historical significance.
Today, giant yellow gantry cranes (nicknamed “Samson & Goliath”) marked with the initials of Harland and Wolff shipbuilders (who built the Titanic in Belfast Harbour), are important landmarks in the Titanic Quarter…
There is no question that these important artifacts of Belfast’s shipping industry will remain in place throughout the region’s regeneration…
In the picture shown here, the Titanic (right) rests in Belfast Harbour, alongside its “sister’ ship, the Olympic…
About The Titanic
During a voyage from England to New York, the Titanic, a luxury sealiner with every possible onboard amenity, struck an iceberg and sank. This notorious vessel met its tragic fate on the night of April 14th, 1912 (and the early morning hours of April 15th, 1912)…
Built to rival another famed vessel, the Lusitania, which was also doomed to sink, the Titanic’s construction was made possible by the financial contribution of American tycoon J.P. Morgan. The ship was launched with great fanfare in 1911.
Upon the Titanic, guests could talk on telephones, get their hair cut and styled at a barber shop, and peruse literature in this ship’s own library. First-class passengers were welcome at the elegant Cafe Parisienne, where the best French cuisine was on offer.
A gym, swimming pool, games courts, and ballroom were also featured on-board.
In today’s dollars, a ticket on this vessel would run a cool $65,000 dollars (one way) – back in the day, passengers shelled out just under 900 pounds for the privilege of sailing on this world-class luxury liner.