Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic experience: charting the history of the famous ill-fated ship from conception and construction right the way through to her watery grave.

History of Titanic Belfast

The Titanic was famously built in Belfast at the Harland & Woolf shipyard between 1908-12, before embarking on its ill-fated maiden voyage in April 1912, when it sank, killing over 1500 passengers. The dockyard area was renamed the Titanic Quarter in the early 21st century, and underwent a major regeneration project between 2008 and 2012.

The new museum was designed by Eric Kuhne & Associates in order to look reflect Belfast’s industrial and ship-building heritage. The idea was to create a building which would be an attraction in itself.

The museum tells the story of the RMS Titanic, and her sister ships the Olympic and Britannic, charting their conception, design and construction, all the way through to how it would have appeared to passengers on the Titanic’s first voyage. The museum also covers the trial and inquest that happened following its sinking, the aftermath and changes that occurred as a result of the tragedy and the deep sea dives which uncovered the Titanic’s wreck.

There is also an extremely interesting section on the social and cultural history of Belfast, examining the role ship-building played in the city’s economy and psyche.

Titanic Belfast today

Titanic Belfast is one of Belfast’s most popular tourist attractions and for good reason: it’s snazzy, modern and a great day out for the whole family. It’s not cheap at £18.5o per adult, but it’s very worthwhile. Open year round, with seasonal variations (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays in off season): allow at least half a day to explore, if not a full day if you want to visit the SS Nomadic, which is included in the ticket price.

Kids will love the high-tech ride, which takes you through the sights and smells of early 20th century Belfast: adults can avoid it without too much trouble. Look out for the views and photographs of the giant slipways: almost unimaginably giant to today’s mind.

Getting to Titanic Belfast

The museum is located in – surprise surprise – the Titanic Quarter in Belfast, off Queens Road. Titanic Quarter station (connections to Belfast Lanyon Road, Newry or Bangor) is about a 15 minute walk away, or bus 94 stops outside on Queens Road.