Belfast, Ireland

 Belfast is the largest city and the capital of Northern Ireland.  It has seen its share of conflict over the years, but the Troubles of the 1980s and 1990s are well over and the city is very safe.  The city is served by two airports, George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport.

There are a multitude of interesting things to do in see and we will cover just a few in this post.

       

           

  Belfast has a rich history as a seaport as well as serving the modern-day cruise ships.  The port was home to the Harland and Wolff shipyard where the Titanic and other White Star ships such as the Olympia and Britannic were built and launched.  The site of the old shipyard has been designated the Titanic Quarter and houses several points of interest including the Titanic Belfast Museum.  Visitors can view elements from the iconic ship and is multi-sensory way, propelling them back in time.

                       

Another museum to check out is the Ulster Museum which houses an amazing array of exhibits from dinosaurs and jewelry from a wrecked Spanish Galleon to paintings and Egyptian mummies, spanning history from Neolithic times to the Troubles in recent years.                           

To admire some natural beauty, take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens.  A must see there is the Palm House, the large curved glass house which anchors the gardens and is home to some ancient and otherwise beautiful plants.  Also take in the Tropical Ravine featuring an indoor sunken garden and  birds of paradise among other tropical plants. 

                     

For those of you who like a darker edge to your history, you might find a visit to the Crumlin Road Gaol (gaol meaning jail in English).  For over 150 years until about 1996, this building has imprisoned murders, suffragettes and even terrorists from both sides of the Troubles.  When you tour, you will even pass through the tunnel linking the jail to the courthouse on the other side of the street. 

              

You might find yourself a bit thirsty and in the mood for a pint at some point.  Head over to the Crown Liquor Saloon for a nice beverage and a feast for the eyes.  The Victorian gin palace dates back to the 1880s and features a clash of styles such as detailed wood carvings on the ceiling and six booths as well as Hindu-style plasterwork in the columns by the bar.  

             

   Still very much in use today, join the crowd and raise a glass to your time in Belfast!

       Special Needs Group is pleased to service you by providing hotel pick-up and delivery at the start and/or close of your vacation for mobility scooters / equipment, oxygen needs, and special needs equipment.  For more information, please call 1-800-513-4515.

___

 

Special Needs Group (SNG) is the leading global provider of mobility, oxygen, and other special needs equipment rentals for travelers.  SNG is dedicated to serving the mobility challenged, mature, and special needs market segments.  Recommended by the major cruise lines for superior service and value, we also deliver to hotels, and resorts.  SNG is dedicated to fulfiling the requirements for persons who want to travel, but may require special needs equipment.  We make travel easy, comfortable, and convenient.  Our trained agents provided service last year worldwide to 215 metropolitan areas in 68 countries.