Belfast
We did a Red Bus tour today with an excellent commentary.
First we passed near the docks, home of the huge gantry cranes, Samson and Goliath, with a height of 96m. These are owned by the shipbuilders, Harland and Wolff, who built the Titanic. The company have gone into administration this week after nearly 150 years. There is also a memorial to the yardsmen who assembled the Titanic on Lower Newtownards Road.
In East Belfast is the Stormont Estate which is the home of the Northern Ireland Assembly, which has been in suspension since July 2019, due to policy disagreements in 2017. Northern Ireland is presently governed by civil servants.
East Belfast is also significant for being the home of the footballer, George Best, singer/songwriter, Van Morrison, who dedicated songs to his hometown, and author, CS Lewis, who also went to Campbell College nearby. There are several memorials to Lewis and his Narnia books in small parks in the area.
The impressive City Hall
One of the many sculptures in the grounds
Queens University
Liam Neeson, amongst its illustrious alumni
St George’s Market open Fri-Sat with craft and produce stalls
The bus went through the Falls and Shankill Roads in West Belfast,where much of the sectarian conflict was based. More of that tomorrow as we are going on a specialised cab tour to explain the history of the conflict.
Sung evensong at St Anne’s Anglican Cathedral
We were determined to find some live Irish music. Close by the Cathedral was John Hewitt Pub with some musicians jamming.
Pedalling hen’s night group, singing to ABBA songs.
Dinner at a lively pub/ restaurant, Granny Annie’s with a band playing popular (crowd-pleasing) music.
Very informative, fun day!
M&M
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