Day Trip to Belfast

Our day started at 7:45am as we waited on the train platform in Drogheda, enjoying the brisk morning air and warm morning sun. There is no place on earth where the sense of possibility is as apparent as a European train platform. By taking a few steps, you can board a locomotive that will carry you to somewhere totally new. And after the past two weeks of running errands (bank accounts to be opened, library cards to be had, apartment essentials to be purchased), we were ready for the possibilities that a day in Belfast offered.

view from the train, so green!

Sadly, for the most part Belfast did not live up to our (admittedly lofty) expectations. While we still had an amazing day, once again Irish cities fell short of impressing us. We are more convinced than ever that the true charm of Ireland lies in the breathtaking countryside, quaint towns and genuinely hospitable people. As with cities anywhere, local culture becomes diluted with global brands, cosmopolitanism and municipal bylaws…and boy, did the Belfastians love their rules!

We experienced culture shock travelling from the Republic into the North. In ROI, things are incredibly laid back - malls have no standard opening hours and people hesitate to rsvp for parties so they can change plans on a moment’s notice. Litter is also a major problem in ROI. In Belfast, however, “Litter Wardens” keep street trash in check, you need a permit to hand out flyers on the street and public parks close at 8:30pm. While these rules make good sense, we couldn't help but feel a sense of stifled possibility in the Belfast air. Were the rules designed to keep the situation in check or simply an innocent carryover from the British sense of propriety? We’re not sure.

Other than the beautiful view from the train, the highlight of our trip was the Titanic Museum, henceforth my favourite piece of modern architecture. At $28CAN per adult, Scott and I were too cheap to go inside the museum (quelle surprise), but the exterior was enough to impress anyway. It was built to commemorate Titantic’s 100th anniversary and its design is reminiscent of a ship's bow surrounded by crashing waves. 

eat your heart out, Royal Ontario Museum

can you spot MB?

ship under repairs in the dry dock near the museum

While we felt the museums’s prices were taking advantage of tourists, a nearby cafe more than made up for this. The Dock had no set prices for coffee or treats; instead it had an “honestly box” where customers could anonymously deposit whatever money they felt was a fair exchange for their java and nosh.

I've made it my mission to find the Deloitte office in every city we visit.
Belfast mission accomplished.