Ireland builds on its bloody past
June 2008
When the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 brought an end to the bloody conflict, which had ruled the streets of Belfast in Northern Ireland, the city faced a stark choice – to turn its back on the violent history which had shaped the city’s image since the war between the Catholics and Protestants erupted in the early 1970s, or acknowledge the atrocities of the past and look forward to the future with hope and vigour.
The people of Belfast chose the latter and today, the city is emerging from its torrid past in a rebirth worthy of the world’s attention – this time for all the right reasons.
Tourism Ireland regional director Asia- Australia-New Zealand, Jim Paul, said today’s Belfast is a blend of traditional architecture with a 21st century vision.
“It’s a classic case of old and new standing side by side,” he said.
“The urban redevelopment along the waterfront area of Laganside is sensational and gives the city a contemporary feel. Modern concert halls, restaurants and coffee shops look out over the water. Waterfront Hall is the centrepiece, boasting excellent concert venues.
“Belfast has become so popular with locals and visitors from Britain, Scotland and Wales, it can sometimes be difficult to get weekend accommodation.”
Home of the shipbuilders Harland and Wolff, the Titanic was constructed at the Belfast shipyards before her ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.
In 2012, the ghost of the Titanic will be commemorated with the shipyard undergoing a major redevelopment in readiness for the occasion.
“Another experience unique to Belfast is the Black Taxi Tours. These journeys take visitors to the scene of some of the bloodiest conflicts during the Northern Ireland battles,” he said.
“Visitors get to see the murals which depicted the struggles between the Catholics and the Protestants, with the tour operators well versed in the eerie history of certain streets, buildings and precincts.’’
Paul encouraged visitors to allow “at least 10 days” to explore Ireland.
“Even that’s not long enough, but 10 days will at least allow you to do justice to several areas and get to know these destinations reasonably well rather than trying to self-drive all of Ireland during a short break,” he said.
Getting there
Etihad operates a daily one-stop service from Sydney to Dublin, via its Abu Dhabi hub.
Access to Belfast can be arranged via ferry services from a range of British or Welsh ports. http://www.swanseacorkferries.com or http://www.irishferries.com
The airport is well serviced by a range of carriers, including daily flights with low-cost airlines Ryanair and Easyjet. http://www.ryanair.com or http://www.easyjet.com
For more information, visit http://www.gotobelfast.com