Northern Ireland Is Home To One Of The Best Titanic Exhibits In The World

It has to be one of the most tragic and memorable shipwrecks of our lifetime: The sinking of the Titanic. Manufactured in Belfast, Ireland, the most ambitious luxury cruise liner of the 20th century — and thought to be unsinkable — began its transatlantic journey across the North Atlantic Ocean departing from Southampton, England on April 10, 1912, setting sail for New York City. 2,240 passengers and crew were aboard the Titanic — as reported by the History Channel — when the unthinkable happened just a few days into its voyage, shortly before midnight on April 15.

The Titanic's course toward Newfoundland, Canada revealed a massive iceberg within its path, and the ship was much too close to avoid its impending disaster: The starboard side collided with the monstrous ice formation, instantly filling the watertight chambers at the bottom of the ship, sinking the Titanic in just under 3 hours, as recorded by Titanic Facts. This epic water disaster forever forged in history resulted in the deaths of over 1,500 passengers and crew members. Fast forward to the 21st century, and Northern Ireland, and its capital of Belfast, is home to one of the best Titanic exhibits in the world, paying tribute to its legacy from conception to destruction, and those affected by its tragic past.

When the world-renowned Belfast ship manufacturers, Harland and Wolff began building the RMS Titanic in 1909 in the capital of Northern Ireland — as recorded in the Library of Congress — their vision of one of the grandest, luxury steamships sailing across the open waters was enthusiastically welcomed by Northern Irelanders and the world. Three years after the Titanic's construction, its ill-fated disaster was felt deeply in the heart of Belfast, and across the globe, shaking people to their very core.

100 years later, the city of Belfast began construction on what can only be described as a world-leading attraction of historical proportions dedicated to the memory of the RMS Titanic, its passenger and crew members, and numerous, historical Maritime vessels. Thus, the Titanic Belfast exhibition and museum were born, opening its doors to the public in 2012: Its monumental, industrial design erected upon the very soil where the historical Titanic was proudly constructed.

Titanic Belfast offers visitors an eye-opening, and historically stimulating, self-guided tour via The Titanic Experience, and an impressive display of artifacts can be seen throughout the museum attraction. From the grand vessel's construction to a visual expedition revealing its shipwreck at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean near Newfoundland, Canada, participants learn the historical facts behind its legacy and discover firsthand why the Titanic's birth and demise are honored so deeply within Northern Ireland. Combine it with The Discovery Tour, facilitated outdoors, and you'll feel a deep, personal connection to the Titanic, its memory, and the city of Belfast.

Located a short, walking distance from the city's center, within the Titanic Quarter, the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction requires entry via its online booking system. Be sure to check their website also for opening times, holiday closures, and any refurbishments taking place. Northern Ireland's coastal scenery is a must-do when visiting, and Belfast is its starting point. While there, visiting the Titanic Belfast to learn about the epic life of its historical symbol, comes highly recommended.