As we remember the Titanic this year, discover its lost turn-of-the-century history at its home in Northern Ireland. Join Now
The Titanic Centre, Belfast
Tax Day is around the corner, but for we anglophiles, April 15 looms large for another reason: on this day in 1912, the Titanic sunk. While it’s marked in popular culture for Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and James Cameron, the Titanic represents for many the passing of the opulent Edwardian era into the trauma of global war. 1,500 people lost their lives as the “unsinkable” liner struck a north-Atlantic iceberg, taking along with it the decadent ballrooms, magnificent living quarters and ornate decorations and artwork throughout the ship. As wartime rations erased the luxury of ships like the Titanic, the date became more and more of a landmark in history.
The Titanic was the crown-jewel of Belfast’s Golden Age of Shipbuilding, a tradition that is fortunately celebrated today at the city’s Titanic Centre. Located right in the heart of Northern Ireland’s capital (and conveniently just minutes away from a Victorian pub, The Crown Bar, preserved by the National Trust), the Titanic Centre offers state-of-the-art storytelling. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the feel of both the Titanic and turn-of-the-20th-century Belfast, re-imagining these lost eras in vivid detail.
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
A visit to the Titanic Centre slides beautifully into a visit to all of the National Trust’s wonderful properties in Northern Ireland. In a week, the magnificent Mount Stewart reopens, emerging from a 3-year restoration process; a visit to the property in 2015 will feel true to its early 20th-century heyday. Other iconic spots include Castle Ward (filming location for Game of Thrones) and Giant’s Causeway.
Northern Ireland is home to an array of attractions, both natural wonders and historic homes, and this summer is the perfect chance to take in all it has to offer. As we remember the Titanic and the bygone era it embodied, we’re grateful to the National Trust and organizations like the Titanic Centre for ensuring that this wonderful period of history is not left behind.
Royal Oak members enjoy unlimited access to all National Trust properties, including the many treasures of Northern Ireland. We’ve designed a quick guide for visitors interested in seeing the highlights of Northern Ireland, packed into a single trip across the pond. Or, join one of our travel programs visiting Northern Ireland this year.
Join The Royal Oak Foundation today to take advantage of all Northern Ireland has to offer. Join Now
