It is fair to say Belfast has endured its share of turbulent times. Famines, disease, invasions, and recessions have painted a picture of a resilient city, but it was the more recent period known as 'The Troubles' that defined its image of division. Barbed wire, armed soldiers, and constant bomb searches kept tourists away. Today, however, Belfast has transformed, thanks to open political dialogue and foreign investment. The city feels lighter, as if a heavy burden has been lifted from its shoulders. Our day in Belfast is filled with stories of the workers who toiled for 14 hours a day to build the world's most glamorous ship, the Titanic, the employment it created, and the race to finish her. Had they taken their time, would things have been different for the Titanic? Located on the site where the ship was built, the dockyard's Titanic Experience may answer a few of our questions. From the dockyards, our tour skips ahead to the days of 'The Troubles' as we are guided through Unionist and Nationalist neighborhoods. The occasional security gate is a reminder that the island is still contested, but nowadays the city is split into seven virtual quarters, or cultural zones like Cathedral Quarter, Titanic Quarter, the Gaeltacht Quarter, Smithfield Market and Library Quarter, Linen Quarter, Market Quarter, and Queen's Quarter, rather than walled ones. We peek at Belfast's 'quarters' before turning south and returning to Dublin for our final night in Ireland's capital. Our evening is a farewell to our fellow explorers and a celebration of all things Irish as we kick up our heels at an authentic traditional Irish dancing show, accompanied by a few 'jars' and a delicious Irish Farewell dinner. Accommodation: Dublin Hotel ...
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