Today, we journey north to Belfast, with a significant stop in County Down to pay homage to Ireland's most iconic patron, St Patrick. Originally hailing from Wales, St Patrick was a teenager when he was captured and brought to Ireland as a slave. Known as the 'Apostle of Ireland', he is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and is a central figure in Irish heritage. Our journey includes a brief stop at the site reputed to be St Patrick's final resting place. Here, alongside the remains of two other revered saints, St Brigid and St Columba, we pause to reflect on their enduring legacies. This sacred site not only honors the memory of St Patrick, but also celebrates the profound spiritual heritage that he, along with St Brigid and St Columba, bestowed upon Ireland. It is fair to say Belfast has had its share of turbulent times. Famines, disease, invasions, and recessions paint a picture of a tough town, but it is in the city's more recent times, known aptly as 'The Troubles', which tarred it with the brush of division. Images of barbed wire, armed soldiers, and constant searches for bombs kept tourists away. Today, thanks to open political dialogue and foreign investment, Belfast has a new air about it. It appears lighter somehow, 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; 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 take a peek at Belfast's 'quarters' before we board the Douglas Mawson. Once onboard, we meet our team and crew and enjoy a Welcome Dinner as we set sail west along Northern Ireland's rugged coastline. Meal: Breakfast, Dinner onboard ...
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