On Day 7, we began our journey in Belfast, boarding our tour bus around 9 AM after enjoying breakfast. Our first destination was Dunluce Castle. Although we couldn’t get too close, we managed to capture a few photos of the stunning ruins. Dunluce Castle, located in Northern Ireland, served as the filming location for Pyke Castle, the ancestral home of House Greyjoy, in HBO’s Game of Thrones. The show’s producers utilized the castle’s exterior, supplementing it with computer-generated imagery (CGI) to further enhance its appearance and integrate it into the series’ fictional world.
Situated along the Causeway Coastal Route in County Antrim, Dunluce Castle was constructed in the 13th century and later expanded by the MacDonnell clan. Throughout its history, the castle has endured sieges, shipwrecks, and even the loss of part of its kitchen to the sea during a storm.
We made several brief stops along the coast before arriving at the Giant’s Causeway. This remarkable location is one of those places that seems unreal until you’re standing on it. Approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns rise from the sea, resembling a colossal giant’s stepping stones—according to legend, that’s precisely what they are. The tale recounts that the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill constructed the causeway to challenge a Scottish giant across the water.
In reality, this geological marvel was created by volcanic activity over 50 million years ago. Some stones are smooth and flat, making them ideal for hopping across, while others are worn and uneven, serving as a reminder that nature does not adhere to human designs. The sound of waves crashing nearby, combined with the wind sweeping in from the ocean, enhances the area’s wild beauty. Initially, I hesitated to walk on the stones and rocks, but Tommy convinced me and offered his support, helping me navigate across them.
We then continued to a brief stop before heading back to Belfast. There, we took a bus tour of the city and paused to observe the wall that divides the Catholic and Protestant communities. Known as “peace walls,” these structures were originally erected during the Troubles to separate nationalist (Catholic) and unionist (Protestant) neighborhoods. Although they were intended to be temporary, these walls have become permanent fixtures, with over 60 currently in place, stretching for 21 miles. While their purpose is to uphold peace, they also serve as a poignant reminder of the city’s lasting divisions.
Belfast’s narrative is one of remarkable transformation. Initially a small settlement by the River Lagan, it experienced rapid growth during the Industrial Revolution, establishing itself as a leader in shipbuilding, linen production, and engineering. The city is particularly renowned as the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, which was constructed at the Harland & Wolff shipyard.
However, Belfast’s history is also overshadowed by conflict. In the late 20th century, it became the epicenter of The Troubles—a time characterized by intense political and sectarian violence. Since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, Belfast has dedicated itself to healing and reinventing its identity.
After our tour, we visited the Titanic Belfast Museum, which is situated on the very site where the RMS Titanic was constructed. The striking, ship-shaped building immediately draws you into the narrative. Inside, nine interactive galleries take you through Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage, the creation of the Titanic, and the subsequent tragedy. You can walk through replica cabins, view original artifacts, and even stand over the slipways where the ship first entered the water. We also enjoyed a brief ride that detailed the ship’s construction process.
The RMS Titanic was the largest and most opulent ship of its era, famously declared “unsinkable” when it embarked from Southampton on April 10, 1912. En route to New York, the vessel carried over 2,200 passengers and crew members. Tragically, just four days into the voyage, disaster struck as it collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic. In the early hours of April 15, the Titanic sank, claiming the lives of more than 1,500 individuals. This catastrophe stunned the world and prompted significant reforms in maritime safety regulations.
After visiting the Titanic exhibit, we stopped by the gift shop to purchase a few items before returning to the bus that would take us back to the ship. I had no idea how close we were to our vessel. Once we disembarked the bus, we took a moment to visit a small gift shop before boarding the ship. Tommy, Kel, and I all decided to buy a hat, and I must say, it’s adorable! It’s green, which happens to be my favorite color.
After storing our purchases in our room, we headed down to join our friends for dinner. Since we had skipped lunch, we were all quite hungry. Instead of having dessert at the Dining Room, we opted to treat ourselves to some gelato afterward. I enjoyed a strawberry sundae.
Now, I’m thinking of heading to bed, as tomorrow is a sea day, which means I can enjoy a little extra sleep!
