A packed day of history, fish and chips, and football in Belfast

After their summer holiday in the USA, Graham McKenzie asked his 13-year-old grandson where he wanted to go for October half term, a Belfast day trip was his unexpected answer.

Titanic Belfast ©Tourism Ireland/ Chris Hill

At first, I was bit surprised but as I know Belfast well and love it I was more than happy to make the arrangements for a trip from Sussex. After all, it’s a city steeped in history, offering  a captivating blend of maritime heritage, political intrigue, and not least, footballing fervour. So, for a 13-year-old history enthusiast with a penchant for fish and chips, a Belfast day trip promised an unforgettable experience.

Titanic Belfast Experience ©Tourism Ireland/Richard Watson

Don’t miss the Titanic on your Belfast day trip

No Belfast day trip is complete without a visit to Titanic Belfast, and after a short taxi ride from Belfast International Airport we arrived  at this world-class visitor attraction.

Not only does it tell you the story of the Titanic, from her conception to her tragic end, it educates on the reasons the city became such a hot bed of industrial and maritime expansion linking cotton to shipping to ship building and beyond. Also, you can explore interactive exhibitions, climb aboard authentic recreations, and immerse oneself in the grandeur of the Titanic era when Belfast was at its most successful.

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Take a Belfast Taxi Tour for an inside look at the city’s past

However, Belfast’s history is marked by the tumultuous period known as “The Troubles” too. And while it’s a sensitive topic, understanding this era for both child and adult can provide valuable insights into the city’s transformation.

We took a Belfast taxi tour which quite frankly was like a well-informed academic session on the history of the city from the late 1960’s through to present day. The taxi driver was nothing short of brilliant and his expertise and knowledge  knew no bounds as we travelled  through the city’s divided neighbourhoods. We visited the famous Peace Wall and left, as many have done before, our mark.

My travel buddy was truly engaged throughout the three-hour tour to the extent that after the trip we bought supplementary research in the form of books: old fashioned I know, but they still work! And I have little doubt that experiences like these can only improve a younger generation’s empathy and understanding of the past.

The best fish and chips in Belfast (plus a few oysters)

After a morning of exploring history and culture we indulged in the classic British meal of fish and chips.

Fish City, in the centre of the town, is a renowned restaurant in Belfast, offering delicious, crispy fish and fluffy chips, amongst other seafood delights. I have to admit I supplemented my meal with a few oysters and a pint of the black stuff. The child was now re-energised and so was my grandson.

A private tour of Windsor Park is the perfect end to a Belfast day trip

The final part of our Belfast sojourn was a private tour of  Windsor Park home to the Northern Ireland National football team and Irish League football for over a century. A guided tour of the stadium can offer a glimpse into the history of football, including the legendary exploits of Belfast’s favourite son, George Best.

In addition to all of the above one really does have to make note of the people of Belfast: helpful, friendly and informative. That is not something that can be said of all British cities but of Belfast it is certainly true. We will be back!

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