Titanic Belfast

Akinwalere Olaleye
Nov 28, 2022 By Akinwalere Olaleye
Originally Published on Oct 06, 2021
A panoramic view of the iconic Titanic Belfast building.

  • Awarded the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction of 2016, the Titanic Belfast opened in 2012 at a cost of £77 million.
  • Delve into nine interactive galleries at the Titanic Experience and experience incredible special effects, full-scale reconstructions and the brilliant Shipyard Ride.
  • Walk the decks of one of the RMS Titanic’s service boats, the SS Nomadic.
  • Gaze at some of the original Titanic artefacts, including a rare promotional brochure, Lord Pirrie’s 18ct. gold pocket watch and the last lunch menu.

One of the largest and most spectacular Titanic museums in the world, the Titanic Belfast is situated over six floors at Belfast’s Titanic Quarter in Northern Ireland, the very place that the iconic luxury steamship was designed, built and launched in 1911.

Since the attraction opened in 2012, the Titanic Belfast has had over five million visitors from over 145 countries.

Owned by the charity, the Titanic Foundation, the iconic design of the building was created by CivicArts with Todd Architects. The huge structure covers 14,000 square metres and contains nine galleries of interactive exhibitions, including an underwater exploration theatre.

Journey back in time and experience the Titanic launch at 12.13pm on 31 May, 1911. Experience the excitement of launch day and encounter all the sights, sounds and smells of the shipyard on the attraction’s Shipyard Ride. The special effects and animations recreate the environment of shipbuilding in the 1900s perfectly.

Meet Frederick Dent Ray, one of the Titanic’s survivors, who worked in the dining room, through special effects and computer-generated imagery. Immerse yourself in the story of the Titanic and discover the history of the largest and most luxurious ship in the world through stories of passengers and crew who were on board.

You can even explore the ship’s opulent interior and see replicas of the ship’s cabins, dining areas and engine rooms through HD footage of the original architecture.

Little history buffs can enjoy exploring some of the original artefacts from the Titanic, including the original 19th-century Harland & Wolff gates, a promotional brochure, a letter from the ship’s surgeon Dr John Simpson to his mother, launch day tickets and Lord Pirrie’s watch.

After you have spent time at the Titanic exhibition centre, go on board the SS Nomadic, the original service boat to the RMS Titanic and the world’s last White Star ship in existence, which is berthed next to the Titanic Belfast in the historic Hamilton Dry Dock.

Uncover over 100 years of history of this incredible vessel, which has been restored back to its 1911 glory.

The Belfast Titanic museum is a must-see for any visit to Belfast and Northern Ireland!

A short walk from the Titanic Belfast, take a stroll through the beautiful walkway of Belfast Harbour Marina whilst watching all the boats and other water events. Nearby Ulster Museum has a great collection of art, natural sciences and history.

Located in the Botanical Gardens in Belfast city centre, it’s well worth a visit. Belfast Zoo, CS Lewis Square and the HMS Caroline are also firm family favourites.

What to know before you go

  • The Titanic Belfast is open between 8.30am and 6.30pm in the summer, with shorter hours during the winter. It is closed on 24 - 26 December.
  • Admission ends one hour and 30 minutes prior to closing time.
  • There is an ATM cash machine and locker facilities located on level -1 of the Titanic Belfast.
  • If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, the Pantry located on the ground floor of the Titanic Belfast serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a good children’s menu. Or enjoy some luxury in the Titanic Suite by the Grand Staircase and enjoy a special afternoon tea. There is even a special kids’ afternoon tea menu for children aged 2 - 11.
  • Looking to buy some souvenirs? There is an on-site gift shop, where you can buy clothes, vintage posters, memorabilia, local arts and crafts and other specialties from Northern Ireland.
  • There are multimedia guides available from the visitor services desk, available in eight languages as well as British Sign Language.
  • The galleries and spaces at Titanic Belfast are fully accessible. The Shipyard Ride has some weight and dimensional restrictions, which means some wheelchairs are not able to be accommodated.
  • There are accessible toilets and baby changing-facilities throughout the Titanic Belfast.
  • You can take your buggy anywhere in the attraction, except for the Shipyard Ride. Babes in arms are not permitted on the ride either.
  • A visit to the Titanic Belfast can one and a half to two and a half hours. Expect to spend the next 45 minutes or so on the SS Nomadic.

Getting there

  • The Titanic Belfast is located in the centre of the Titanic Quarter in Belfast, about a 25-minute walk from the city centre.
  • The nearest station is Titanic Quarter station. Translink runs regular trains from Belfast city centre to the Titanic Quarter and the Titanic Belfast is approximately a 15-minute walk away.
  • Bus routes 26, 26A, 26B or 26C operate from the Belfast Welcome Centre in the city centre to the Titanic Belfast.
  • George Best Belfast City Airport is just under a 10-minute drive from the venue. The Airport Express buses 600, 600A and 600B stop at Belfast City Centre and the Titanic Belfast.
  • If you are approaching Belfast from the M1 or M2, follow signs to Belfast City Airport M3 and take the first exit for the Titanic Quarter. There is an on-site underground car park available, charged at £2 for the first hour and £1 for each hour thereafter. 
     

Belfast United Kingdom Northern Ireland City of Belfast

Get directions
We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Akinwalere Olaleye

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Akinwalere Olaleye picture

Akinwalere OlaleyeBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

As a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic individual, Olaleye's expertise lies in administrative and management operations. With extensive knowledge as an Editor and Communications Analyst, Olaleye excels in editing, writing, and media relations. Her commitment to upholding professional ethics and driving organizational growth sets her apart. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Benin, Edo State. 

Read full bio >