Belfast

This is the Ireland that is part of the United Kingdom and not always to everyone’s pleasure.  It is the Ireland where Titanic was built.  Susie Millar, our guide today, told us about her great grandfather, who died on the ship.  A widower, he was excited to move to Harland and Wolf’s U.S. operations.  It meant a pay raise and a new life for his two boys.  He left them in care of his sister and gave them a penny each to hold onto until they were reunited. 

Susie, in front of a poster, which explains her legacy

Susie holds the pennies, never returned by her father and uncle to their dad and will pass them on to her nephews.

The Two Pennies

The sinking of the Titanic took place April 15, 1912.   A memorial is nearing completion on the grounds where the ship was constructed.  The slips which once held Oceania and Titanic are long gone.  Remnants of a parking lot cover the land.  Eventually is will be landscaped.  Organizers hope the site is ready by late 2011 or early 2012.

Titanic lore made up most of our morning, but it was not our entire day.  We also visited the Botanical Gardens, Queens University, City Hall, a castle and West Belfast. 

Incidentally, Susie is producing a documentary about Titanic that will air on the independent television network in the UK.  She’s hoping to find an outlet in the U.S. as well.  If you are interested in reading more about the story of her great grandfather the book is titled:  The Two Pennies.