Belfast and Strangford Lough

From the Causeway Coast we travelled to the southern end of Strangford Lough, which is SE of Belfast. Driving through Belfast, we noticed lots of murals on the side of houses, some depicting the history of this Unionist area. We learnt some original murals from The Troubles have been painted over as they were said to be glorifying events. 

We thought we may as well pop by and see Dark Hedges - basically an avenue of beech trees, planted to give an impressive entrance to a mansion house in around 1775. The trees have no leaves at the moment, maybe the scene is more impressive when they do!

This is the mansion that Dark Hedges lead to

The Titanic Museum is an impressive building - it is designed with the shape of ships' bows, the White Star symbol (who owned the Titanic) and water in mind. It is sited right where she was launched, and just next to where she was designed and constructed. Inside, you go on a "journey" - starting before the build and ending emotionally with underwater images and violin music, with an enormous wall of remembrance. 

This is the SS Nomadic - she was built by the White Star as a
tender for the Titanic and the Olympic. She is very interesting
to see as is the last White Star Vessel in existence.

Samson and Goliath - these famous cranes are an iconic landmark
in the Belfast docks area. Harland and Wolff built the Titanic. 

Unwittingly we seem to be following a Game of Thrones trail! Dee found herself in an old quarry on the Causeway Coast where scenes were filmed and same at Dark Hedges. We stumbled across this place at Castle Ward estate where our campsite was located. Apparently they filmed 'Winter Fell' here and the guide here told us that the outfit next to me (Dee) is something to do with "Ned"...??

Castle Ward house (built in the 1760s) is unique because half of the house is in a classical Italian style and the other half is gothic. Literally split down the middle! It is not certain why but is guessed the family wanted to look trendy (the Italian side) and show they had a long history (the gothic side). 

Sunny spot for a cuppa in Strangford, which is a lovely little town on the lough. The ferry across to Portaferry was on strike so there was much less traffic as there was usually on a sunny weekend. We are eating scones here - again! Scones are lovely in Ireland - too lovely! The weather has been amazing in Northern Ireland - we have only had a single rainy day and the rest has been lovely and sunny!