Bicester

U3A Ireland Holiday

Monday, 26-Sep-22
We waited to be picked up at a Manorsfield Road bus stop at 7.30 am. The coach was late but fortunately, the rain had stopped. After a delay, we boarded and were on our way to Holyhead to catch the ferry to Dun Laighore. The sea crossing was smooth and the time passed quickly. The final stage of our journey to Belfast seemed long and we reached the Ramada Hotel at about 9.00 pm. My request for a “quiet room” had been heeded. Some others were not so fortunate and were kept awake by carousing in the street outside. It was “freshers’ week” and the students were enjoying their first week of university life in a time-honoured fashion.

Tuesday
The day began with a guided tour of the city, led by an excellent guide who also happened to be a member of a local U3A. We stopped for photo opportunities at Stormont, the City Chambers and Queen’s University.

On our way to Crumlin Road Gaol, we passed through segregated areas of the city with a wealth of wall paintings showing the affiliations, both Republican and Loyalist.

The gaol is the last remaining Victorian prison in Northern Ireland and is now an award-winning tourist attraction.

As we explored, we learned of stories of executions, of conditions and gruesome events within the prison.

In the afternoon, we visited the Titanic Exhibition. There are nine interpretive and interactive galleries covering themes of the building of the ship, its fitting out, launch and sinking. The visit also included a mini-car ride around a replica of the Titanic’s rudder accompanied with sound effects and simulations of work in progress. Outside, we could see the slip ways and docks as they appear now contrasting with previous noise and bustle.. One visit is not enough to absorb all the information and detail contained in the exhibition.

Wednesday’s visit was to the Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage site. As we walked down to the feature, we could see the strange landscape of basalt rock columns, the result of volcanic activity 50 to 60 million years ago. As the lava cooled, the rock fractured into pillar like structures with horizontal cracks similar to made when mud is drying. The site consists of about 40 thousand columns and is home to sea birds and rare plants. Most visitors don’t venture too far. It was a spectacular experience. It is easy to see why it featured in “A Game of Thrones.” Walking over the basalt was like treading on large, uneven paving stones. Our stay was short but I still could appreciate the formations and the beauty of the landscape.

Thursday was a free day. The weather was perfect for exploring the attractions of Belfast.

The hotel was ideally placed within walking distance of the City Hall and the Linen Hall Library. We stopped briefly in the library to look at posters and to admire the building.

Nearby is an excellent information centre where we bought bus tickets for the short bus ride to the Ulster Museum and the Botanic Gardens. The museum is housed in a modern, light-filled building. The exhibits were well displayed and carefully arranged so that they were more easily appreciated. I enjoyed the art and the geology exhibitions. There was so much to see that it would need several visits to explore it thoroughly.
We caught the bus from outside Queen’s University to the City Hall which was completed in 1906 after Belfast was awarded City status by Queen Victoria. It is an imposing building of Portland stone. The intention of the City leaders was to create a building which reflected the success of the thriving linen, rope-making, shipbuilding and engineering industries. They certainly succeeded.

We admired the entrance hall with its grand staircase, the stained glass windows and the marble pillars. It was obvious that no expense was spared in the construction.

Our last stop was the Crown Liquor Saloon. Originally, it was a Victorian gin palace and is now owned by the National Trust. It is famed for its decor, etched glass windows and gas lamps. In 1885, Italian craftsmen were brought to Belfast to work on the new churches and spent some of their time renovating the pub. It was very busy so we decided to forego the pleasure of sitting in one of its ornate booths. We made our way back to the hotel to rest our weary legs feeling that it was a day well spent. .

On Friday morning, it was raining. The planned coach trip was to Mount Stewart, a National Trust property, with a stop en route at Donaghadee. There the rain and wind were so fierce, there was a reluctance to leave the shelter of the coach. I have seldom experienced rain and wind coming from all directions at the same time despite a lifetime of climbing and walking in the Scottish Highlands!

As we reached Mount Stewart, the weather brightened and the sun came out. The 19th-century house was the seat of the Stewart family, Marquesses of Londonderry. The rooms, particularly the drawing room, the dining room and the family chapel were most impressive. Outside, the gardens were a joy to explore. This property and the Giant’s Causeway will stay in my memory the longest.

On Saturday, 1-Oct-22, we began the long journey home. A guided bus tour of Dublin included all the main sights. I couldn’t help contrasting the prosperous feeling there with the way that Belfast is still finding a way forward after years of sectarian strife.
We stayed overnight near Mold, in an impersonal hotel which seemed to cater for large groups. By this time, I felt so tired that I ignored the shortcomings of my room and fell asleep quickly.
On the way home, we stopped at Attingham Park for lunch. It could not compete with Mount Stewart, in grandeur but it was good to see so many families enjoying the sunshine.
I have good memories of spending time with friends in interesting places. It was unfortunate that I tested positive for COVID the next day. Happily, I am now on the road to recovery.

Marie Hutchison