Geoff and Lucy Adventures: Belfast

Northern Ireland, and Belfast, used to be synonymous with political violence linked to the ongoing fight to include the six northern irish counties into Ireland. It is also known as the city that built the Titanic, was integral in developing the linen trade and home of the Giants Causeway.

Most of Geoff's family on his mom's side, and some on his dad's side are based in Northern Ireland and we were intent on visiting all of them in the few days we had available to us. Geoff had lived in Belfast at various periods in the last 14 years and was fascinated at the continuing improvements and changes that had been made to this up and coming modern city.

Geoff's mom, Kay was in Belfast at the same time. The highlights of this trip were definitely having the chance to rekindle relationships with family. We stayed with Ian and Colette Pennick (Kay's brother) and they kindly let us use their house as a base. On the Sunday afternoon we had a fabulous afternoon out with Dave and Claire Pennick (Kay's other brother), Claire's folks and their granddaughter India at their cottage below Scrabbo Tower. India and we had a lovely dinner with Gail, Brooke and India Pennick and Karen Kishane. It was really nice for Lucy to meet them and for us to see Kay with her family.

With Ian and Colette

We spent a day out in the town of Hillsborough where Kay had spent her teenage years and she took us to the original family house and some of her old haunts. We walked around Hillsborough Lake so that Geoff could climb his favourite tree there - it was really stunning! And we managed drinks with Janey and Ken Sproule at their lovely house.

Hilsborough Lake

Geoff in his favourite tree

Mike also has some cousins in the greater Belfast area and we enjoyed spending time with Biddy Roberson and with Sue and Kyle Stevenson.

Our 2nd biggest highlight was going to the Titanic Belfast (museum) with Ian. The museum was fantastic and laid out the industrial history of Belfast before running through the construction and launching of the Titanic. The museum building is very impressive and is built right next to the original dock where she was built. The museum was one of the best that we've ever been through with fascinating and interactive displays. A definite must see for anyone heading Belfast way!