Launch Site of the Titanic – Belfast, Northern Ireland - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Launch Site of the Titanic

Belfast, Northern Ireland

A museum marks and documents the site of the Titanic's launch. 

View all photos
The Titanic sits, waiting to start its maiden voyage proper http://www.titanicbelfast.com/Navigation/T... (Titanic Belfast)
Launch Site of the Titanic http://www.oracleireland.com
Launch Site of the Titanic
Site where Titanic was built/launched from Shart76 (Atlas Obscura User)
Exhibition Interior Shart76 (Atlas Obscura User)
Titanic Museum - clever simulation of the launch Jaszmina Szendrey (Atlas Obscura User)
Launch Site of the Titanic petrolwife (Atlas Obscura User)
Launch Site of the Titanic petrolwife (Atlas Obscura User)
Launch Site of the Titanic VCoyle 2013
Launch Site of the Titanic Matthew H Ward (Atlas Obscura User)
Launch Site of the Titanic Matthew H Ward (Atlas Obscura User)
Launch Site of the Titanic Matthew H Ward (Atlas Obscura User)
Launch Site of the Titanic Matthew H Ward (Atlas Obscura User)
Launch Site of the Titanic Matthew H Ward (Atlas Obscura User)
Launch Site of the Titanic Matthew H Ward (Atlas Obscura User)
Launch Site of the Titanic Matthew H Ward (Atlas Obscura User)
Launch Site of the Titanic Matthew H Ward (Atlas Obscura User)
The slipway where Titanic was built gingercinnamon (Atlas Obscura User)
The new Titanic Center VCoyle 2013
Harland and Wolff Crane VCoyle 2013
Slipway of the Titanic and to the left, the sister ship Olympic VCoyle 2013
1102
539
Top Places in Belfast
Lord Mayor’s Parade
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Telegraph Building Belfast Blitz Scars
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast Peace Lines
Belfast, Northern Ireland
 See All

How do you mark and memorialize the site of a tragedy that technically sits more than two and a half miles under water?

The tragedy of the Titanic sent pangs of shock and grief through citizens all over the world. Comparable tragedies all have an intensely personal memorial site where people can visit hallowed ground and commune with their emotions about the event - Ground Zero in New York City, Auschwitz in Oswiecim, Poland, and Hiroshima Park in Japan - but the site of the Titanic is unreachable by the vast majority of humanity.

The organizers of the Titanic Belfast museum in Northern Ireland believe that they have the best possible solution. An elaborate building and museum built next to the slipways where Titanic was built showcases the Titanic story from her early beginnings to her tragic end.

Poignant and moving, standing at the site of the joyous send-off of a doomed ship is an affecting way to pay respect to the tragedy. Looking to the sea on a sunny day, one can imagine the emotions evoked among the engineers and workers who toiled for months to construct her, as they watched famous ship shrink into the horizon, wondering when they might, if ever, see it again.

Anyone with an interest in maritime history or the Titanic story should visit this incredibly special part of Belfast; Queen’s Island has a lot to offer other than the slipways and museum. 

The slipways themselves outside of the museum are open to the public without charge, so you can walk in the outline of the great ship and marvel at the memorials in the area without paying a penny. 

Know Before You Go

There are a number of activities on offer around the Queen's Island besides the Slipways and the Museum. Not to be missed is the SS Nomadic, (Titanic's Tender ship), and the Thompson Dry Dock and Pump House where Titanic was outfitted. If visiting the Titanic Belfast Exhibition, it is recommended to book tickets online in high season, and move through the self-service ticketing stations to save time getting into the galleries. Early morning visits mean the galleries are less crowded and easier to traverse. Getting to the Titanic Quarter is easy, as following the River Lagan out towards past the Odyssey Pavillion is a 15 minute walk from the city centre. The huge, pointed silver building is prominent on the skyline, as are the Harland and Wolff cranes which share the island. The train stop of Titanic Quarter is a short distance from the building and Slipways, and is accessible from the Central or Grand Victoria stations in Belfast via the Portadown/Bangor train route.

rms titanic museums and collections
Nearby
The Great Light
0.16 miles
'Glass of Thrones Belfast'
0.22 miles
SS Nomadic
0.30 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
The Belfast light switched on in 2018
Belfast, Northern Ireland

The Great Light

One of the largest lenses of its kind ever created, this former ship beacon has been brought down to Earth.
'Glass of Thrones Belfast'
Belfast, Northern Ireland

'Glass of Thrones Belfast'

A series of stained glass artworks that depict images of the hit TV show.
SS Nomadic
Belfast, Northern Ireland

SS Nomadic

The ship built to ferry passengers and goods to the doomed Titanic is now the last remaining White Star Line vessel.
Belfast, Northern Ireland

Samson and Goliath

These engineering masterpieces are a dominant feature of the Belfast skyline.
Related Places
Mortuary Bag No. 41
Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Titanic Mortuary Bag

A morbid piece of memorabilia from the most famous shipwreck in current history is just one of the many poignant artifacts in this Canadian museum's collection.
Titanic Museum Attraction at the 2012 anniversary celebration
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Titanic Museum Attraction

A recreation of the doomed ocean liner in the middle of the Smoky Mountains.
Springfield, Massachusetts

The Titanic Museum

Home to the Titanic Historical Society's collection.
Edinburgh, Scotland

Collection Centres of the National and Council Museums

These storage facilities offer a behind-the-scenes look at some of Edinburgh's biggest museums.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web