Time is beginning to close on us as we end our journey in Ireland. One of the last places that we went to this week proved to be very important for the history lesson’s sake. This weekend we went to Northern Ireland where we visited Derry and Belfast. Derry was significant because we were taken on a tour where we walked through the streets where Bloody Sunday took place. For those who do not know what this is, it was supposed to be a peaceful protest happening in 1972 by those supporting the Irish Republic. However, during the march British soldiers gunned down many civilians and protesters causing a great massacre and destruction of the town. This story was sad to hear but really gave us a first-hand experience rather than reading it from a textbook.
After leaving Derry, we ventured on into Belfast. One of my favorite sites from this city was going to the Titanic Museum. I initially did not realize that the Titanic was even built in Belfast. However, the town prospered at the time because of this and as the Titanic launched it became their pride and joy. It was interesting to see the details of these events rather than what the Hollywood movie of Jack and Rose gives us. Although, the movie’s love story was not true, most of the aspects of the boat were true. The first class rooms were exactly as they entailed along with other portrayals in the movie of the second and third class living quarters. After being in Ireland we also were able to identify other things within the movie that had Irish aspects. One example, is when Rose and Jack sneak off to the third class quarters to enjoy music and drinking. The dancing that those on the Titanic and Jack partake in is traditional Irish dancing, which is similar to a shuffle style of dancing and the music they are playing is traditional Irish music consisting of a tin whistle and an accordion. It is these small cultural aspects of the movie that we never would have realized before had we not have had the opportunity to learn about Belfast and the Titanic!
We also visited the Crumlin Road Gaol where many political protestors were housed. This jail had republicans and loyalists living under the same roof and many executions took place here as well. In this jail men partook in the blanket and dirty strike where the people refused to where clothes and spread fecal matter on the walls because they did not consider themselves criminals for simply standing up for their political beliefs. I don’t quite understand why they decided upon that form of action but I guess they found it significant. It was also here where the hunger strike took place. During the hunger strike about ten men died in protest for their rights. This jail was much more modern and actually only closed its doors as a working jail in the 90’s.
Belfast was full of history and definitely helped us to understand a little bit more about the conflict within Ireland that has been going on for centuries. However, I still prefer Galway’s friendly streets and the more traditional Irish culture it has to offer.
After leaving Derry, we ventured on into Belfast. One of my favorite sites from this city was going to the Titanic Museum. I initially did not realize that the Titanic was even built in Belfast. However, the town prospered at the time because of this and as the Titanic launched it became their pride and joy. It was interesting to see the details of these events rather than what the Hollywood movie of Jack and Rose gives us. Although, the movie’s love story was not true, most of the aspects of the boat were true. The first class rooms were exactly as they entailed along with other portrayals in the movie of the second and third class living quarters. After being in Ireland we also were able to identify other things within the movie that had Irish aspects. One example, is when Rose and Jack sneak off to the third class quarters to enjoy music and drinking. The dancing that those on the Titanic and Jack partake in is traditional Irish dancing, which is similar to a shuffle style of dancing and the music they are playing is traditional Irish music consisting of a tin whistle and an accordion. It is these small cultural aspects of the movie that we never would have realized before had we not have had the opportunity to learn about Belfast and the Titanic!
We also visited the Crumlin Road Gaol where many political protestors were housed. This jail had republicans and loyalists living under the same roof and many executions took place here as well. In this jail men partook in the blanket and dirty strike where the people refused to where clothes and spread fecal matter on the walls because they did not consider themselves criminals for simply standing up for their political beliefs. I don’t quite understand why they decided upon that form of action but I guess they found it significant. It was also here where the hunger strike took place. During the hunger strike about ten men died in protest for their rights. This jail was much more modern and actually only closed its doors as a working jail in the 90’s.
Belfast was full of history and definitely helped us to understand a little bit more about the conflict within Ireland that has been going on for centuries. However, I still prefer Galway’s friendly streets and the more traditional Irish culture it has to offer.