The best running trails around Ballycloghan

Gate of a dry dock and feeder ship for the Titanic

from the large model kit

Located on the way from the center to the Titanic Museum.

Here, in the middle of the city, the characters from The Chronicles of Narnia come to life in the form of impressive bronze sculptures. As a cyclist, you pass right by the square and can pause for a moment to immerse yourself in this fantastic world. The sculptures of Aslan, the mighty lion, and the White Witch's throne in particular attract attention. The details of the figures are impressive and give the characters a special presence. The square is not only a place for literature lovers, but also an interesting work of art in the open air - a change from the usual sights. CS Lewis, the famous writer and son of the city, is omnipresent here and also makes this place a small piece of Belfast history.

Located right in the Titanic Quarter, the building is an eye-catcher from afar - the modern architecture with its sharp edges and shiny facades is reminiscent of the bow of the famous ship and offers an exciting contrast to the historic docks where the Titanic was once built. Here you can immerse yourself in the history of the legendary ocean liner, from its construction by Harland & Wolff to its tragic maiden voyage. However, the exhibition goes far beyond the Titanic and also sheds light on the stories of its sister ships, the Olympic and the Britannic. In the spacious halls, which cover a total of 12,000 square meters, you can expect a thoughtful mix of interactive exhibitions and historical exhibits - perfect for taking a break from cycling and immersing yourself in the maritime past.

Victoria Park in Belfast is an interesting spot for a short bike ride and a break by the water. It is accessible 24 hours a day and has a quiet lake that is enlivened by swans, ducks and other water birds. The walk around the lake is particularly relaxing, where gently curved paths lead you through the greenery of the park. The complex dates back to 1906 and was designed by landscape architect Charles McKimm, who also designed the impressive tropical hall in the Botanical Garden. You can also explore the small BMX track by bike, which attracts ambitious cyclists - perfect for adding a little variety. On the banks of the lake, the complex offers a beautiful mix of nature and urban flair. Free parking makes access uncomplicated and practical. A walk or a bike ride through this historic park is a refreshing break, especially with the lively birdsong and the proximity to the water. Whether for a short break or a longer stay – Victoria Park offers a pleasant ambience in the middle of the city.

For over 120 years (from 1867 until the 1990’s) Hamilton Dock was used for repairing, maintaining and fitting out ships. Hamilton Dock was last used in the 1990’s and quickly fell into disrepair and it stayed that way until 2009 when the Nomadic Charitable Trust was looking for a new home for the restoration of Nomadic to be carried out. The caisson is a hollow vessel built from wood and steel which, when flooded with water, was sunk down into channels at the head of the dock so that the water could be pumped out of the dock via the pumps in the pump house. When the ships were ready to leave the water was pumped out of the caisson gate so that it floated up out of the channel and flooded the dock, allowing the ship to leave. [https://www.titanicbelfast.com/explore/ss-nomadic/hamilton-dock/]

A dock as it was used in the past