A long weekend in Belfast, in the footsteps of Titanic and Game of Thrones

A morning at the Titanic Belfast Museum, the iconic museum of the ship's incredible history

This is the place to be for all die-hard fans of the Titanic and its history. Titanic Belfast opened its doors in 2012 to mark the centenary of the sinking and the museum is entirely dedicated to her. Why this museum in Belfast? Quite simply because it was here, in the Belfast shipyards, that the ship was built. And more precisely on the Hamilton docks located at the foot of the museum.

The architecture of the building is remarkable, reproducing the bow of the ship. The interior of the exhibition explains in detail the story of the ship, from her construction to her ill-fated voyage, including the search for the wreck and the myth she created.

A walk through the Titanic Quarter

The day continues with a visit to Titanic Dock & Pump-house. The docks and pump house are historic and well worth a visit during a weekend in Belfast. It was here that the Titanic made landfall for the last time. To relive the story, visitors are allowed to go down into the dry dock where workers undertook the shipyard. There's also a visitor centre where you can take home a few souvenirs or treat yourself to a refreshment after so much excitement.

Finally, you can also visit the steamship SS Nomadic. Considered the Titanic's "little brother", she was in service between 1911 and 1927. Now preserved in the heart of the Titanic Quarter, it stands as a testament to the greatness of the White Star Line fleet.

To take the historical tour even further, we opt for a guided tour along the River Legan. For less than £30, we discover much of Belfast's maritime heritage and history, one of the most important in the world.

After a busy day dedicated to the city's maritime past and the Titanic, we're off to the Clayton Belfast Hotel for the night. This 4-star hotel has an interesting offer: the Titanic Package, including nights at the hotel and tickets for Titanic Belfast.

Let's leave the real world behind for a day and enter the merciless world of the Game of Thrones series, based on the literary saga of the same name. Filmed in part in the Belfast studios, it is now possible to visit them and discover what goes on behind the scenes.

A full day's visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour is well worthwhile: costumes, sets from the cult scenes, make-up, special effects and anecdotes from the filming reveal all the well-kept secrets of the series. A number of food and drink outlets are available on site. Ideal for a mid-tour break.

When evening comes, it's time to get back to reality and enjoy Belfast's nightlife. Head to Belfast Centre, where the entertainment is in full swing, surrounded by Irish pubs and ancient monuments. For a bite to eat while enjoying the festive atmosphere, head for Granny Annies Kitchen, a lively pub serving hearty dishes!

A morning at Winterfell

If this immersion in the world of Game of Thrones isn't enough, why not follow in the footsteps of the actors and discover the real, life-size sets of the most popular series of the 21st century? There's no need to travel miles and miles, because just outside Belfast you'll find the Castle Ward. In other words: the castle of House Stark!

Located in the south of Belfast, the castle impresses as soon as you arrive. For a morning, you can put yourself in the shoes of your favourite character and learn to shoot a bow or wield a sword like a real soldier of the Night's Watch.

"A walk in the woods" from Game of Thrones

Let's put down our weapons for a few hours, for a more bucolic and less bellicose activity. Still on the theme of Game of Thrones, Tollymore Forest Park offers a pleasant walk in an enchanting setting where waterfalls, small bridges and rivers enhance the place.

During the walk, fans of the franchise will be able to recall certain key passages in the series, as filming also took place in this forest. And for the record, the Titanic is also linked to this forest, as the interior of the ship was decorated with oak from Tollymore!

Our Northern Irish interlude is drawing to a close, and it's time to leave behind the epic and enchanting world of the great writer George R.R. Martin and the incredible story of the Titanic, and get back on the plane to France with unforgettable memories of our trip to Belfast.

Where to stay in Belfast?