Titanic's Dock and Pump-House Tour

Titanic's Dock and Pump-House Tour Review

The atmospheric 900-foot-long dock where Titanic was built—in its time the biggest in the world—is open to the public and ranks as one of the great attractions in Northern Ireland. Since 2012, and the events held for the 100th anniversary, Titanic's Dock—officially known as the Thompson Dry Dock—has been accessible to visitors. Steps lead deep down 44 feet (13½ meters) to the floor of the dock, and for the first time in history you can bask in the evocative spirit of this remarkable place well below sea level. In its heyday in the early 20th century, the dock could hold 21 million gallons of water. Today it is Belfast's outstanding relic of Titanic's legacy and strikingly represents the ship's physical footprint. Built by 500 men over a period of seven years, it was the beating heart of the shipyard's operation during the construction of the great White Star Liners—Britannic, Olympic, and RMS Titanic. But it was a tight squeeze because the Titanic barely fitted in. The original steel-casing gate (now showing some signs of rust) that enclosed the dock and kept ships watertight weighs a staggering 1,000 tons. To access the dock and pump-house you must join one of Colin Cobb's fascinating, fact-filled walks that help visitors—through visual aids of the Titanic—imagine, relive, and reflect on both a singular marvel of engineering and the importance of shipbuilding in Belfast's heritage. Hot snacks and sandwiches are available in the pump-house café and visitor center (open March-October, daily 10-6), where you can buy Titanic postcards and other souvenirs, including a deck-plan poster. Taking Metro Bus No. 26, 26b, or 26c from City Hall is the easiest way to get to the Dock and Pump-House; you can take a train to the new Titanic Quarter halt or opt for a 20-minute walk from Belfast city center to Queen's Road (home to the Odyssey Arena and W5 science center).