IT was once dubbed one of the most dangerous cities in the world, having suffered greatly in the Troubles of the 70s and 80s but, speaking with a member of the city’s tourist board, I’m assured Belfast has come “a long way” over the past 20 years or so, making it one of the most sought-after city break destinations around, thanks to, not only the Titanic Experience, but the success of Game of Thrones and its food and drink scene.

I’ve touched down for the day and have a lot to see, so it’s straight to Titanic Belfast. Having been fascinated with the tragedy since a young age. Filled with nine, interactive galleries, the attraction begins by exploring the history of the city, focussing on its poverty and how it built a name for itself in the Industrial Revolution by becoming the biggest linen producer in the world.

It’s easy to get swept up in the Hollywood drama of the demise of the cruise liner, and Titanic Belfast humanises one of the deadliest commercial peacetime maritime disasters in modern history. 

I feel emotional as I make my way through the sinking, recalling the loss of life, reading the heartbreaking letters and feeling anger at the press’ focus on the upper class.

My excitement piques at the thought of standing on that famous wooden staircase, a staple in James Cameron’s 1997 smash-hit blockbuster, but was left bitterly disappointed to learn it only opens on Sundays for afternoon tea.

The world’s most authentic Titanic hotel stands directly behind the venue, so I decide to visit the legendary Harland & Wolff headquarters post-transformation, a goosebump-worthy moment to stand in the actual drawing offices where visionary designers created the largest, most innovative, and luxurious ship of the time.

A stone’s throw away stands the mighty HMS Caroline, the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland, offering an interactive self-guided tour, touch screen displays and panoramic views of the harbour. Descending into the engine rooms, visitors get to experience the space as it would have been in 1916 with speakers booming out the sound of the engines as they would have back then.

It has been a good trip so far, but the most sobering moment comes when a driver decides to take me on a tour of the murals. A harrowing experience, driving through Shankill post-July 12th to look at giant images of political images is, frankly, depressing. 

The driver takes me past the Peace Wall which separates the Catholic and Protestant communities. It’s cold imposing and intimidating and has me wondering just how far the city really has come.

Glad to have moved onto the Ulster Museum, the highlight is getting up close and personal with an Egyptian mummy, thousands of years old and still almost perfectly preserved, hair and all.

The Tropical Ravine stands within the Botanic Gardens at the back of the museum. It contains some of the oldest seed plants around today. The listed building dates back to 1887 and has been restored with many of its original Victorian features preserved. With a stunning waterfall, it makes for an Instagrammable venue but, with the heat a bit too stifling, it’s off to the pub for a pint of the dark stuff.

Reminiscent of Glasgow’s Ashton Lane, the Cathedral Quarter is uber-trendy. There’s no escaping the city’s past in The Dark Horse, a pub rammed with antiques, furniture and artefacts from some of the Belfast’s most famous hotels and buildings from times gone by.

Belfast – who’d have thought it would make the ideal day trip?

Flybe operates up to four flights a day from Glasgow Airport to Belfast City Airport, with fares available from £27.99 each way. Book now via flybe.com. For more info on visiting Belfast, head to visitbelfast.com.