As a local, I'm extremely proud of Titanic Belfast, one of the city's biggest tourist attractions and the world's largest Titanic visitor experience. The 150,000 sq ft exhibition space celebrates the craftsmanship behind RMS Titanic, revives its heritage and gives Belfast the credit. Located next to the very spot where the original ship was built - once the busiest shipyard in the world - six floors house its story, with breathtaking views overlooking the slipways where the Titanic was launched.

The iconic building is simultaneously futuristic and steeped in history, with architectural details echoing the ship's design. 125ft tall, it resembles the immense hulls of four ocean-liners, clad in shimmering silver shards. From the moment I stepped into its vast atrium, I was captivated, and noticed that local and international visitors alike would stop and stare in awe.

Nine galleries with interactive exhibitions reveal the ship's lifespan, from conception in the early 1900s, through construction and launch, to the Titanic's famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. Visitors can relive the dramatic experiences of the passengers and crew, visit the wreck and voyage to the bottom of the sea in the Ocean Exploration Centre.

The attention to detail allows visitors to live and breathe every detail in a way that encourages them to empathise with those of the era. I love the little touches like the entrance to the exhibition, where I was transported back to walking through old Belfast's cobbled streets, complete with the sound of birdsong and horses' hooves.

Titanic Belfast Fact File

• Titanic Belfast is located 100 metres in front of where Titanic's hull was constructed and launched - to its right is the drawing office where she was designed and to the left is the Victoria Channel from where she first set sail

• Titanic Belfast is twice the size of Belfast City Hall covering 14,000 sq.m. (150,700 sq.ft.)

• The highest point of the building is 38.5 metres (126 feet) from the plaza level

• The external facade replicates four 27m (90ft)  high hulls

More Information

This walk through video will give you a little taster of what to expect. Tickets are based on a timed ticketing system with slots available every 20 minutes throughout opening times. Advance booking is recommended:

• in person at Titanic Belfast or the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre (8-9 Donegall Square North)

• via telephone (+44 28 9076 6399)

• online at www.titanicbelfast.com (5% online discount applies)

Image Credit: The Grand Staircase - Photo Courtesy of Titanic Belfast

Image Credit: Titanic Exhibition - Photo Courtesy of Titanic Belfast

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