Belfast, N. Ireland, UK

My friends and I were only in this city for 20 minutes because of the bus we rented was running low on time. Ireland and N. Ireland are both essentially religious factions; Ireland is mostly Catholic while N. Ireland is Protestant. The Troubles refers to the 3 decades of violence between the two, which still carries on today. I was even told before I left the U.S for Ireland to be careful in Belfast. I found out that the Troubles left such an impact on ordinary townspeople of N.Ireland that it was likened to London following the Blitz. 

The landscape surrounding the city was absolutely breathtaking, unfortunately all the pictures came out horrible. The name Belfast originates from the Irish Béal Feirsde, which means 'river mouth of the ford'. This city is known for its architecture, love of the arts and culture. It is one of the most visited cities of the U.K and recently opened a major attraction called Titanic Belfast, memorializing the location of the building of Titanic.

Some advice- Bring some British pounds with you because we all forgot it and didn't realize that N. Ireland is part of the U.K.

Titanic Memorial

20 minutes was not enough time to see the city and its sites. It although was enough time for us to get scared in broad daylight. I would like to go back again and perhaps that experience is only a one time thing. 

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Trim, Co. Meath, Ireland churches

They are both named St. Patrick's and the only word that differs is the name; whether it is a 'church' or 'cathedral'.

 St. Patrick's church-

(As seen from Trim Castle)

                                It was built in the 19th century and is Roman Catholic. 

I attended a mass here and it was fastest mass I have ever attended. Instead of being an hour is was between 30-45 minutes, there was no singing and no homily. Also instead of walking up in single file to the priest for the Eucharist, everyone just walked up in any manner they chose and up to the fence in front of the altar while the priest walked left to right.

 Commemorating St. Bernadette and the Virgin at the grotto.

St Patrick's Cathedral-

  

It is Anglican and is the Church of England, unlike in England where it is the Church of England. I did not attend mass here but I imagine it is similar to the Anglican churches I have attended.

The tower was built in the medieval ages and is a remnant of the Church of Trim

Ceremonies to become bishops have been here since the early 1500's

On this land supposedly St. Patrick originally founded his church. It did not survive most likely because it would have been wooden and if it was stone it was rebuilt during the medieval ages. There are several stories about this, some say it was his nephew but others say it was the famous saint.

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