New Interactive Trail Explores Belfast’s Maritime History
Date Posted: April 10, 2025
An exciting new digital series and interactive map, Belfast’s Maritime Trail is being launched this week on the anniversary of Belfast-built RMS Titanic’s departure from Southampton. The project has been produced by Northern Star Pictures and supported by Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund.
Local historian and playwright SAM ROBINSON embarks on a journey to explore Belfast’s maritime past and how it has shaped our great city. Along the way he reveals stories of great vessels and herculean achievements, of engineering brilliance and steadfast courage, all in the oldest part of Belfast.
This six-part digital series with accompanying interactive map traces the history of maritime Belfast from its humblest beginnings on the River Farset through the lost community of Sailortown and onto the vibrant modern city of Belfast today.
The trail starts at Donegal Quay at the Big Fish, where the River Farset tumbles into the Lagan. The Farset is the forgotten river that gives Belfast its name and was once at the very heart of the city’s commercial and industrial success. From Donegal Quay, Sam follows the trail of Ulster-Scot Sir William Ritchie, telling the story of arguably the father of modern shipbuilding. On the third leg of his trek he visits Sinclair Seamen’s church where he gets an insight into its remarkable architecture. St Joseph’s or the ‘Chapel on the Quays’ in the heart of the old Sailortown is his next port of call – its spire was the last thing sailors saw as they left the port and the first thing that welcomed them safely home. The expansion of Belfast as a city is captured through experiencing the opulence of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners office before Sam completes his trail on the east bank of the Lagan and the Titanic Quarter.
Using unique mapping software, users are able to access the interactive map on their mobile device and experience the rich maritime history as they take the trail.
The downloadable interactive map can be accessed at the walking trails at Maritime Belfast and the short films on Belfast’s Maritime Trail.
