Hi everyone! Ed here! Back from my time in Poland for my research, and getting everything sorted out for our trip to Belfast!
There are a few things to mention, so I’ll start with the easiest thing, that is important for everyone to know:
About money: I’m sure no one really needs to be told this, but just to make sure, please remember that Belfast is in Northern Ireland, and is technically considered part of the U.K. This means that they have the Pound and not the Euro for money. But not to worry! If you have a bank card (it shouldn’t matter if it’s from an Irish account or from another country), you can use your card in the bank machines when we are there to withdraw Pounds. You don’t need to worry about changing money before you get there. The banks here will charge higher fees to change the money than it will cost to just get the money from the cash machines, so just wait until you get there to get out some money.
About the train: Just like for Cork, we will need some volunteers to go to Belfast by train. The good news is that you can get the train from Maynooth into Connolly Station, and the train to Belfast goes directly from there! You can also buy your ticket for the entire journey right from Maynooth! All you have to do is ask at the station here in Maynooth for a Belfast return ticket, and the price of the trip from Maynooth to Connolly and then back on Sunday will be included in the price of the ticket! I will discuss financial details with those of you who choose to sign-up for the train in person. I’ll be in the Arts Block by the circle of computers from 6-7 pm today(Tuesday) and Wednesday to take sign-ups for the train and give you back some of the money for your tickets! The train times to Belfast from Connolly are 13:20, 15:20, and 16:50. Journey time from Conolly to Belfast is listed as 2 hours 10 minutes. I’ll come to the station to meet all of the people who come up by train. Please don’t hesitate to come by the Arts Block to sign-up! Or give me a ring or text at 087 6761959 to let me know if you’d like to go by train!
About day trips and activities As I mentioned in the first e-mail about Belfast, the two main attractions are the Giant’s Causeway and Black Taxi tours. You can sign-up for either of these trips at the reception desk at our hostel! If I remember correctly, and the prices have not changed, the Giant’s Causway Tour costs 15 Pounds and the Black Taxi Tour costs 8 Pounds. Also remember that the Christmas Market will be going on right at the City Hall, which is less than 10 minutes walk from our hostel! Queens’ University is also very nice, and has great botanical gardens to walk through! You can get details about all of these activities at these websites:
— For the city and Christmas Market: http://www.gotobelfast.com
— For the Black Taxi Tour: http://www.belfasttours.com
— For Giant’s Causeway: http://www.northantrim.com
— … or check out Floz’ photos from last year.
About safety: While there is little risk in going to Belfast, please remember that the city has earned its reputation as being ‘rough’ for a reason. I must advise all of you that if you go out, please don’t go out alone. Now this is the same as I’d tell you all for any trip we would go on, but please take extra care when we are on this trip. And, most importantly, please don’t go into West Belfast (the area where the Black Taxi Tour takes you) by yourselves, even in a large group. Only go there if you’re with the Black Taxi Tour guides! If you’d like to know why I ask this, please ask me in person! I don’t want to scare anyone, I just want to remind you all to BE SAFE!
That’s all for now! I hope you’re all well, and I’m really looking forward to getting a BRATWURST when I get there!
All the best and see you soon!
PS: Since we have the trip on, there won’t be any movie this Sunday. However, a much more cheerful movie will be shown the week after 
