Belfast Marks 100th Anniversary of the Launch of the Titanic

BELFAST, Northern Ireland, May 30, 2011 -

- Centenary is Commemorated by TITANICa: The Exhibition & The People's
Story

Belfast is set to mark the 100th anniversary of the launch of one of the
city's most famous creations - RMS Titanic. On May 31st 1911, Titanic was
launched into Belfast Lough by Harland & Wolff - then the largest shipyard in
the world. It took three years to build and just 62 seconds to complete the
launch.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/tourismireland/48926/

To mark the occasion, there will be a special slipway event attended by
the Lord Mayor of Belfast, dignitaries of Cherbourg and Titanic societies to
reflect Belfast's maritime heritage. There will also be a flare set-off to
mark the moment exactly 100 years ago when the Titanic was launched.

With a GBP7bn investment in Belfast's Titanic Quarter and interactive
visitor centre due to be unveiled in 2012, Tourism Ireland is keen to share
the wonderful history of the Titanic through this programme of fantastic
events.

On 31st May 2011, The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum is launching
TITANICa: The Exhibition to showcase her story. The exhibition, which
runs until 31st August 2011, will feature more than 500 original artifacts -
some of which have never been seen before - and will explore Titanic and her
world. Visitors can discover life on board the vessel through fascinating
objects and personal stories that explore the tragic loss of the Titanic in
1912.

An innovative trail will link this exhibition in the Transport Museum to
TITANICa: The People's Story in the outdoor Folk Museum, where visitors
will be able to explore a living history experience of Titanic. Discovering
people's daily routines in the period before, during and after Titanic's
maiden voyage, guests will be able to walk the historic streets and journey
through the shipyard riveter's home, before visiting the Post Office to
compose their own Morse code message sent from Titanic. They can then pop to
the printers to get their own Titanic launch ticket before heading on to the
Newspaper Room to read publications printed from the time.

A festival of films featuring historic footage of life at the time of
Titanic will also be on show in the Picture House. There will be
opportunities to dress up in the fashionable costume of the time or just
relax and watch the children play traditional games in the park.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said, "No ship has gripped the
world's imagination like RMS Titanic. Her remarkable story begins at her
birthplace in Belfast, and we highly recommend visitors to Belfast to
discover the story of her creation through this exhibition.

"Drawn by its vibrancy, warmth and charm, increasing numbers from around
the world are making Belfast one of the most popular city destinations in
Europe, where visitors can discover a thriving cultural scene combined with
unique heritage including the story of the Titanic."

For more information, visit www.discoverireland.com

Further media information and rights free photographs, plus an FTP feed
are available on the Tourism Ireland Media Room at
www.discoverirelandmedia.com and click on the download 'Titanic
Belfast Tab'.

Further media information and rights free photographs, plus an FTP feed
are available on the Tourism Ireland Media Room at
www.discoverirelandmedia.com, just click on the 'download broadcast
footage of themes related to Titanic Belfast' tab.

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Video:
multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/tourismireland/48926/

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Emma Gorman, Publicity Coordinator, egorman at tourismireland.com +353-14763400