The Cape Society
Jul
- Mon 3 Aug 2024
- Belfast Modern Mega Manor
- Knights and friends of the Cape, this year's Modern Mega Manor is to Belfast More details to follow, however, the date for departure is August 3rd 2026.
- Meet in Belfast.
- Report
-
Monday
An enjoyably short flight took eight Knights and Ladies to George Best Airport in the dockland area of Belfast where, unbeknown to the MMMers, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was kicking off. 2026 was the first year this traditional Irish music festival had been held in Belfast and the 'toon wiz buzzin': music coming from every street corner with a lot of talented young musicians entertaining the crowds. The first watering-hole was suggested by Worthy Sovereign: The Dark Horse. After a couple of obligatory pints of Guinness, Martin muscled-in on one of the many high-viz-jacketed festival helpers and found a nearby street food market was open for filling bellies. Knights and Ladies sampled various tasty (if pricey) fare before returning to the many temporarily pedestrianised streets (great for those on foot) and settling down by a marquee in the St Anne's Cathedral car park where yet another stage had been set up. An enjoyable evening was spent listening and singing along to the live band which was playing all-Irish classics.Tuesday
The following morning, the crew was welcomed aboard the Titanic Exhibition, tickets for which were subsidised by the Cape Society with, kindly, all purchasing arrangements made by Martin. Everyone was agreed the exhibition was very well put together and in a great building (even those few who were on their second visit). A bite to eat in the neighbouring Hickson's pub was followed by an open-top bus tour. The first stop was the Botanic Inn which had been an old haunt of Phil's during some time spent with young ladies from Dublin, in Belfast, many, many moons ago. (Ask him about Wolseley Avenue). Unfortunately, the Botanic Inn was yet to open so everyone piled in to the Post House over the road. Given this howf was on the outskirts of the city centre, it was relatively quiet and there was plenty of room to accommodate the Cape. Fully-refreshed and back on the bus, Knights and Ladies were treated to a great tour of Belfast, including various well-documented and entrenched sights of religious intolerance. Jumping off the bus near City Hall, Helena and Steve went to watch some of the acts on the big stage which was set-up in the hall grounds whilst others went for forty-winks and a freshen-up before tea which was served-up in the Nu Delhi Indian restaurant. Helena and Steve's old acquaintance and Belfast-born-and-bred friend Clifford came along for curry too. It was good to have him in the company. The famous Crown Gin Palace nearby the Indian was predictably busy but there was plenty room next door in Robinson's where the night was whiled away following many pakora and samosas.Wednesday
Steve opened up his Belt-Up Belfast Walkie Talkie at 11 a.m. at the Albert Memorial Clock, although it seemed Carol missed the memo. Tut-tut. There was plenty chat about the history of Belfast and its foundings in British colonialism (plantations) as opposed to anything more organic, similar to other English or Scottish medieval burghs. The tour moved on to St George's Market where everyone enjoyed milling about (don't mention Lagan Whisky Sauce to poor Martin) and subsequently moved on to Belfast City Hall where the bust of Lord Pirrie of Harland and Wolff was admired from afar and Steve gave some insight in to Belfast shipbuilding and linen production, some of which had been seen the day before at the Titanic Exhibition. It was a short walk to Ewart House, former linen factory where Steve rounded-off his walkie-talkie. Thanks were given and Dave and Carol grabbed the reins; no doubt after smelling the deep-fat fryer's up the road. Yes, in to Wetherspoons, Bridge House, we went. Dave was happy with his pint of Doom Bar as he'd been complaining the whole trip about the dearth of real or dark ales on tap. We decided to dump 'spoons' and head for the Deer's Head with its microbrewery to see if there was anything more to satisfy Dave. After an enjoyable time spent sitting outside in the relatively good weather and taking in yet another dose of 'deedle-dee-dee' music, it was off to the John Hewitt pub which was also advertising a wide selection of beers. The group then split in preparation for the evening meal at Darcy's, although Steve and Derran's preparation simply consisted of waiting for Helena to freshen up at the Ibis hotel over the road whilst they sampled the delights of Cosgrove Bar and Nancy Mulligan's. Six of the expected eight bum's took seats at 18:30 in Darcys'; Dave and Carol opting to stay in other company they had arranged to meet earlier in the evening. The food and service lived up to reviews and were excellent; three of the company opting for the very tasty lamb shanks. Bevvy was taking its toll and only four bodies made it to the Mermaid Inn for a drink before Pat's Bar (and, at least for Steve, a kebab) offered a rousing finale to the 2026 Belfast MMM.Thursday
A few green faces emerged in time to take a, mercifully, short flight back to Auld Reikie.Mobile-friendly picture gallery.
Some video...
Cash for Crowds
Too Much Whisky
Colin The Irish Rover
Dubious Animals TradIrish Crossover
St George's MarketThanks to everyone who picked a four-leaf clover and came to play with the leprechauns.
