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Belfast, Northern Ireland: Top 10 Highlights for Curious Travelers with Dr. Finn Ballard

Belfast, Northern Ireland: Top 10 Highlights for Curious Travelers with Dr. Finn Ballard


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Have you been to Belfast yet? The capital city of Northern Ireland might not have been top of many tourists' wish lists even just a decade ago, but it's now experiencing a remarkable renaissance. The history of the civil war locals call 'the Troubles' (in the same sardonic tone with which an older generation refers to World War Two as 'the inconvenience') is receding, and Belfast's star is ascending. 

In this conversation with a historian from Northern Ireland, you'll learn plenty about the city which once led the world in linen production and shipbuilding, which can boast such famous residents as former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, writer C.S. Lewis, and singer Van Morrison. You’ll find out where such recent popular shows and movies as ‘The Fall,’ ‘Game of Thrones,’ and Kenneth Branagh’s Oscar-nominated ‘Belfast’ were filmed, where best to experience the jaw-dropping scenery which surrounds the capital, and how to best enjoy the city’s legendary hospitality, gastronomy and world-famous pub scene just as the locals do. 

Led by an expert on the history of Northern Ireland, Dr. Finn Ballard (from County Down just outside Belfast), this Conversation will introduce you to Belfast’s recent and ongoing transformation - whether you’re planning a trip or simply interested in this complex capital city. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of a truly unique place.

Finn grew up in Northern Ireland before moving to England to study and later teach in the department of Film and Literature at the University of Warwick. He completed his doctoral study on German folklore and popular cinema in 2012, and has published extensively in the fields of Film Studies and Gender Studies. Since 2008, he has been living and guiding in Berlin. He now works as a historical advisor for television and film productions set in Berlin, particularly during the Weimar era or Third Reich. He is a journalist for the 'Siegessauele', Europe's foremost Queer magazine, and organises events at Berlin's English-language bookstore 'Another Country'.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
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(7)
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Leah Audin (Denver, US)
Intriguing Look at Belfast Ireland with Dr. Finn Ballard

Northern Ireland, and in particular, Belfast has a history that is baffling, intriguing, and emotionally provoking even for those of us with no Irish heritage. Dr. Ballard, a native of Belfast, can't possibly make the story sensible in a 90 minute conversation, however; he did make the history come alive with riveting detail and intelligent insights into the history of Belfast and its landmarks and important locations. One never goes wrong in joining any of his Context conversations. Highly recommend, always learn so much more than is expected.

K
Kathryn Kelly (Hudson, US)
Belfast

An articulate Finn Ballard not only gave us a clear history of Northern Ireland but great visuals of present day Belfast.

V
Vicky Robbins (Hilo, US)
Super informative with Past and Present of Belfast and Irish History!

Past to present Irish History was covered, in addition to Top 10 spots to visit in Belfast all from the intimate knowledge and perspective of the Belfast native, Dr. Ballard.

S
Suzanne (Hopkinton, US)
Take every opportunity to learn with Dr. Finn

Dr. Finn's webinar on the Nuremberg Trials was one of my first with Context Learning and I've continued to attend his talks, both through Context and privately. They are both engaging and interactive -- he answers questions and responds to comments during his talks and has created a wonderful little community. He often goes over time to make sure everyone's questions are answered. I am delighted to see him branch out beyond German history as I know so little about NI. Highly, highly recommend.

N
N. (Winter Park, US)
Entertaining, instructive and stimulating!

I was so impressed with Dr. Finn Ballard’s expertise and communication skills as he explained the history as well as top spots to visit and general good advice for tourists! I will be in. Northern Ireland next year and hope to see him there!

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
100%
(7)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
Leah Audin (Denver, US)
Intriguing Look at Belfast Ireland with Dr. Finn Ballard

Northern Ireland, and in particular, Belfast has a history that is baffling, intriguing, and emotionally provoking even for those of us with no Irish heritage. Dr. Ballard, a native of Belfast, can't possibly make the story sensible in a 90 minute conversation, however; he did make the history come alive with riveting detail and intelligent insights into the history of Belfast and its landmarks and important locations. One never goes wrong in joining any of his Context conversations. Highly recommend, always learn so much more than is expected.

K
Kathryn Kelly (Hudson, US)
Belfast

An articulate Finn Ballard not only gave us a clear history of Northern Ireland but great visuals of present day Belfast.

V
Vicky Robbins (Hilo, US)
Super informative with Past and Present of Belfast and Irish History!

Past to present Irish History was covered, in addition to Top 10 spots to visit in Belfast all from the intimate knowledge and perspective of the Belfast native, Dr. Ballard.

S
Suzanne (Hopkinton, US)
Take every opportunity to learn with Dr. Finn

Dr. Finn's webinar on the Nuremberg Trials was one of my first with Context Learning and I've continued to attend his talks, both through Context and privately. They are both engaging and interactive -- he answers questions and responds to comments during his talks and has created a wonderful little community. He often goes over time to make sure everyone's questions are answered. I am delighted to see him branch out beyond German history as I know so little about NI. Highly, highly recommend.

N
N. (Winter Park, US)
Entertaining, instructive and stimulating!

I was so impressed with Dr. Finn Ballard’s expertise and communication skills as he explained the history as well as top spots to visit and general good advice for tourists! I will be in. Northern Ireland next year and hope to see him there!