The historic Titanic Pump House is set to be transformed into a whiskey distillery and top tourist attraction.
Belfast’s Titanic Pump House is becoming an exciting tourist attraction and whiskey distillery as Belfast City Council gives plans the green light.
The historic Pump House and neighbouring dry dock first opened in 1911. Today, they are the world’s only authentic Titanic landmarks.
Now, the historic listed building is transforming into an inviting visitor attraction. Thus, adding to Titanic’s presence in Belfast.
An exciting new attraction – discover the Titanic in Belfast
Belfast’s Titanic Quarter is home to various attractions relating to the city’s shipbuilding heritage. The world-famous White Star liners, Titanic and Olympic, began their lives at the docks in the early 20th-century.
The Pump House is a listed building near Titanic Belfast, which was once voted the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction.
Pre-Covid, Titanic Belfast welcomed upwards of 800,000 visitors annually, making it Northern Ireland’s number one tourist attraction.
Titanic Pump House, located on Queen’s Road, will join the historic Maritime Mile to become an exciting tourist attraction.
What to expect – a taste of Irish whiskey in a historic setting
On Wednesday, Belfast City Council gave drinks company Titanic Distillers the green light to convert the Titanic Pump House into an exciting tourist attraction.
The Pump House will soon become a working distillery, offering tours and tastings to visitors.
Titanic Distillers plan to keep the original pump equipment and many of the original internal features to keep the historic feeling of the building alive.
Plans include the installation of three large stills on a mezzanine floor that will overlook the original pumping engines below.
There will also be a tourist centre adjacent to the Pump House. Here, visitors can sip on a drink at the speakeasy bar and café or pick up a keepsake at the gift shop.
Or, for something different, enjoy a tasting on the mezzanine floor, complete with exhibition space and tasting rooms.
Titanic Pump House to become exciting tourist attraction – an immersive experience
The newest attraction takes inspiration from its successful neighbour. Titanic Belfast takes visitors on a mesmerizing journey through the Titanic’s ill-fated life.
Visitors will begin the experience by ‘clocking in’ at the pump house, just as workers did back in 1911. They will then have the opportunity to hear the full history of Belfast’s whiskey making history.
Peter Lavery, Director at Titanic Distillers, spoke to the Belfast Telegraph about the plans. He said, “We are very excited that our planning application has been approved.
“Titanic Distillers is inspired by the people who worked in Belfast’s shipyard more than a century ago.
“Now, tourists will be able to walk in their footsteps in the very pump-house and dry dock that represent such an authentic part of the Titanic story and indeed the history of Belfast.
“The Pump House has survived remarkably well for more than 100 years in a very harsh environment. But it is in much need of repair and any further decline would represent a major risk to its future.
“So our first priority is to restore the building and bring it back to its former glory while maintaining and securing its long-term future.”
