In Belfast, everyone knows the Samson & Goliath Cranes, two huge yellow-painted gantry cranes. These were built to serve the Harland and Wolff dry dock as early as 1969. Since then, they have remained in place, dominating the town for years. They have become a veritable symbol of Belfast, attracting curious visitors every year to discover the city’s port facilities.
You can’t get to Belfast without seeing the Samson and Goliath yellow cranes in the distance! The first, Goliath, is 96 metres tall, while the second, Samson, is 106 metres high.
They were built in 1969 and 1974 by Krupp-Ardelt and are capable of lifting loads of up to 840 tonnes!
These two cranes were used to load material for shipbuilding, for Harland and Wolff, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders at the time!
As a reminder, it was this same builder who built the Titanic many years ago!
The arrival of these two cranes in the 1970s meant real hope for Belfast. At the time, the town was going through a particularly difficult period, with few shipyards… The construction of these two cranes gave the town the prospect of new industrial projects. A real boost for the Belfast economy!
Today, these cranes have become real attractions in Northern Ireland’s capital. Thousands of visitors flock to their feet to admire their impressive proportions.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
West Bank Drive, Titanic Quarter (County Antrim) - Northern Ireland
54.604982851534125, -5.905344830063104
