Historical Places
Lost Mansions: Purdysburn
The story behind Purdysburn mansion, later to become Belfasts Mental Health and Infectious Diseases hospital.
Places
The Christmas Storm of 1894
On the night of 21st to 22nd December 1894 the north of Ireland was battered by a ferocious storm leaving devastation in its wake.
Historical Places
Antrim Round Tower and the Witch
Round towers are early mediaeval stone towers predominantly found in Ireland. Antrim Round Tower is one of the finest surviving examples.
Forgotten Folk
Forster Green – The ‘Industrious and Humble’ Philanthropist
Forster Green – “It is no exaggeration to say that Belfast sustains one of the heaviest bereavements that has ever befallen it…”
Historical Places
Ballymacarrett Glass – Belfast’s Forgotten Glassworks
While Irelands Waterford Glass and Galway Cut Crystal are celebrated, few remember that Belfast also had famous glassworks at Ballymacarrett
Historical Places
How Fountain Street got its Name
Fountain Street, known once to locals as ‘water street’ was one of the most frequented streets in the town but where were the fountains?
Forgotten Folk
The Last Public Execution in Belfast
On Friday 6th September 1816 John Doe and John Magill were hanged in Castle Place opposite the doors of Belfast’s Bank Buildings.
Historical Places
Park Lodge – A ‘Lost Mansion’ and its Eccentric Builder
The story of Park Lodge – a ‘lost’ Belfast mansion with an eccentric builder, links to Napoleon and an ambitious amphibious craft!
Forgotten Folk
A Belfast Memorial to the Forgotten Dr Thomas Thompson
Belfast’s Dr Thomas Thompson dedicated himself to helping the sick and ailing of the city under the most dangerous of circumstances.
Historical Places
Royal Hotel – ‘The most excellent hotel’ in Belfast
Originally known as Donegall House, the Royal Hotel in Donegall Place became known throughout Europe as a superb hotel for wealthy travellers.
Forgotten Folk
Who were the Hearts of Steel?
The Hearts of Steel held sway over large areas of rural Ulster from 1770-1772 with many later playing a role in the US War of Independence.
Historical Places
Lost Mansions: The Grove, Belfast
The story of a ‘lost’ Belfast mansion, the Grove, with a fascinating history. Its gardens and lands are now a recreational park.
Historical Places
Greyabbey – “The first Gothic building in Ireland”
Greyabbey Village, just 15 miles from Belfast, is home to quaint houses, antiques shops and, most importantly, its spectacular historic Abbey.
Advice & Rules
Old Irish Proverbs and Sayings 1832
On November 10th 1832 the Dublin Penny Journal published an article on common Irish sayings and proverbs. Read a sample here
Historical Places
The Smithfield Mill Disaster, 20th January 1902
On Monday 20th January 1902, a section of the Smithfield Flax Spinning and Weaving Mill collapsed killing 14 and maiming many.
Historical Places
From Hercules Lane to Royal Avenue, Belfast
Royal Avenue has existed from the 17th century but not as the broad commercial thoroughfare we know today. Read it’s colourful history…
Famous Folk
Banbridge – Pearls, Mail Coaches & the World’s First Flyover!
The story of Banbridge in County Down is memorable for its linen & pearl trades, a historic mail coach and the worlds first flyover!
Advice & Rules
WW2 – Pocket Guide for Visiting American GIs
American soldiers, stationed in or passing through Northern Ireland during WW2 were provided with a Pocket Guide to Northern Ireland
Forgotten Folk
Movilla Abbey: International Fame & a Copyright Case
Movilla Abbey’s ruins offer no clues to the fame and importance once attached to this ancient site and its world’s first Copyright Dispute
Places
A Belfast Christmas Walk 2022
A walk around Belfast in the run up to Christmas with photos of the city centre, the Christmas Market, Laganside views and Botanic Gardens
Forgotten Folk
Redmond O’Hanlon – A formidable 17th Century Outlaw
Redmond O’Hanlon (Reamonn O’hAnluain) was probably the most successful outlaw in Ireland in the seventeenth century.
