Forgotten Folk
Fortwilliam Park and its Rich History
The story of Fortwilliam Park from it’s earliest times featuring a past fort, it’s wealthy merchants and a famous actress.
Places
Places of interest in Belfast and the neighbouring counties
Famous Folk
‘Toothless’ Shane – the Outlaw Hero of County Tyrone
Stories of the life and exploits of County Tyrone’s cunning outlaw, ‘Toothless’ Shane Bernagh remain popular today.
Historical Places
Carrickfergus and its Ancient Inn with a Spooky Past – Dobbins Inn
The tale of the ancient Dobbins Inn in Carrickfergus and its tumultuous past including an ill-fated romance and ghostly inhabitants
Historical Places
‘The Light of the World’ – From the Abbey to Bangor Castle
The history of Bangor Castle on the site of the earlier Abbey which was once renowned as ‘The Light of the World’
Historical Places
The Abbey at Whiteabbey – Another Lost Mansion?
The Abbey at Whiteabbey has undergone several major transformations in its time but now lies derelict, another lost mansion.
Historical Places
Victoria Street Belfast -A History
Today it is hard to imagine the grandeur of 19th century Victoria Street, once central to Belfast commerce. A few notable buildings remain.
Historical Places
The Glynn and The Luck of the Irish
Glynn, from the Irish ‘glean’ meaning ‘the valley’ is a small picturesque village in County Antrim in the barony of Lower Belfast.
Historical Places
Belfast Restaurant Memories – The Carlton and the Lombard
The story of two famous Belfast restaurants – The Carlton Restaurant in Donegall Place and Café and the Lombard Café in Lombard Street.
Forgotten Folk
Kilclief Castle and the Scandalous Bishop Sely
Kilclief Castle, an old tower-house on the shore of Strangford Lough County Down, is often remembered for a scandalous occupant, Bishop Sely
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.
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?
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!
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.
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…