Historical Places
Lost Mansions: Purdysburn
The story behind Purdysburn mansion, later to become Belfasts Mental Health and Infectious Diseases hospital.
Historical places of interest ranging from castles to cottages, domains to dolmens, battlegrounds to birthplaces. Places of interest to us and also, hopefully, to you.
The story behind Purdysburn mansion, later to become Belfasts Mental Health and Infectious Diseases hospital.
Round towers are early mediaeval stone towers predominantly found in Ireland. Antrim Round Tower is one of the finest surviving examples.
While Irelands Waterford Glass and Galway Cut Crystal are celebrated, few remember that Belfast also had famous glassworks at Ballymacarrett
Fountain Street, known once to locals as ‘water street’ was one of the most frequented streets in the town but where were the fountains?
The story of Park Lodge – a ‘lost’ Belfast mansion with an eccentric builder, links to Napoleon and an ambitious amphibious craft!
Originally known as Donegall House, the Royal Hotel in Donegall Place became known throughout Europe as a superb hotel for wealthy travellers.
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.
The story of a ‘lost’ Belfast mansion, the Grove, with a fascinating history. Its gardens and lands are now a recreational park.
Greyabbey Village, just 15 miles from Belfast, is home to quaint houses, antiques shops and, most importantly, its spectacular historic Abbey.
On Monday 20th January 1902, a section of the Smithfield Flax Spinning and Weaving Mill collapsed killing 14 and maiming many.
Royal Avenue has existed from the 17th century but not as the broad commercial thoroughfare we know today. Read it’s colourful history…
The story of Banbridge in County Down is memorable for its linen & pearl trades, a historic mail coach and the worlds first flyover!
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
The story of the Belfast Warehouse described by Oscar Wilde as “beautiful in colour, and very beautiful in design”
The story of Winecellar Entry from its earliest incarnation as Bigart’s Alley to the entry of today, best known for its historic tavern.
Millfield’s appearance today of a bland city centre road belies its rich history as a main arterial route from Dublin to Carrickfergus.
Killyleagh Castle dates back to 1180 with a stormy history involving Vikings, sieges, wars, suspicious deaths, divided houses and ghostly sightings.
Reported initially in 1913, the Cave Hill ghost proved a mystery and a source of fascination for years. What was the ghosts tale?
An island off the coast of Ireland – seen by many over a thousand years until it vanished only to reappear every 7 years
Rathlin Island, County Antrim is a short ferry journey from Ballycastle and offers a perfect escape from your everyday life.
Loughareema – Now you see it now you don’t! Location Not far from the bustling seaside resort of Ballycastle in County Antrim is the beautiful lake of Loughareema. Some days the lake appears full of clear glistening water however, at other times it is a barren muddy basin, thus earning Read more…