Crafts and Industries of Belfast and its wider environment
A look at some proverbs, wit and wisdom from 1858. Some sayings are obviously dated but others still ring true today.
A look at some of the laws & regulations of old Belfast Town that may appear very unusual or strange to modern eyes.
Marriage guidance for husband and wife, published in 1858, in the form of a dozen rules to ensure a happy marriage
The true story of ‘white witch’ Mary Butters, her attempt to cure a bewitched cow and her subsequent prosecution in court.
The strange tale of James Haddock, a man who died in 1657 but whose ghost returned subsequently to give evidence in Carrickfergus Court
Catherine Alexander’s book “Friendly Advice to Irish Mothers on Training their Children” (1839) aims to educate mothers on parenting
Growing up in Belfast decades ago, children usually played out in the streets given the chance. These are some of the games we remember.
Today Banagher old church stands quietly on its grassy drumlin. Its stories of saints, dragons, outlaws and holy sand are all but forgotten.
The fact that the name of Shane Crossagh remains synonymous with bravery and justice reflects his popularity in those most dangerous times.
Cantrell & Cochrane , now the world famous C&C brand, started out in a small shopfront on Castle Place, Belfast – the Ulster Medical Hall
On 13th September 1902 a meteorite fell to earth at a farm near Crumlin, about 12 miles from Belfast. It didn’t remain for long.
The last witch trial in Ireland that reached a verdict took place in March 1711 at the Old Courthouse in Carrickfergus.
A famous resident of north Belfast is Gordon Thompson, better known as Galloper Thompson, the phantom horseman!
The story of one Belfast company’s contribution to the fight on the twin challenges of scurvy and food poverty.
In 1839, Ireland was hit by a hurricane that caused devastation throughout the country. Nothing before or since comes close to the “Big Wind”
Naoise O’Haughan , known as Ness or Neesy, was born in 1691 at Skerry in County Antrim and went on to become Antrim’s Gentleman Outlaw
The story of Saint Olcan and his Holy Well – for centuries a source of hope to pilgrims and those suffering. Every rag holds someone’s pain
Sherlock Holmes is arguably the smartest fictional detective in literature but what connects him to real life Ulster tailor, John McGee?
King James 1 granted a royal license to make whiskey at Bushmills in April 1608. Bushmills is the oldest licensed distillery in the world
On a rocky outcrop near Doagh, County Antrim is the Celtic standing stone, known as the Holestone – a place of significance for millennia.