Stories involving Belfast & beyond. Read about our myths & legends over the centuries and true stories of our people and products.
Stories of the life and exploits of County Tyrone’s cunning outlaw, ‘Toothless’ Shane Bernagh remain popular today.
The history of Bangor Castle on the site of the earlier Abbey which was once renowned as ‘The Light of the World’
The tragic loss of life at Lucifers Matchstick Factory in Belfast 1882 serves as a reminder of the poor working conditions of our ancestors
The Abbey at Whiteabbey has undergone several major transformations in its time but now lies derelict, another lost mansion.
Today it is hard to imagine the grandeur of 19th century Victoria Street, once central to Belfast commerce. A few notable buildings remain.
A selection of quotations by Irish authors on life and it’s lessons, love & relationships, family and death.
A look at old newspaper adverts from 1899-1920. Some are curious to modern eyes, others untrustworthy and many are funny.
The story behind Purdysburn mansion, later to become Belfasts Mental Health and Infectious Diseases hospital.
On the night of 21st to 22nd December 1894 the north of Ireland was battered by a ferocious storm leaving devastation in its wake.
Round towers are early mediaeval stone towers predominantly found in Ireland. Antrim Round Tower is one of the finest surviving examples.
Forster Green – “It is no exaggeration to say that Belfast sustains one of the heaviest bereavements that has ever befallen it…”
While Irelands Waterford Glass and Galway Cut Crystal are celebrated, few remember that Belfast also had famous glassworks at Ballymacarrett
On Friday 6th September 1816 John Doe and John Magill were hanged in Castle Place opposite the doors of Belfast’s Bank Buildings.
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.
On November 10th 1832 the Dublin Penny Journal published an article on common Irish sayings and proverbs. Read a sample here
On Monday 20th January 1902, a section of the Smithfield Flax Spinning and Weaving Mill collapsed killing 14 and maiming many.
American soldiers, stationed in or passing through Northern Ireland during WW2 were provided with a Pocket Guide to Northern Ireland
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