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.
True Stories
True stories from Belfast and beyond
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
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.
Famous Folk
Half-hung McNaughten – A Victim or a Villain?
McNaughten’s true tale has everything – a charming rogue a beautiful young lady, a marriage denied leading to death and punishment.
Places
WW2 – The US Flying Fortress Crash on the Cave Hill
On 1st June 1944, en route to assist the Allies, a US B-17 Plane crashed into the Cave Hill in north Belfast.
Historical Places
Killyleagh Castle – Vikings, Sieges, a Ghost and a Suspicious Death
Killyleagh Castle dates back to 1180 with a stormy history involving Vikings, sieges, wars, suspicious deaths, divided houses and ghostly sightings.
Forgotten Folk
The Mystery of the Cave Hill Ghost
Reported initially in 1913, the Cave Hill ghost proved a mystery and a source of fascination for years. What was the ghosts tale?
Historical Places
Hy Brasil – The True Story of a Mythical Island
An island off the coast of Ireland – seen by many over a thousand years until it vanished only to reappear every 7 years
Historical Places
Loughareema – The Vanishing Lake
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…
Historical Places
The Opening of St Peter’s Cathedral in Belfast
St Peter’s Church On 29th June 1986, St Peter’s Church in the lower Falls district of west Belfast, was officially designated the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Down and Connor. The church had opened on 14th October 1866, with its iconic twin spires being added 20 years later. Over Read more…
Historical Places
Kinbane Castle – A Hidden Gem on County Antrim’s Coast
Kinbane Castle, County Antrim, stands on a rocky promontory jutting out into the wild Atlantic Ocean in a magnificent setting.
Forgotten Folk
Betsy Gray and the Battle of Ballynahinch
Betsy Gray’s role in the Battle of Ballynahinch was courageous and principled. Through her bravery she became known as ‘Ulster’s Joan of Arc’.
Famous Folk
Templecorran, Ballycarry – Churches, Rebellion and Poetry
Templecorran Church, Ballycarry offers a fascinating insight into local history – an early monastery, Plantation, Rebellion and Poetry
Forgotten Folk
Cairndhu House – Wealth, Charity, Dereliction & Hauntings
Cairndhu House, now derelict, is an impressive building with pointed roofs & ornate ironwork harking back to a time of glamour & charity.
Famous Folk
The Disappearance of Captain Francis Crozier – Frozen in Time
Francis Crozier was an Arctic explorer of great skill & bravery. His disappearance with his ship & crew is a tragedy remembered to this day
Famous Folk
Body Snatchers – Death, Resurrection Men… and Murder
In 18th century Ireland body snatching was a real problem throughout the country. A variety of tactics were employed to deter the thieves…
Forgotten Folk
The Fuldiew Deaths – Romance on the Stone
A peaceful County Antrim bay at the village of Cushendun, a couple in love and a tragedy that reverberates to this day.
Forgotten Folk
Nora’s Grave – A True Story of Love & Death
The love story of Nora Tattersall & George Arthur and their tragic deaths on the Cavehill, County Antrim in 1890 resonates to this day
Forgotten Folk
The Prosecution of the Carnmoney Witch
The true story of ‘white witch’ Mary Butters, her attempt to cure a bewitched cow and her subsequent prosecution in court.
Forgotten Folk
Sinclair Kelburn – The Tale of the Minister with a Musket
Rev Sinclair Kelburn was blessed with a strong social conscience and became involved with the reforming movement within the city of Belfast.