100 of our most recent posts

The list below shows the latest 100 Belfast Entries posts sorted by date. Why not take a look through the list for posts that may be of interest.

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  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.
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  ‘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.
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  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
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  ‘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’
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  Lucifers Inferno & its Ghosts – Millfield, Belfast 1882
  The tragic loss of life at Lucifers Matchstick Factory in Belfast 1882 serves as a reminder of the poor working conditions of our ancestors
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  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.
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  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.
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  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.
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  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.
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  Irish Author Quotes on Life, Love, Family and Death
  A selection of quotations by Irish authors on life and it’s lessons, love & relationships, family and death.
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  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
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  A Selection of Local Newspaper Adverts 1899 – 1920
  A look at old newspaper adverts from 1899-1920. Some are curious to modern eyes, others untrustworthy and many are funny.
• 
  Lost Mansions: Purdysburn
  The story behind Purdysburn mansion, later to become Belfasts Mental Health and Infectious Diseases hospital.
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  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.
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  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.
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  Forster Green – The ‘Industrious and Humble’ Philanthropist
  Forster Green – “It is no exaggeration to say that Belfast sustains one of the heaviest bereavements that has ever befallen it…”
• 
  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
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  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?
• 
  The Last Public Execution in Belfast
  On Friday 6th September 1816 John Doe and John Magill were hanged in Castle Place opposite the doors of Belfast’s Bank Buildings.
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  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!
• 
  A Belfast Memorial to the Forgotten Dr Thomas Thompson
  Belfast’s Dr Thomas Thompson dedicated himself to helping the sick and ailing of the city under the most dangerous of circumstances.
• 
  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.
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  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.
• 
  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.
• 
  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.
• 
  Old Irish Proverbs and Sayings 1832
  On November 10th 1832 the Dublin Penny Journal published an article on common Irish sayings and proverbs. Read a sample here
• 
  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.
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  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…
• 
  Banbridge – Pearls, Mail Coaches & the World’s First Flyover!
  The story of Banbridge in County Down is memorable for its linen & pearl trades, a historic mail coach and the worlds first flyover!
• 
  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
• 
  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
• 
  A Belfast Christmas Walk 2022
  A walk around Belfast in the run up to Christmas with photos of the city centre, the Christmas Market, Laganside views and Botanic Gardens
• 
  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.
• 
  The Execution of Rev James Porter
  If James Porter had ignored the injustices around him, he would have lived a long comfortable life. Instead he stood by his principles
• 
  The Story of Belfast’s Very Beautiful Warehouse
  The story of the Belfast Warehouse described by Oscar Wilde as “beautiful in colour, and very beautiful in design”
• 
  Four Lives to Remember – From Ejector Seats to the Stars
  Lives of James Martin (The Ejector Seat), Thomas Romney Robinson (Astronomer), John Dunlop (Pneumatic Tyre), and Andrew Ashe (Musician)
• 
  Winecellar Entry and its Historic Tavern
  The story of Winecellar Entry from its earliest incarnation as Bigart’s Alley to the entry of today, best known for its historic tavern.
• 
  Half-hanged 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.
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  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.
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  One Belfast Street , 400 Years of History- Millfield
  Millfield’s appearance today of a bland city centre road belies its rich history as a main arterial route from Dublin to Carrickfergus.
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  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.
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  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?
• 
  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
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  Rathlin Island – An Eventful History, Beautiful Scenery and Puffins!
  Rathlin Island, County Antrim is a short ferry journey from Ballycastle and offers a perfect escape from your everyday life.
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  From Lios na gCearrbhach to Lisburn – The Story of a City
  Lisburn Location The city of Lisburn sits on the river Lagan, the dividing line between Counties Antrim and Down. Situated in the barony of Massereene, less than 10 miles south-west of Belfast. The area has a long and varied history which is not widely known. “No town on the line … Read more
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  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
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  The Cave Hill, McArt’s Fort, Games & Thrones, the Sleeping Giant and more
  Besides the stunning views from McArt’s Fort over Belfast, the Cave Hill has many other interesting tales to tell…
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  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
• 
  Kelly’s Cellars – Step Back in Time in this Old Belfast Pub
  Kelly’s Cellars is one of Belfast’s oldest & most popular pubs having first opened it’s doors to the public over 300 years ago.
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  Belfast’s Extraordinary Inventor – Samuel Davidson (Sirocco Works)
  Samuel Davidson, founder of Belfast’s Sirocco Works, deserves recognition for his innovative genius in engineering and other fields.
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  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.
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  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’.
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  Templecorran, Ballycarry – Churches, Rebellion and Poetry
  Templecorran Church, Ballycarry offers a fascinating insight into local history – an early monastery, Plantation, Rebellion and Poetry
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  Elizabeth Gould Bell – A Forgotten Heroine
  Elizabeth Gould Bell should be remembered for her support for the poor and sick and her commitment to the ‘votes for women’ campaign.
• 
  Belfast’s Donegall Place and the Imperial Hotel
  The Imperial Hotel – “no establishment in the city of Belfast is so well known in all quarters of the globe as the Imperial Hotel”   
• 
  Olderfleet Castle, Larne – Vikings, Invasion & Rebellion
  On the Antrim coast, just south of Larne Harbour, are the remains of Olderfleet Castle with a history featuring Vikings, Invasion, Rebellion
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  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.
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  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
• 
  Life Lessons – Proverbs, Wit and Wisdom from 1858
  A look at some proverbs, wit and wisdom from 1858. Some sayings are obviously dated but others still ring true today.
• 
  Bonamargy Friary – War, Treasure & the Black Nun’s Ghost
  Minutes from Ballycastle beach, Bonamargy Friary’s history involves rival clan battles, priceless manuscripts, buried treasure & a nun’s ghost
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  Cushendun – Game of Thrones & an Iconic TV Series
  Situated in the Glens of Antrim, the picturesque village of Cushendun lies on the north coast. But what links it to two classic TV dramas?
• 
  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…
• 
  Belfast’s Theatre Royal – Built 3 Times, Destroyed 3 Times
  The story of Belfast’s Theatre Royal from it’s creation in 1793 to its unfortunate end in 1915. A history of both success and disaster
• 
  Black Francis – The Highwayman of Fermanagh & Donegal
  Black Francis was a famous highwayman in the late eighteenth century. His daring exploits have long been the source of local folklore
• 
  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.
• 
  Crown Liquor Saloon – ‘One of the great bars of the world’
  The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast (est 1849) has been described as the finest example of Victorian Gothic décor to be found anywhere
• 
  Castle Place – The Inn, the Jailhouse & Robb’s Store
  The surprising history of Robb’s Department Store in Belfast’s Castle Place includes a famous Belfast inn, a rebellion and a jailhouse.
• 
  Ardglass, County Down – Battles, Tower Houses and Herrings
  Ardglass is a peaceful little village 34 miles from Belfast with a picturesque harbour, a healthy fishing industry & a turbulent history
• 
  The Linen Hall Library-A History of Education, Philanthropy & Rebellion
  The Linen Hall Library grew from the Belfast Reading Society established in 1788. It’s history embraces Learning, Philanthropy and Rebellion.
• 
  St Malachy’s Church – “Strangers will look with admiration”
  Saint Malachy’s Church in Belfast is a Grade A listed building near the heart of the city noted for it’s stunning design.
• 
  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
• 
  Unusual Laws in Old Belfast 1613 – 1816
  A look at some of the laws & regulations of old Belfast Town that may appear very unusual or strange to modern eyes.
• 
  Shankill Graveyard – A Fascinating History
  Shankill Graveyard has a fascinating 1,500 year history featuring St Patrick, plagues, famine, a bullaun stone & Resurrection Men
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  A Walk on Carnmoney Hill, County Antrim
  Carnmoney Hill, 6 miles north of Belfast, rises to a height of 761ft allowing beautiful views over the city, shoreline and Belfast Lough.
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  Rules for a Happy Marriage – Published in 1858
  Marriage guidance for husband and wife, published in 1858, in the form of a dozen rules to ensure a happy marriage
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  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.
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  Ligoniel – The Village by the River
  Source of the Ligoniel River The Ligoniel River is not one of Belfast’s better known waterways but it did play an important role in the development of the northern outskirts of Belfast and in the town itself. Ligoniel River rises from a number of springs leaking through the peaty soil … Read more
• 
  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.
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  The story of Ormeau Park and it’s ‘Lost’ Mansion
  Ormeau Park in the South East of Belfast was the city’s first public park. The park’s history tells of wealth and waste and a “lost” Mansion.
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  The Forgotten Town of Coole & the Church of the Holy Evangelists
  The story of Coole parish includes a forgotten town, supernatural pacts, philanthropy & the history of the Church of the Holy Evangelists
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  James Haddock – The Ghost Who Gave Evidence 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
• 
  The Story of Saint Brigid
  1st February is the feast day of St Brigid of Ireland. This early Irish saint is renowned for her kindness, learning and sanctity.
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  Waring Street Belfast – One of Belfasts Oldest Streets with links to Gulliver’s Travels.
  Belfast’s Waring Street has a rich history with links to sea trade, ceramics, and Gulliver’s Travels. It now hosts the opulent Merchant Hotel
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  Ballymacarrett – From a Rural Village to a Shipbuilding Giant
  A history of Ballymacarrett from it’s rural beginnings, to a small village and subsequent emergence as a hub of Belfast industry & enterprise
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  Castle Robin – From a Bronze Age Rath to a Motte and Castle
  The history of the Castle Robin site in the townland of Mullaghglass dates back to the Bronze Age and features a rath, a motte and a castle
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  Friendly Advice – Do not keep a cow in the house longer than a year
  Catherine Alexander’s book “Friendly Advice to Irish Mothers on Training their Children” (1839) aims to educate mothers on parenting
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  Hannahstown & it’s Church on the Hill – A Turbulent History
  A brief history of Hannahstown, it’s Church and the turbulent times endured by the people of the parish.
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  Ann Street, Belfast – The Early Days
  Ann Street, one of Belfast’s oldest streets, has seen the modern city of Belfast grow from a small village on the banks of the River Farset
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  The Three Presbyterian Churches of Rosemary Street, Belfast
  The First Presbyterian Church built in 1695 is the oldest surviving church in the Belfast with an eventful history
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  The Games Children Played
  Growing up in Belfast decades ago, children usually played out in the streets given the chance. These are some of the games we remember.
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  Michael Andrews – Champion of the Poor, the Working Classes & the Disabled
  Michael Andrews should also be remembered for his philanthropy and concern for the all of inhabitants of Belfast.
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  A Belfast Christmas Walk – December 2021
  A Christmas walk around Belfast to sample the festive atmosphere at this special time of year. Plenty of photos to see.
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  The Life & Art of Frank McKelvey
  Belfast’s Frank McKelvey is famous for rural landscapes of the north of Ireland, in particular the Lagan Valley, Bessbrook, Armagh & Donegal
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  Belfast Sea Sculptures – Celebrating our maritime history
  Belfast features a range of sea sculptures in commemoration of it’s maritime history. A number of these sculptures are presented in this post
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  Old Banagher Church and the Last Dragon in Ireland
  Today Banagher old church stands quietly on its grassy drumlin. Its stories of saints, dragons, outlaws and holy sand are all but forgotten.
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  Shipwreck! The Story of the Girona
  The Girona story covers the Spanish Armada of 1588, war at sea, nature unleased and death. Only the Girona treasures remain.
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  Ardoyne – The Story of a Village
  Today Ardoyne is a busy working-class district in north Belfast. However it was once a village in beautiful countryside. This is it’s story.
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  Pottinger’s Entry – One of Belfast’s oldest streets
  The small alleys known as “the entries” are at the heart of historic Belfast. Pottinger’s Entry is one of the best known.
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  Shane Crossagh – The Outlaw of the Glen
  The fact that the name of Shane Crossagh remains synonymous with bravery and justice reflects his popularity in those most dangerous times.
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  Thomas McCabe – Champion of the Poor & the enslaved
  Background Thomas McCabe was born in Lurgan in 1739. He was the son of Patrick McCabe, a watch-maker, and Mary Maziere. Mary was born of French parents Samuel de la Maziere and Jeanne Vallee. Samuel was a jeweller. Thomas was the eldest of four boys Thomas, William, John and James. … Read more