Historical Places
The Ghosts of St George’s – The Cemetery of Forgotten Souls
The story of the ‘forgotten cemetery’ at St George’s Church, Belfast and the fate of the dead beneath our streets
The story of the ‘forgotten cemetery’ at St George’s Church, Belfast and the fate of the dead beneath our streets
Belfast’s First Town Hall “A Rate made and agreed uppon by the Sovraigne and Burgesses the 12th day of October 1639 for the fittinge of the Towne Hall with p’titiones bench and a Barr & other necessaryes for the use of the Courts” This is the first mention of a Read more…
The story of Fortwilliam Park from it’s earliest times featuring a past fort, it’s wealthy merchants and a famous actress.
The tale of the ancient Dobbins Inn in Carrickfergus and its tumultuous past including an ill-fated romance and ghostly inhabitants
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.
The story of two famous Belfast restaurants – The Carlton Restaurant in Donegall Place and Café and the Lombard Café in Lombard Street.
A look at old newspaper adverts from 1899-1920. Some are curious to modern eyes, others untrustworthy and many are funny.
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
Fountain Street, known once to locals as ‘water street’ was one of the most frequented streets in the town but where were the fountains?
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!
Belfast’s Dr Thomas Thompson dedicated himself to helping the sick and ailing of the city under the most dangerous of circumstances.
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 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…
A walk around Belfast in the run up to Christmas with photos of the city centre, the Christmas Market, Laganside views and Botanic Gardens