Forgotten Folk
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…”
Historical Places
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
Historical Places
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?
Forgotten Folk
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.
Historical Places
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!
Forgotten Folk
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.
Historical Places
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.
Forgotten Folk
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.
Historical Places
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.
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.
Historical Places
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…
Places
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
Historical Places
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”
Historical Places
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.
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
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.
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
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…
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
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.
Forgotten Folk
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.
