Historical Places
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.
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
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.
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
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
Places
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…
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
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
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.
Places
Shankill Graveyard – A Fascinating History
Shankill Graveyard has a fascinating 1,500 year history featuring St Patrick, plagues, famine, a bullaun stone & Resurrection Men
Forgotten Folk
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
Historical Places
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.
Forgotten Folk
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.
Forgotten Folk
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.
Historical Places
St Nicholas Church, Carrickfergus
St Nicholas Church has a fascinating history dating back to 1182AD with great architecture & design, beautiful windows and historic artefacts
Historical Places
The War Goddess of Boa Island
The Caldragh Cemetery on Fermanagh’s Boa Island is home to two ancient statues. One is ‘Badha’ – the Celtic Goddess of War or ‘battle fury’
Forgotten Folk
The Holy Well of Saint Olcan – Every Tatter Tells a Story
The story of Saint Olcan and his Holy Well – for centuries a source of hope to pilgrims and those suffering. Every rag holds someone’s pain
Historical Places
The Story of Belfast City Cemetery
The Belfast City Cemetery was opened in 1869 by Belfast Corporation. Nearly a quarter of a million people are buried in this tranquil place
Historical Places
Clifton Street Cemetery – The New Burying Ground
Clifton Street Cemetery – a historic burying ground with tales of the great and the good, of Cholera and Famine, poverty and of rebellion.
Historical Places
Mallusk Burying Ground, County Antrim
Mallusk Burying Ground is another old cemetery with a few tales to tell – featuring a wealth of history and information.