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.
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’.
Forgotten Folk
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.
Historical Places
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”
Famous Folk
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
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
Advice & Rules
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.
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
Places
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?
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…
Historical Places
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
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.
Historical Places
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
Historical Places
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.
Historical Places
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
Historical Places
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.
Historical Places
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.
Advice & Rules
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.
Places
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