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
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…
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
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.
Places
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.
Forgotten Folk
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.
Famous Folk
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.
Historical Places
Waring Street Belfast – From Early days to the Merchant Hotel
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
Historical Places
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
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.
Places
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
Historical Places
Roughfort, County Antrim – A Tale of Dolmens and Dragoons
Roughfort, Co Antrim, has 3 historic sites close to each other – a Bronze Age passage grave, a Norman motte and a 200+yo Liberty Tree
Places
Queen’s Arcade – The last remaining Victorian Shopping Arcade in Belfast.
Queen’s Arcade, constructed in 1880, is the last remaining Victorian Arcade still open in the city of Belfast.
Places to See
Belfast – A walk around the Queen’s Quarter
A walk around Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter – this is the area around Queen’s University Belfast and the neighbouring Botanic Gardens