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…
Famous Folk
Banbridge – Pearls, Mail Coaches & the World’s First Flyover!
The story of Banbridge in County Down is memorable for its linen & pearl trades, a historic mail coach and the worlds first flyover!
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
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
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
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.
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
Rathlin Island – An Eventful History, Beautiful Scenery and Puffins!
Rathlin Island, County Antrim is a short ferry journey from Ballycastle and offers a perfect escape from your everyday life.
Historical Places
Loughareema – The Vanishing Lake
Loughareema – Now you see it now you don’t! Location Not far from the bustling seaside resort of Ballycastle in County Antrim is the beautiful lake of Loughareema. Some days the lake appears full of clear glistening water however, at other times it is a barren muddy basin, thus earning Read more…
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.
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.
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
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…