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.
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.
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…
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.
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”
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?
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
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.