belfast

What to see
The building was designed in 1860 by Father Jeremiah
McAuley, a trained Belfast architect prior to entering Orders,
and completed in 1866. Its magnificent twin spires
were added in 1886 and dominate West Belfast’s skyline.
The tower holds a carillon of 11 bells and, following major
restoration, the cathedral now boasts fine examples
of high Victorian Gothic decoration.QA-2, St. Peter’s
Square, off Falls Rd, M10, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 7573,
www.stpeterscathedralbelfast.com. hWB
Parks, Gardens & Mountains
Botanic Gardens
This meeting place for the city’s students, families and
couples first opened in 1895. Its grounds are a profusion
of colourful flowerbeds, expansive lawns and magnificent
trees. Take a steamy jungle walk in the Tropical Ravine or
marvel at the collection of outstanding tropical flora in the
iron-and-glass Victorian Palm House. The Ulster Museum
and a statue of Victorian scientist Lord Kelvin are located
within the grounds. QB-5, Stranmillis Rd, M8, www.
belfastcity.gov.uk/parks. SB
Cave Hill Country Park
Belfast’s most striking backdrop looms dramatically above
the north of the city. Its craggy skyline rises 360m to the
sheer cliff face of McArt’s Fort, named after 16th Century
chieftain Art O’Neill. This prominent landmark’s instantly
recognisable silhouette is known locally as Napoleon’s
Nose, and the hill itself is pockmarked with those eponymous
caves. Marked trails, suitable for all walking levels (we
suggest you start your energetic stroll from Belfast Castle),
guide you to the summit for unparalleled views stretching
all the way to the Mountains of Mourne - it’s as though
a map of NI has been unfolded before your eyes.QF-1,
Antrim Rd, M1, www.belfastcity.gov.uk. NB
Belfast Castle
Beneath Napoleon’s Nose on Cave Hill nestles this 19th
Century Scottish Baronial-style building presented to the
city in 1934 by the philanthropic Shaftesbury family. Weekends
are often awash with traditional white weddings, so
wish the happy couple ’good luck’ then go explore the
manicured grounds with their cute Cat Garden, stunning
city views and children’s adventure playground. Apres
stroll, indulge in high tea in the restaurant or rummage
around the quaint antique shop. The interpretive centre
contains info on the surrounding flora and fauna, Castle
wedding pics from yesteryear and a roofcam affording
close-up views of those city sights. Tours available.QF-1,
Antrim Rd, M1, tel. (+44) (0)28 9077 6925, www.belfastcastle.co.uk.
LKYhNB
Belfast Zoo
Over 1200 animals populate the 55 acre Cave Hill setting of
NI’s top fee-paying visitor attraction. Among the 140 species
living in its natural woodland habitat are ’Big Cats’, primates, gi-
Stormont
ESTATE AND
Parliament
Building This
164-hectare public
park provides
an awesome setting
for one of NI’s
most iconic landmarks. Climb the steps to gaze at the
imposing Portland Stone structure and see some great
city views.
Parliament Building was opened by Edward, Prince of
Wales in 1932 and is home to the restored NI Assembly.
The building stands at the top of the mile-long Prince
of Wales Avenue behind a statue of Lord Edward Carson
(Unionist MP regarded as the founding father of
the NI State). It is topped by the figure Britannia, and
nearby is Reconciliation, a small water sculpture depicting
a couple embracing across a divide.
Free guided tours run Mon-Fri 10:00 and 15:00
(hourly in July, Aug, Easter & Hallowe’en) taking in
the main entrance, Great Hall, Assembly and Senate
Chambers and Committee Room. On Mon from 12:00
and Tues from 10:30, you can watch proceedings from
the public gallery. There’s also a small gift and coffee
shop, and fantastic Mo Mowlam children’s play area.
Qoff H-3, Upr Newtownards Rd, M4, tel. (+44) (0)28
9052 1802, www.niassembly.gov.uk. YhEB
Crumlin Road Gaol and Courthouse
raffes, zebras, elephants, penguins and sea lions. The Zoo also
takes part in almost 100 international breeding programmes
designed to save endangered animals from extinction. A Rainforest
House, Bird Park, visitor centre and Zoovenir shop - as
well as some of the city’s best views - add to a memorable day
out. And lots of year-round fun and events give children
(and adults!) a greater understanding of the Zoo’s inhabitants.
Some gradients are steep, and much of the Zoo is
outdoors, so wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
QF-1, Antrim Rd, M1, tel. (+44) (0)28 9077 6277, www.
belfastzoo.co.uk. Daily 10:00 - 19:00. Last admission
17:00. Adult £11.50, senior, student and 4-17 £5.80, family
(2+3) £31, U4 free. LKY NB
Divis & Black Mountain (478m & 390m)
These twin peaks of limestone and basalt dominate West
and North West Belfast’s skyline. A BBC Transmitter masts
sits atop Divis whose Irish name translates as black back.
Former owners, the Ministry of Defence once used it for
army training and, allegedly, surveillance. Belfast’s highest
peaks were acquired by the National Trust and open
to the public in 2004. The Trust has uncovered 2000 acres
rich in biodiversity and archaeological interest, as well as
constructing signs, paths and the Long Barn visitor centre.
Be aware that this no Sunday stroll, though, and sudden
changes in the weather can make conditions treacherous.
Come prepared - wear wellies and wet-weather gear and
let someone know where you’re heading. To get there
What to see
The foreboding facing edifaces of Crumlin Road Gaol
and Courthouse are connected by an underground tunnel
once used to spirit prisoners from the Gaol to the
Courthouse for trial - and back if convicted.
The Neo-Palladian Courthouse was opened in 1850
and is topped by a scales-free figure of Justice. Closed in
1998, the dilapidated building is privately owned with
no plans for redevelopment.
Opened in 1845, the black basalt and red sandstone
Crumlin Road Gaol was designed by Sir Charles
Lanyon and inspired by the cutting-edge layout of
London’s Pentonville Prison. Four Wings (A-D) radiate
from a centre Circle and rise three storeys, with a
fourth basement level. Each small prison cell was built
for single occupancy, though many housed up to four
cellmates during the 1970s.
Early inmates included women, children, petty criminals
- some bound for Australia’s penal colonies and
suffragettes.
Throughout the Troubles, the Gaol witnessed many
breakouts, bombings and rooftop protests. Inmates and
internees of note have included politicians Ian Paisley
and Eamon de Valera, loyalist murderer Michael
Stone and Shankill Butcher Lenny Murphy.
The Gaol closed in 1996 and, following major restoration
re-opened in 2012 as a visitor attraction. Guided
75min tours take in the reception and Governor’s Corridor,
before descending into the haunted tunnel -
nighttime paranormal tours available.
The Circle, with its ornate railings and spiral staircase, is
the next stop before continuing down a restored wing
and into one of the 550 or so cells. At the end of the wing
is the Condemned Man’s Cell - larger than the others
to house two 24hr prison officers. Seventeen men were
executed here from 1854-1961, and all but two remain
buried in unmarked graves at the back of the complex.
Your first glimpse of the original hangman’s noose is
guaranteed to leave even the hardiest of visitors slackjawed.
And the descent to the basement ‘drop cell’ -
where the dead man was left to dangle until sure death -
will send a shiver down the straightest of spines. A short
walk outside reveals the large back yard, old hospital
building - and those unmarked graves. A gift shop and
cafe complete your unique day out, and regular events,
including Elvis and Johnny Cash tribute nights, make it
a unique nighttime venue. Q F-2, 53-55 Crumlin Rd,
M12, tel. (+44) (0)28 9074 1500, www.crumlinroadgaol.com.
Daily 09:30 - 17:00. Adult £8.50, 5-15 £6.50,
conc. £7, family (2+2) £25. Tours 10:00 - 16:30 daily.
From city centre, drive up Crumlin Road, past the Mater
Hospital, Crumlin Road Gaol and petrol station on
your right, turn right at traffic lights onto Cliftonpark
Ave, then take first right and follow signs to free car
park. HKLNB
take a Metro bus, walk or drive to the Upper Springfield
Rd. entrance, then trek to the summit for amazing views
stretching as far as Scotland on a clear day.Qoff F-3, Divis
Rd, tel. (+44) (0)28 9082 5434, www.nationaltrustni.
org.uk. LNB
Malone House & Barnett Demesne
Close to Shaw’s Bridge stands this elegant late Georgian mansion
with sweeping pastoral views across equally elegant
grounds. A very popular wedding venue, the building also has
a cafe and art gallery.Qoff F-3, Upper Malone Rd, tel. (+44)
(0)28 9068 1246, www.malonehouse.co.uk. LKYSB
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
This 128 acre oasis, south of the city, is a sweeping sea of rolling
lawns and swaying trees and a masterclass in floral landscaping.
19th Century Wilmont House was taken over by the Dixons
in 1919 and bequeathed to the ’citizens of Belfast’ by Lady
Dixon in 1959.Q off F-3, Upr Malone Rd, tel. (+44) (0)28 9027
0467, www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks. LKYSB
Museums & Galleries
Belfast barge
Inside the specially kitted-out MV Confiance floating maritime
museum you’ll find Holohan’s restaurant and, below
deck, info panels and interactive displays revealing the
city’s proud shipbuilding past. Find out about The Belfast
30 Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com facebook.com/BELFASTIYP
August - September 2014 31