Belfast’s Hidden History: A Walking Tour

Belfast’s Hidden History: A Walking Tour
Ruairí Ó Baoill
Modern Belfast is ringed on both sides of Belfast Lough with beautiful mountain ranges containing archaeological sites dating back to the Mesolithic period, 10,000 years ago. What is less well-known, however, is that an exciting hidden history that spans 800 years back to the settlement established by the Anglo-Normans lies below the streets of the modern city and archaeologists have been exploring this hidden history for decades. This tour will bring to life the archaeology and history of Belfast and will explain the fascinating urban history underneath the city that we see today. The tour will describe how Belfast developed over the last eight centuries, the layout of the streets, the important buildings that it once contained- including three castles, a Medieval church and 17th century town defences. The tour will leave from the front gates of Belfast City Hall on Donegall Square North at 6.30 pm, proceed to Corn Market, the location of Belfast’s three castles, then on to St George’s Church on High Street where the Medieval Church once stood, close to the banks of the River Lagan. After this, the tour will progress to Waring Street and discuss the development of the town in the 17th century, Belfast’s 17th century town defences and then on through Belfast’s famous Cathedral Quarter to Donegall Street, opposite the magnificent St Anne’s Cathedral. Finally, the tour will make its back to Belfast City Hall, where it ends at 8.00 pm.