North Belfast is Worth Getting to Know
North Belfast, with its head in the mountains and feet paddling in Belfast Lough is one of the oldest and most fascinating areas of the city, jam-packed with historical, architectural and even geological attractions.
Any tour should start in the docklands. Sinclair Seamen's Church in Corporation Street reflects the maritime heritage of the Sailortown Area. The church was designed in 1857 by Belfast's great architect, Sir James Lanyon, and today still ministers to visiting sailors. The interior is filled with unique nautical artefacts, including a lectern shaped like a ship's prow. Before each service the bell of the HMS Hood rings to call the faithful. (open to visitors 2-4 pm Wednesdays)
Another Lanyon landmark is the Throne on Whitewell Road, home of Sir Samuel Ferguson, once hailed Ireland's national poet. And you can't miss the next local landmark, just up the Shore Road. Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle is the largest church built in the British Isles since the Second World War - some contrast to the Seamen's Church!
Clifton Street Graveyard is one of the city's most venerable, and last resting place of many of Ireland's most celebrated clergy, entrepreneurs and patriots, including Henry Joy McCracken and poet William Drennan, credited with coining the phrase 'the Emerald Isle'. Neighbouring Clifton House, the oldest public building in Belfast, was formerly a poor house. Henry Joy's beloved sister spent a lifetime here tending to the needy and was laid to rest nearby.
Crumlin Road Gaol, yet another imposing Lanyon edifice, no longer holds prisoners, but is enjoying a new role as a film and television set and is now open for tours.
Take Cliftonville Road straight uphill to Belfast Castle and you can climb to the top of Cave Hill and enjoy a superb panorama over North Belfast and across the Lough to North Down. Belfast Zoo is also on the slopes of Cave Hill.
One of the best ways to discover the 'real North Belfast', meet the locals and hear the stories behind the sites is to take a Belfast Safari. To set up a personalised tour, go to: info@belfastsafaris.com or contact the Belfast Welcome Centre on + 44 (0) 28 9024 6609.
