CONTENTS
2
2017 POLITICAL POSTERBack in 2017, this election poster posed the question: “Corbyn or May? Who can deliver a better future?” At that time, the political landscape was indeed in…
A
A BIG FISH STORYI met some tourists and I told them that it was good luck to kiss the Bigfish in Belfast and sure enough, much to my surprise that is what they did. That was in… ALEC THE GOOSEOutside the southern entrance of St. George's Market, along East Bridge Street in Belfast, you'll find a bronze sculpture of a goose and a young girl. This is… ALEC THE GOOSEOutside the southern entrance of St. George's Market, along East Bridge Street in Belfast, you'll find a bronze sculpture of a goose and a young girl. This is… AN ATTRACTIVE CHURCHDiscover the architectural history of the Iglesia Ni Cristo church building on University Avenue near Queen's University Belfast. Designed in 1937 by… ART BY ALAN BURKEAs a photographer, what strikes me most isn't just the "fantasy," but the clash of context. The square is a pristine plaza carved out of an aging urban block.… A STEVENSON SCREENDiscover the story behind the uniquely colourful Stevenson Screen at the Botanic Gardens, Belfast. Painted to match the iconic Chinese Pagoda, this essential… AT LYNON PLACEWhile some street art might still exist in the area, it is likely that much of what I saw in 2011 has changed or disappeared due to various factors. Of course I… ATTRACTIVE CHURCHThe building that houses the Iglesia Ni Cristo Church in Belfast was originally designed as the First Church of Christ Scientist by architect Clough…
B
BANKMORE SQUAREIf you’ve walked down Belfast’s Dublin Road recently, you might have noticed the changing face of the area. Amongst the red brick of the Linen Quarter and the… BANK OF IRELAND BUILDINGThe photographs included in this collection are from my May 2017 visit but, sadly, the building is now in worse condition in July 2024 and I would not be… BANK SQUARE IN BELFASTDiscover the rich history of Bank Square and Bank Street in Belfast. From the rebel meetings of the United Irishmen at Kelly's Cellars to the vibrant modern… BELFAST 2014Belfast in 2014 was a vibrant city with a number of significant events BELFAST 2025While specific day-to-day political events are dynamic, the broader political landscape in Northern Ireland in May/June 2025 continues to involve discussions… BELFAST BOTANIC GARDENSDiscover the Victorian elegance of the Belfast Botanic Gardens. Home to the iconic Palm House and the restored Tropical Ravine, these gardens offer a lush… BELFAST CITY CEMETERYAfter exploring Belfast City Cemetery, I found myself comparing it to the major cemeteries in Dublin, like Mount Jerome and Glasnevin. The difference wasn't… BELFAST CITY CEMETERY JULY 2026Discover a personal documentary account of navigating safety, history, and photography at Belfast City Cemetery. Learn why an early morning strategy is… BELFAST EMPIRE MUSIC HALLThe Belfast Empire Music Hall, located at the junction of Cameron Street and Botanic Avenue, has a fascinating history that dates back to its origins as a… BELFAST GASWORKSDiscover the history and success of the Gasworks Project in Belfast. This detailed overview explores the transformation of a contaminated industrial site into a… BELFAST GRAND CENTRALThe All-Island Strategic Rail Review outlines a transformative future for rail in Ireland, with Belfast Grand Central Station at its core. From reopening the… BELIEVE IN MAGICDiscover the story behind the "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it" wood carving at Stormont Estate. Created by sculptor Will Fogarty (Fear na… BELMONT PARKDiscover the hidden charm of Belmont Park in East Belfast. A 28-acre semi-wild oasis featuring wildflower meadows, woodland trails, and the famous "Unmasked"… BIG FISH BY JOHN KINDNESSDiscover the iconic Salmon of Knowledge in Belfast, a 10-metre ceramic masterpiece by John Kindness. Located at Donegall Quay, "The Big Fish" tells the city's… BLACK AND WHITE HALLThe most prominent statue is a bronze figure of Galileo Galilei, the renowned Italian astronomer and physicist. This statue, created by Pio Fedi, was installed… BLACKSTAFF SQUARE 2011Historically, the square was a bomb site and later became known for on-street drinking. However, in recent years, there have been efforts to revitalise the area… BLACKSTAFF SQUARE 2011Historically, the square was a bomb site and later became known for on-street drinking. However, in recent years, there have been efforts to revitalise the area… BLACKSTAFF SQUARE 2011Historically, the square was a bomb site and later became known for on-street drinking. However, in recent years, there have been efforts to revitalise the area… BOTANIC GARDENSIn 2017, the Botanic Gardens in Belfast were a vibrant and popular destination, offering visitors a mix of historical charm, botanical beauty, and cultural… BOTANIC GARDENS BELFASTBoth Belfast and Dublin's Botanic Gardens offer stunning escapes into the natural world, right in the heart of their respective cities. While they share a… BROKEN BUSBelfast has an extensive bus network, primarily operated by Translink. The Metro service is the main bus service for Belfast, operating throughout the city and… BROKEN BUSBelfast has an extensive bus network, primarily operated by Translink. The Metro service is the main bus service for Belfast, operating throughout the city and… BRUNSWICK STREETI have been photographing this area of the city centre once a year since 2006. In my early archival photos, this site was occupied by Brunswick House, an… BUOY PARKThe collection of maritime buoys that I photographed in 2017 was at the time located in Cathedral Gardens, an area in front of St. Anne's Cathedral in Belfast,… BY BETTY NEWMAN-MAGUIRESomeone painted the wall using brown paint and also painted over the elements of the installation so I had to doctor the photographs to make the metal figures…
C
CENTRAL STATION AND NEARBYDespite its name, Belfast Central Station was not actually located in the central part of Belfast. The name was a bit of a misnomer, leading to confusion for… CENTRAL STATION AND NEARBYDespite its name, Belfast Central Station was not actually located in the central part of Belfast. The name was a bit of a misnomer, leading to confusion for… CHAINSAW ART IN THE PARKAt first glance, the figure might be mistaken for a bird of prey due to its prominent perch, but it is, in fact, a Eurasian Jay. Created by the local chainsaw… CHINESE PAGODAI have been on a fascinating journey to uncover the story behind the Chinese Pagoda in Belfast's Botanic Gardens. It's hard to believe how frustrating it can be… CHINESE PAGODABack in 1997 the city council, recognising the importance of China in the global economy, started making links with the world's largest emerging market and made… CITY HALL MAY 2011Belfast City Hall in May 2011 including statues, monuments and memorials CITY QUAYDiscover how Belfast’s new urban landscape is changing everything from wildlife behaviour to iconic tourist views. Explore the "anvil" foraging techniques of… CITY QUAYS GARDENSDiscover City Quays Gardens in Belfast, a sustainable 2-acre urban park on Donegall Quay. Explore the iconic Gateway Nest sculpture and the "Echoes Below"… CITY QUAYS GARDENSDiscover City Quays Gardens, Belfast’s award-winning two-acre urban park. Learn about its One Planet Living sustainability standards, rich maritime heritage… CLARENDON DOCK AREAIf you stand at the junction of Clarendon Road and Pilot Street in Belfast, you are standing on a fault line between two worlds. On one side lies the gleaming… CROMAC SPRING WATERDiscover the story behind the giant bottle top sculpture at the Belfast Gasworks. Embossed with "Cromac Spring Water," this public art by Mike Hogg is a clever… CS LEWIS SQUARE 8 JULY 2026Opened in late 2016 to mark the 53rd anniversary of the author's death, the square celebrates Belfast-born Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963). While best known for… CUSTOM HOUSE SQUAREDiscover the history and modern vibrancy of Custom House Square, Belfast’s premier outdoor event space. From its 19th-century Lanyon-designed architecture and…
D
DECEMBER 2025 VISITExplore the history and 2025 restoration of The Upper and Lower Crescent in South Belfast. From the Regency-era vision of Robert Corry and Sir Charles Lanyon to… DEEP LOVE MURALDiscover a moody, nocturnal perspective on ADW’s iconic ‘Deep Love’ mural. Photographed during a storm on Dunbar Street in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, these… DERELICT ULSTER BANK BUILDINGThe former Ulster Bank building is located at 431-441 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1PG. It's a three-storey building designed in 1918 by Blackwood & Jury.
E
ECHOING BELOW SCULPTURE BY HOLGER LONZEDiscover "Echoing Below": Holger Lönze’s Newest Sculpture at Belfast’s City Quay Gardens Description: Explore the intersection of history and art in Belfast.… ECO AT QUEENS UNIVERSITYBased on a search of public art registers and collections in the UK and Ireland, "ECO" at Queen's University Belfast appears to be the only permanent public… ECO IS AN OPTICAL ILLUSIONAs a photographer, I have always been drawn to ECO. I’ve shot it dozens of times, fascinated by its texture. The sculpture is constructed from stacked layers of… ENTWINED MURAL BY JOLIEN DE WAYLEFor those documenting the evolving built environment of East Belfast, the corner of Newtownards Road and East Bread Street offers a fresh, compelling visual… EXAMPLES OF STREET ART AT YORK LANEA particularly striking addition to the street art scene in York Lane is a substantial mural by Sophi Odling, an Australian artist celebrated for her bold,… EXAMPLES OF STREET ART AT YORK LANEA particularly striking addition to the street art scene in York Lane is a substantial mural by Sophi Odling, an Australian artist celebrated for her bold,…
F
FAMOUS GANTRY CRANESContrary to popular belief, the cranes are not relics of the Victorian era. Goliath, the smaller of the two at 315 feet, was erected in 1969, with Samson… FIRST TIME TO VISIT RAVENHILL ROADDiscover the history and modern evolution of Ravenhill Road in Belfast. From its 19th-century origins as a racing stud estate to its current status as a premier… FORMER ORMEAU BAKERYThe Ormeau Bakery, established in 1875 by Robert Wilson, flourished under three generations of the Wilson family
G
GALLERY OF HUMAN STARS AT NIGHTBelfast’s urban landscape is a dynamic canvas, with its street art serving as a vibrant, ever-changing chronicle of the city’s pulse. Among its notable public… GALLERY OF STARSGlen Molloy, an artist sometimes referred to as the "Belfast Banksy", is the creative force behind this series of portraits. His work, particularly in the… GALLERY OF STARSGlen Molloy, an artist sometimes referred to as the "Belfast Banksy", is the creative force behind this series of portraits. His work, particularly in the… GASWORKS CLOCK TOWERExplore the history of the Belfast Gasworks on Ormeau Road. From the iconic Victorian clock tower to the decorative retort column, learn how this 19th-century… GASWORKS CLOCK TOWERExplore the history of the Belfast Gasworks on Ormeau Road. From the iconic Victorian clock tower to the decorative retort column, learn how this 19th-century… GASWORKS MAY 2011The Gasworks in Belfast, once the heart of the city's gas-making industry, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. GHOST BIKE MEMORIAL TO MICHAEL CAULFIELDThe Michael Caulfield Memorial, Belfast: On April 15, 2011, Michael Caulfield, a 56-year-old father of four, was cycling on the Ormeau Bridge in Belfast when he… GROSVENOR ROADDiscover the history of the heavily fortified building on Grosvenor Road, directly across from Belfast Grand Central Station. Once the strategic headquarters of… GROSVENOR STREET IN BELFASTGrosvenor Street, and its continuation Grosvenor Road, boasts a rich and diverse history within Belfast. Originally, the section west of Durham Street was known…
H
HAMILTON ROAD AT BELFAST HARBOURA photographic exploration of Hamilton Road in Belfast Harbour’s Titanic Quarter using the Leica Q3. Discover the industrial grit and the confusing,… HEAVY METAL TITANIC SIGNExplore the history, weight, and symbolism of the iconic 16-tonne Corten steel Titanic sign in Belfast's Titanic Quarter. Discover how weathered steel… HEFEI WILD GARDENNestled within the grounds is a secluded wooded area that often eludes official maps. While my research initially suggested the presence of various waterways,… HERDMAN MONUMENTDiscover the history of the Egyptian Revivalist Herdman Monument in Belfast City Cemetery, the industrial legacy of the Herdman family flax mills, and the… HIDDEN PEOPLEWe often think of public art as something that shouts for attention—giant stone monuments dominating open squares or brightly coloured murals claiming entire…
I
INSCRIBED IN STONEIt's important to remember that while graffiti is often seen as vandalism today, it has a long and complex history that reflects the human desire to communicate… INSCRIBED IN STONEIt's important to remember that while graffiti is often seen as vandalism today, it has a long and complex history that reflects the human desire to communicate… INSCRIBED IN STONEIt's important to remember that while graffiti is often seen as vandalism today, it has a long and complex history that reflects the human desire to communicate…
K
K6 PHONE KIOSK JULY 2026Discover the history and 2026 restoration of Belfast's historic 1769 Assembly Rooms and the listed red K6 Jubilee telephone kiosk at the intersection of North… KELLY'S EYE CLUBThe name "Kelly's Eye" is a term used in bingo to refer to the number one.
L
LAGAN LOOP NEAR STRANMILLISPhotographing this area provides more than just scenic river views; it captures the evolution of Belfast’s infrastructure. From the pioneering concrete of 1912… LAGAN WATERFRONT AT NIGHTThis was my first attempt at night photography without a tripod, relying solely on my Leica Q3. I rarely use tripods or flash, and despite the challenging… LAGAN WEIR AND QUEENS QUAYExplore Belfast's unique urban landscape where historic regeneration meets imposing flyovers. This blog post delves into the Lagan Weir, Queen's Quay, and… LANDSEER STREETDiscover the hidden charm of Landseer Street in Stranmillis, Belfast. From the dog-friendly fireside of The Jeggy Nettle to the ecological "Living Murals" of… LEGACY IMAGES2016Photographs extracted from the 2016 catalogs which have been supplied by William Murphy LOTS OF WOODVICTORIA PLACE APARTMENT BLOCK WELLWOOD STREET - SANDY ROW AREA
M
MARCH 2022 VISIT TO BELFASTBelfast in 2022 was in a state of cautious recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions had eased significantly compared to the previous year, but the… MAUGRIM THE WOLF BY MAURICE HARRONDiscover the chilling artistry of the Maugrim the Wolf sculpture at C.S. Lewis Square, Belfast. Created by renowned Irish sculptor Maurice Harron, this… MAY 2011 VISIT TO BELFASTBelfast in 2011 was a city of contrasts. It was the largest area in Northern Ireland with a population of 333,871 according to the 2011 Census. However, it was… MAY 2017 VISITExtracts from the 2017 photo catalogue which was created and published by William Murphy MICRO LANDSCAPEThere is something poetic about these micro-landscapes. On structures built to mark the end of life, these resilient little gardens have taken hold, turning… MINI CLUBMANFirst Generation (1969-1980): The original Clubman was introduced as a slightly larger and more practical version of the classic Mini. It featured a squarer… MONROE MURAL ON GREAT PATRICK STREETExplore the vibrant, neon-drenched street art of Belfast artist HMC (H.M. Constance) on Great Patrick Street near the Ulster University campus. Captured on a… MONUMENT TO THE UNKNOWN WOMAN WORKERThe "Monument to the Unknown Woman Worker" by Louise Walsh is a sculpture located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, at the entrance of the Europa Hotel. MORE LIKE LIVING IN REVELATIONSThe canvas is populated by Phlegm's signature surreal, spindly-limbed creatures, whimsical hybrid figures, odd contraptions, and towering wooden structures. In… MOTHER - DAUGHTER - SISTERI recently came across a piece of public art on Sandy Row in Belfast that stopped me in my tracks—not just because of the sculpture itself, but because of the… MOTHER - DAUGHTER - SISTERI recently came across a piece of public art on Sandy Row in Belfast that stopped me in my tracks—not just because of the sculpture itself, but because of the… MOTHER - DAUGHTER - SISTERI recently came across a piece of public art on Sandy Row in Belfast that stopped me in my tracks—not just because of the sculpture itself, but because of the… MURAL AT 135 ORMEAU ROADDiscover the story behind Reflections, the vibrant 45ft mural at the junction of University Street and Ormeau Road in Belfast. Painted by world-renowned street… MURALS AT GRAND CENTRAL 10 JULY 2026Explore the vibrant new street art gallery at Belfast Grand Central Station. Discover the stories behind the Durham Street and Grosvenor Road murals, featuring…
N
NEAR THE LAGAN WEIR MAY 2014The Lagan Weir, located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a significant structure that crosses the River Lagan between the Queen Elizabeth Bridge and the M3… NOT BY LOUISE WALSHLocated in Sandy Row, a historic and predominantly loyalist working-class area of Belfast, "Mother, Daughter, Sister" is a bronze sculpture depicting a single… NOT THE TALLEST BUILDINGI have come across some accounts that have described this as the tallest building in Ireland but I suspect that they are confusing it with the Obel which is… NUALA WITH THE HULAThere is a reason the locals affectionately call this landmark "Nuala with the Hula," though standing by Queen’s Bridge in the middle of a storm, she felt less…
O
OLIO RESTAURANTIt has since been renamed and is now known as Acton & Sons. My understanding is that they have kept the same friendly faces, great food, and family team, just… OLIO RESTAURANTIt has since been renamed and is now known as Acton & Sons. My understanding is that they have kept the same friendly faces, great food, and family team, just… OPPOSITE THE GASWORKSDiscover the secret history of Belfast's McConnell Weir along the East Bank of the River Lagan. Read an atmospheric photography account during Storm Bram in… ORMEAU PARK 9 JULY 2026Explore the rich history, current status, and future landscape plans for Ormeau Park, Belfast's oldest and largest municipal green space. Discover its origin as… ORMEAU PARK - THE GRANDEUR AND THE GRITrmeau Park is a space of contrast. It is a majestic remnant of Belfast’s aristocratic past that serves a vital modern function for the city's dog owners and… OWL AND FAIRY HOUSEDiscover the magic of the Owl and Fairy House sculpture on the Stormont Estate Woodland Trail. Explore hand-carved details, hidden squirrels, and interactive…
P
PAINT-A-BOX STREET ARTPaint-a-box street art is a public art project that involves transforming ordinary electrical utility boxes into vibrant works of art. This initiative aims to… PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART BY KVLRExplore the vibrant world of Belfast street art at C.S. Lewis Square. This stunning "Paint-A-Box" utility cabinet is a signature piece by renowned local artist… PEARL ASSURANCE HOUSE 2011-2025The building itself is a stunning exemplar of the High Victorian style, showcasing strong Gothic and Tudor Revival influences. Its most striking feature is the… POSTER CAMPAIGNThe "Great Expectations" campaign in Belfast is a strategic regeneration project by the Linen Quarter BID to revitalise Great Victoria Street. Aimed at… POUNDSTRETCHERThe Poundstretcher store located at 56 Castle Street in Belfast, near the junction with Queen Street. The building itself is a historic structure, and it… POUNDSTRETCHERThe Poundstretcher store located at 56 Castle Street in Belfast, near the junction with Queen Street. The building itself is a historic structure, and it… POYNTZPASS TO MULLAGLASSDiscover the rich railway heritage and glacial drumlin landscapes of Ireland with this visual documentation of the Dublin–Belfast main line. This section… PRINCE OF WALES AVENUEExplore the history of the Prince of Wales Avenue at Stormont. From its 1932 opening by Edward Windsor to the architectural secrets of its "forced perspective"… PUBLIC TRANSPORTTHERE ARE A NUMBER OF EXCELLENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THE VISITOR
Q
QUEENS UNIVERSITYThe difference in terminology between Queen's University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin is rooted in historical and cultural factors, rather than any…
R
RAMADA ENCOREWhen I visited Belfast in May 2017 I stayed at the Ramada Encore for five nights and it cost me £249 in total. Today they are charging about £200 per night… RANDOM IMAGES OF THE CEMETERYphotographic and historical exploration of Belfast City Cemetery. Discover the secrets of its Victorian "Garden Cemetery" design, the mystery of the missing… RANDOM STREET ART 25 MARCH 2019Discover the vibrant Belfast street art scene as it stood in March 2019. Moving beyond political murals, explore the non-partisan masterpieces of the Cathedral… RECLINING FIGUREThis striking bronze sculpture, "Reclining Figure", by Frederick Edward McWilliam (1909-1992), was relocated in 2013 from the David Keir Building quadrangle to… RED BRICK WALLThese images, captured in May 2017 and remastered in July 2024, showcase the vibrant street art scene in Belfast. They feature the works of two renowned… RED BRICK WALLThese images, captured in May 2017 and remastered in July 2024, showcase the vibrant street art scene in Belfast. They feature the works of two renowned… RED METAL SCULPTUREBased on these sources, it is safe to say that the sculpture is indeed called "Greenland 1983" and was created by Bob Sloan. RINTY MONAGHANExplore the dual legacy of John "Rinty" Monaghan, Belfast’s legendary "Singing Champion." From the vibrant bronze statue in Cathedral Gardens to his humble… ROSEMARY LANE STREET ART GALLERYExplore the stark contrasts of Rosemary Street and Lower Garfield Street in Belfast city centre. Discover the historic 1783 First Presbyterian Church, the… ROYAL VISITQueen Elizabeth II visited Belfast with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, between June 23rd and June 25th, 2014.
S
SCULPTURE BY VIVIEN BURNSIDEDiscover "Dividers", the monumental 8.3m bronze sculpture by artist Vivien Burnside at Belfast's historic Clarendon Dock. Explore the art, the artist's history,… SMALL DERELICT SITEBelfast's issue of dereliction is multifaceted and stems from various historical, infrastructural, economic, and social factors. SMALL DERELICT SITEBelfast's issue of dereliction is multifaceted and stems from various historical, infrastructural, economic, and social factors. SO THIS IS A MILLENNIUM MILEPOSTThis sculpture is one of 1,000 Millennium Mileposts commissioned by the charity Sustrans to mark the creation of the National Cycle Network in the year 2000.… ST ELIZABETH'S OLD CHURCHSt. Elizabeth's Old Church and its surrounding graveyard in Dundonald, Northern Ireland, are profoundly significant, historically and communally. This site, the… ST MALACHY'S CHURCH IN BELFASTSt Malachy's Church, located on Alfred Street, a short distance from Belfast City Hall, stands as one of Belfast's most distinctive and historically significant… STORMONT ESTATEDiscover the Stormont Estate: History, Politics, and Parks in Belfast Description: Explore the Stormont Estate in Belfast, home to the Northern Ireland Assembly… STORMONT ESTATEDiscover the transformation of the Stormont Estate in Belfast from March 2019 to 2026. This guide covers the iconic Gleaner and Reconciliation sculptures, the… STORMONT ESTATE JULY 2026The Stormont Estate in east Belfast is widely known through the metonym "Stormont" to describe the seat of governance in Northern Ireland. Beyond its rolling… STORMONT NATURE TRAILS 2019Discover how 2026 post-processing technology "unlocks" the hidden potential of 2019 RAW archives. This deep dive explores a nature photography session at… STORMONT WATER GARDENExplore the transformation of the Reconciliation Garden at Stormont. Featuring Josefina de Vasconcellos’ iconic sculpture, the "Bombed Cities" site connects… STRANMILLIS EMBANKMENT JULY 2026When most people speak of Stranmillis, they describe one of South Belfast’s most affluent, leafy, and prized quarters. It is an area defined by Queen’s… STRANMILLIS LOCK AND BRIDGEThe contrast between the impressive infrastructure improvements and the widespread graffiti highlights an ongoing challenge for urban development. While the… STREET ARTIn 2017, Belfast's street art scene was a vibrant mix of political murals, emerging urban art, and growing commercial interest. STREET ART AT SHAFTESBURY SQUAREThe street art along Great Victoria Street and Shaftesbury Square (often colloquially referred to as the "Golden Mile") has undergone a massive transformation… STREET ART AT SHAFTESBURY SQUAREThe street art along Great Victoria Street and Shaftesbury Square (often colloquially referred to as the "Golden Mile") has undergone a massive transformation… STREET ART MAY 2018Explore the vibrant Belfast street art scene of May 2018. Discover how artists like Smug, Dan Kitchener, and Friz transformed the city’s walls with… SWEETWATER ARCHThe work is often attributed solely to "local children," but the artistic vision belongs to Denis O’Connor. While some accounts label him purely as a Derbyshire… SWEET WATER ARCH AT STRANMILLISMy recent attempt to visit and photograph the Sweet Water Arch in Stranmillis turned into quite the expedition. I had intended a straightforward trip by bus,…
T
TH BLACKBIRD'S BANDWhat many visitors do not realise is that the Dromara Street piece has a twin. Its sister sculpture sits just a short walk away in the grounds of the Ormeau… THE BARREL MANThe Ulster Brewer, also known as the Barrel Man, is a public sculpture in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It commemorates the history of brewing in the region and… THE BARREL MANThe Ulster Brewer, also known as the Barrel Man, is a public sculpture in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It commemorates the history of brewing in the region and… THE BELIEVE IN MAGIC ERRORAs it turns out, discovering the truth was a bit like finding out that Santa is a fiction. Except for the spectacular, bespoke Stormont Giant—which is indeed a… THE BLACKBIRD'S BANDBelfast’s streets are full of stories, but some of the most enchanting ones are tucked away just off the beaten track. If you turn off the busy Lower Ormeau… THE CAMPUSThe difference in terminology between Queen's University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin is rooted in historical and cultural factors, rather than any… THE CENTRAL STEPS AREAhe Vaults: Hidden Underground Unlike Dublin, you rarely see "house-like" mausoleums here. The wealthy used subterranean vaults built into the hillsides… THE ECHOING BELOW SCULPTUREBy leaving these dogs and their owners in the composition, the photographs capture a brilliant contrast. Lönze’s sculpture beautifully commands us to remember… THE FAMOUS CRANESA photographer's journey navigating the vast scale of Belfast's Titanic Quarter to capture the iconic Harland & Wolff cranes, Samson and Goliath. This piece… THE FOREST GIANTExplore the Woodland Trail at Stormont Estate in Belfast. Discover the 'Forest Giant' sculpture, wartime history, and organic folk art on this scenic nature… THE GATE LODGEThere were actually two gate lodges associated with Belfast Botanic Gardens, both with interesting histories THE GIFT OF LIFEIn the tranquil setting of Belfast's Botanic Gardens, the Gift of Life Candle sculpture stands as a poignant tribute to the selfless individuals who have given… THE GLEANER BY JOHN KNOXDiscover the history of 'The Gleaner' by John Knox, a landmark sculpture located in Belfast's Stormont Estate. Originally commissioned for the 1951 Festival of… THE LAGAN WEIRThe Lagan Weir and its bridges are emblematic of Belfast's ongoing transformation, showcasing the city's dedication to improving its infrastructure and urban… THE LAGAN WEIR AT NIGHT MAY 2025This was my first attempt at night photography without a tripod, relying solely on my Leica Q3. I rarely use tripods or flash, and despite the challenging… THE MAIN GLASSHOUSEThe main glasshouse at Belfast Botanic Gardens is the Palm House. It is one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear cast-iron glasshouse and predates the… THE MAN AND THE WARDROBEWalking the Newtownards Road, the transition from the industrial grit of the streetscape to the open expanse of C.S. Lewis Square is immediate. At the Holywood… THE OCTOPUS'S GARDENLocated at 1A Wellington Street, just a stone's throw from Belfast City Hall, Octopus’s Garden was a beloved fixture of the city’s independent retail scene.… THE OLD McCONNELL WEIR ON THE LAGANBuilt around 1937, the McConnell Weir (often misidentified as "O’Connell’s") was commissioned to solve a public health crisis. Before its construction, the… THE SEARCHER BY MAURICE HATTONWhile C.S. Lewis Square features seven large bronze figures by sculptor Maurice Harron depicting characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (including… THE SON OF PROTAGORASMTO is a renowned street artist known for his politically charged murals in cities around the world. His true identity remains a mystery, adding to the allure… THE SON OF PROTAGORASMTO is a renowned street artist known for his politically charged murals in cities around the world. His true identity remains a mystery, adding to the allure… THE UNKNOWN WOMAN WORKERThe sculpture was eventually erected in 1992. Its current location is on Great Victoria Street, directly adjacent to the Europa Hotel and Europa Bus Station. TITANICA BY ROWAN GILLESPIEThe artwork draws profound inspiration from the traditional figureheads that once adorned the prows of sailing ships, connecting it directly to maritime history… TITANICA BY ROWAN GILLESPIEThe artwork draws profound inspiration from the traditional figureheads that once adorned the prows of sailing ships, connecting it directly to maritime history… TITANIC AT NIGHTThe silhouette of the "Titanica" statue, arms outstretched against the glowing facade, serves as a metaphor for the entire shoot—resilience in the face of the… TITANIC BELFAST JUNE 2014Titanic Belfast, not simply "Belfast Titanic," opened on March 31, 2012, to coincide with the centenary of the RMS Titanic's sinking. It is located on the site…
U
ULSTER UNIVERSITY CAMPUSExplore the transformation of Ulster University's Belfast City Campus. Photographed in May 2025, this review details the massive 75,000m² expansion,… UNIVERSITY ROADUniversity Road in Belfast serves as the intellectual and cultural spine of the city’s southern district. It is a place where the grandeur of Victorian… UPPER AND LOWER CRESCENTExplore the history and 2025 restoration of The Upper and Lower Crescent in South Belfast. From the Regency-era vision of Robert Corry and Sir Charles Lanyon to… URBAN EXPRESSION AND DEPRESSIONA photographic and historical exploration of Belfast's Inner North West. From the raw car-park graffiti of Winetavern Street to the high-concept, world-class…
V
VICTORIAN BANDSTANDThe bandstand, like its twin in Woodvale Park, is a testament to the popularity of outdoor music and entertainment in the early 20th century. These structures… VICTORIAN SHELTERThe only information that I could find that related to the shelter was that there is an active charity with a mission to protect and maintain the Botanic… VICTORIA SQUARE SHOPPING CENTREOpened in 2008, it was still relatively new and had quickly become a popular destination for shoppers, diners, and leisure seekers alike. VISUAL WASTEDean Kane, better known as "Visual Waste," has been an integral part of Belfast's burgeoning street art scene since at least 2017, when I first photographed his… VISUAL WASTEDean Kane, better known as "Visual Waste," has been an integral part of Belfast's burgeoning street art scene since at least 2017, when I first photographed his… VOLVO FIRE ENGINEThe Volvo FM-330 SRT SRP (Specialist Rescue Pump) with registration number ERZ-9062, built by Browns, and call sign Romeo Tango 190 is a specific type of fire…
W
WAR MEMORIALThe War Memorial at Queen's University Belfast stands as a poignant tribute to the members of the university community who lost their lives in World War I and… WAS MCCLURE DEPARTMENT STOREThis attractive building at the junction of McClure Street and Ormeau Road, formerly known as McClure's Department Store, has been converted into offices. This… WHY THIS NAMEThe name comes from the resemblance of the number “1” to an eye, specifically the shape of the letter “I.” So when the bingo caller announces “Kelly’s Eye,”… WINIFRED CARNEY MEMORIALWinifred Carney (1887–1943) was a formidable figure in Irish history, known for her roles as a trade union secretary, women's suffragist, socialist party… WINIFRED CARNEY MEMORIALWinifred Carney (1887–1943) was a formidable figure in Irish history, known for her roles as a trade union secretary, women's suffragist, socialist party… WOOD CARVINGSUncover the mystery of the Stormont Estate wood carvings. From off-the-shelf fairy doors to the spectacular, locally crafted "Stormont Giant" hidden in the… WOODLAND TRAIL AT STORMONTExplore the history and natural beauty of the Stormont Estate in Belfast. From its origins as a nineteenth-century private estate to becoming the seat of… WOODLAND TRAIL AT STORMONTExplore the history and natural beauty of the Stormont Estate in Belfast. From its origins as a nineteenth-century private estate to becoming the seat of… WOOD SCULPTURE BY WILL FOGARTYExplore the silent beauty of Stormont Estate in March 2022. Discover the "Magic" wood sculptures by artist Will Fogarty (Fear na Coillte) and the philosophical… WOOD SCULPTURESDiscover the unique public wood carvings of Ormeau Park in Belfast. From the iconic Eurasian Jay sculpture—a monument to oak forest regeneration—to the…
CONTENTS