BANK STREET AND BANK SQUARE IN BELFAST
Belfast has both a Bank Street and an adjoining Bank Square. Located in the heart of the city centre (near Royal Avenue and the CastleCourt Shopping Centre), this area is one of the most historically significant and visually vibrant parts of Belfast.
History: From Rebellion to Redemption
The area’s name stems from the Bank Buildings, the massive red-sandstone structure (now a Primark) that looms at the end of the street. However, the history of the square itself goes back much further:
The Hidden River: In the 1700s, this area was known as "Back-of-the-River" because the River Farset (which gives Belfast its name) flowed openly through here. It was vaulted over in 1804 and now runs beneath the square.
The United Irishmen: Bank Street is home to Kelly’s Cellars, built in 1720. It is one of the city's oldest pubs and served as a secret meeting place for Henry Joy McCracken and the United Irishmen as they planned the 1798 Rebellion. Legend says McCracken once hid behind the bar to escape British soldiers.
Social Hub: The site once housed St Mary’s Catholic Hall, a major nationalist meeting place in the early 20th century, which was demolished in 1990.
Current Status: A Cultural Quarter
Today, Bank Square has been transformed into a pedestrianised "Folk Quarter." It serves as a bridge between the traditional Irish character of the city and modern redevelopment.
Hospitality: The square is a culinary hotspot, anchored by the award-winning Mourne Seafood Bar and the perpetually busy beer garden of Kelly’s Cellars.
Belfast Stories: The adjacent Art Deco former Bank of Ireland building is currently being redeveloped into "Belfast Stories," a major £100m visitor attraction set to open in the coming years.
Atmosphere: On weekends, the square is often filled with traditional music and outdoor diners, making it one of the few places in the city centre that retains an "old Belfast" intimacy.
Murals and Street Art
Unlike the political murals found in residential areas, the art in Bank Square is largely celebratory and contemporary, often curated as part of the Hit the North street art festival.
A River Runs Through It: A series of panels by artists including Annemarie Mullan depict "life in the old days," illustrating the historic street scenes and the Farset river.
Dan Kitchener (DANK): In 2024, a massive new mural by renowned artist Dan Kitchener was unveiled. It features his signature "liquid lights" style, depicting a rainy, neon-lit urban scene that brings a cinematic glow to the square.
The Fadgies: Local art often references the "Fadgies"—Irish-speaking fishmongers who travelled from Omeath to sell oysters in this very spot during the 19th century.
History: From Rebellion to Redemption
The area’s name stems from the Bank Buildings, the massive red-sandstone structure (now a Primark) that looms at the end of the street. However, the history of the square itself goes back much further:
The Hidden River: In the 1700s, this area was known as "Back-of-the-River" because the River Farset (which gives Belfast its name) flowed openly through here. It was vaulted over in 1804 and now runs beneath the square.
The United Irishmen: Bank Street is home to Kelly’s Cellars, built in 1720. It is one of the city's oldest pubs and served as a secret meeting place for Henry Joy McCracken and the United Irishmen as they planned the 1798 Rebellion. Legend says McCracken once hid behind the bar to escape British soldiers.
Social Hub: The site once housed St Mary’s Catholic Hall, a major nationalist meeting place in the early 20th century, which was demolished in 1990.
Current Status: A Cultural Quarter
Today, Bank Square has been transformed into a pedestrianised "Folk Quarter." It serves as a bridge between the traditional Irish character of the city and modern redevelopment.
Hospitality: The square is a culinary hotspot, anchored by the award-winning Mourne Seafood Bar and the perpetually busy beer garden of Kelly’s Cellars.
Belfast Stories: The adjacent Art Deco former Bank of Ireland building is currently being redeveloped into "Belfast Stories," a major £100m visitor attraction set to open in the coming years.
Atmosphere: On weekends, the square is often filled with traditional music and outdoor diners, making it one of the few places in the city centre that retains an "old Belfast" intimacy.
Murals and Street Art
Unlike the political murals found in residential areas, the art in Bank Square is largely celebratory and contemporary, often curated as part of the Hit the North street art festival.
A River Runs Through It: A series of panels by artists including Annemarie Mullan depict "life in the old days," illustrating the historic street scenes and the Farset river.
Dan Kitchener (DANK): In 2024, a massive new mural by renowned artist Dan Kitchener was unveiled. It features his signature "liquid lights" style, depicting a rainy, neon-lit urban scene that brings a cinematic glow to the square.
The Fadgies: Local art often references the "Fadgies"—Irish-speaking fishmongers who travelled from Omeath to sell oysters in this very spot during the 19th century.
THE LOCATION AND THE ART