WHY THE NAME?
KELLY'S EYE CLUB [AT THE CORNER OF COLLEGE STREET AND QUEEN STREET IN BELFAST]
I photographed this in April 2011 and again in 2017 but did not really think about the name until now in June 2024.
The Kelly's Eye Club was a bingo hall located in Belfast City Centre on the corner of Queen Street and College Street. It was housed in a Victorian warehouse that was originally built in 1890. The building is notable for its architecture and has been photographed numerous times.
While it was called the Kelly's Eye Club, it was primarily a bingo hall. The name "Kelly's Eye" is a term used in bingo to refer to the number one. The club appears to have closed down at some point, as current information about it is limited. However, it remains a recognisable landmark in Belfast due to its unique name and history.
Note: As I never heard the term before I needed to check it out: Kelly’s Eye is indeed a term used in bingo. It refers to the number 1 on the bingo card. The 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,” they’re referring to the number 1.
Queen Street, located in the heart of Belfast city centre, is a historic thoroughfare that has evolved over time. Originally known as David Street, it was renamed Queen Street by 1810. The street's unique angle at its junction with College Street is due to the original street being laid out along the line of the old town defences.
In the Georgian era, Queen Street was primarily inhabited by merchants, and many elegant Georgian houses were built during this period. However, much of this residential character has changed over time, with the street now dominated by commercial establishments, offices, and student accommodation.
Several notable buildings and landmarks can be found on Queen Street:
Kelly's Eye Club: This former bingo hall, housed in a Victorian warehouse, is a recognisable landmark due to its unique name and architecture.
University of Ulster Campus: The new University of Ulster campus is located nearby, contributing to the increasing student population in the area.
I photographed this in April 2011 and again in 2017 but did not really think about the name until now in June 2024.
The Kelly's Eye Club was a bingo hall located in Belfast City Centre on the corner of Queen Street and College Street. It was housed in a Victorian warehouse that was originally built in 1890. The building is notable for its architecture and has been photographed numerous times.
While it was called the Kelly's Eye Club, it was primarily a bingo hall. The name "Kelly's Eye" is a term used in bingo to refer to the number one. The club appears to have closed down at some point, as current information about it is limited. However, it remains a recognisable landmark in Belfast due to its unique name and history.
Note: As I never heard the term before I needed to check it out: Kelly’s Eye is indeed a term used in bingo. It refers to the number 1 on the bingo card. The 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,” they’re referring to the number 1.
Queen Street, located in the heart of Belfast city centre, is a historic thoroughfare that has evolved over time. Originally known as David Street, it was renamed Queen Street by 1810. The street's unique angle at its junction with College Street is due to the original street being laid out along the line of the old town defences.
In the Georgian era, Queen Street was primarily inhabited by merchants, and many elegant Georgian houses were built during this period. However, much of this residential character has changed over time, with the street now dominated by commercial establishments, offices, and student accommodation.
Several notable buildings and landmarks can be found on Queen Street:
Kelly's Eye Club: This former bingo hall, housed in a Victorian warehouse, is a recognisable landmark due to its unique name and architecture.
University of Ulster Campus: The new University of Ulster campus is located nearby, contributing to the increasing student population in the area.
WHY THE NAME?