May 2013
05/25/2013
Cavehill Overlooking Belfast
Cavehill, historically known as Ben Madigan (from Irish: Beann Mhadagáin), is a basaltic hill overlooking the city of Belfast in Northern Ireland. It forms part of the southeastern border of the Antrim Plateau. It is distinguished by its famous 'Napoleon's Nose' a basaltic outcrop which resembles the profile of the famous emperor Napoleon. Cavehill is also the name of an electoral ward in Belfast.All of Belfast can be seen from its peak, as can the Isle of Man and Scotland on clear days. Like Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, it lies just a few miles from the centre of a major city.
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Floral Hall, Belfast
One of Belfast’s best-loved but nearly forgotten buildings, the Floral Hall has a long and illustrious history as a place of entertainment and romance. Built in the mid-1930s it is a beautiful modernist dance hall. As the city’s pre-eminent entertainment venue for over thirty five years, loves, romances and marriages were born here. Generations danced here, or in later years, came to see Pink Floyd, or the roller discos. Public affection is strong and is rooted in this social history.
Situated on the slopes of Cave Hill overlooking Belfast Lough, the building is today sited within the grounds of Belfast Zoo. When it was constructed, it formed the centrepiece of the Bellvue Gardens. These had been laid out by Belfast Corporation at the terminus of the Belfast tram lines. They were to be a destination attraction and were a way of encouraging people to use the trams. Bellvue Pleasure Gardens played host to band performances, open-air dancing, concert parties, amusements and fireworks. They made such an impression that they were described as a”unique possession amongst the municipal corporations of the British Isles” and soon became known as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. In 1933 the Corporation added a small zoological collection, again hoping to increase use of the trams.
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"The Big Fish" by John Kindness
This 10 metre (32ft) Salmon made a big splash in Belfast in 1999. The work was commissioned to celebrate the regeneration of the River Lagan. The site is a significant landmark as it is the location of the confluence of the River Farset with the River Lagan (Belfast is named after the River Farset). The outer ‘skin’ of the fish is a cladding of ceramic tiles decorated with texts and images relating to the history of Belfast. Material from Tudor times to present day newspaper headlines are included along with contributions from Belfast school children (including a soldier and an ‘Ulster Fry’). The Ulster Museum provided the primary source of historic images, while local schools/day centres located along the line of the River Farset were approached to provide drawings for the fish. Images were provided by Glenwood Primary School, St Comgalls and Evrton Day Centres. The ‘Bigfish’ also contains a time capsule storing information/images/poetry on the City.
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