What to do

What to do

Art

Archaeology
As one of the oldest settlements in Belfast, the area should contain many archaeological sites of interest. Unfortunately, however many of these have been lost through the development of the area.

A Rath or ringed fort can be found in Glencairn Park. These settlements date back to the Bronze Age and would have been protected dwellings for these ancient tribes. Four are known to exist in the area – the one in Glencairn is the only with easy access.

In the National trust property of Divis and Black Mountain there are at least four Bronze Age burial cairns and a site of a megalithic tomb.

Built Heritage
The gates and railings around Shankill Graveyard are listed. These cannot be removed and any work carried out on them should ensure resemblance to their original state.

The Shankill Graveyard is located at the top of the Shankill near where it joins the Woodvale Road.

Crumlin Road Jail and Courthouse are both listed buildings. The jail was designed and built by Charles Lanyon, one of the leading architects of the time. It was modelled on Pentonville Prison in London and built with black basalt from the Belfast Hills and sandstone from Scotland. It cost £40,000 to complete. The jail opened in 1846 one hundred and six men and women were made walk from the Carrickfergus jail it replaced. The prison closed it’s doors in 1996.

Crumlin Road Courthouse – built in 1850, Crumlin Road Courthouse was originally known as the County Courthouse. During the troubles many high profile paramilitary cases were tried here and several attempts were made to blow up the courthouse in the seventies and eighties. during prison transfer from courthouse to jail was via an underground tunnel, this afforded

How to get there - If you are on the Shankill Road head to Agnes Street, continue the length of the street, when you reach the traffic lights at the end turn right and the jail and courthouse will be in sight. From the City Centre, you can get the number 57 bus.

Conference Facilities
The Shankill has two state of the art conference facilities.

With unrivalled views over Belfast City – Farset International can cater for up to 120 people and if you have had to travel some distance to attend we can accommodate for up 76 people overnight. Click on link for more information

Spectrum Centre is situated at the heart of the Shankill. It is a multi purpose venue that can host up to 300 conference delegates. Personal Development courses can also be tailored to meet your needs. Click on link for more information.


Industrial Heritage
Due to the presence of the Farset and Forth rivers, the Shankill area was a prime location for the Mills. Linen production swept through the Shankill between 1850 and 1870. By 1861 thirty two mills had been built.

Three are standing today - Brookfield and Edenderry Mills can found on the Crumlin Road at the junction with Tennent Stree

Music 
Whether you want to record your own CD or ‘get into the groove’ with the Drifters – the Shankill is the place to be.

Visit the Spectrum Centre  to find out more.

Natural Heritage
Divis and Blackmountain create the skyline of the Shankill. This land has recently been purchased by the National Trust. The mountains form the horizon as you walk up the Shankill Road. They offer spectacular views and on a good day you will be able to see as far Donegal and the northern coasts of England. Divis is 478 metres (1,562 ft) and Black Mountain is 390 metres (1,275 ft)


The mountains contain a mixture of grassland, heath and bog. You can see a variety of birds (link), badgers and hares. For the rare plant lover, thirteen varieties of fungi as well as various species of orchid can be found.

Access
Bus - Ulsterbus no 106 Belfast to Crumlin alight Upper Springfield Road.

Ornithology
On Divis and Black Mountain, as well as the nearby countryside you can see red grouse, stonechats, skylark, snipe and other upland breeding birds, as well as feeding peregrine falcons and ravens.

Regeneration
The development of the Shankill is a well used case study for those interested in regeneration – physical, social and economic. Contact the Greater Shankill Partnership for further information.  Click here for contact information.

Theatre
For a more intimate theatrical experience – come and see a play at the Spectrum Centre . Click on link for more infomation