When most people think of travel destinations, cemeteries and burial sites might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, for those who are interested in history, art, and culture, these places can be fascinating and beautiful places to explore. Belfast is home to several famous cemeteries and burial sites that offer a glimpse into the city’s past and the people who have shaped its history. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most famous cemeteries and burial sites in Belfast and what makes them worth a visit.
- Belfast City Cemetery
Belfast City Cemetery is one of the most well-known burial sites in the city. It was established in 1869 and is the final resting place of over 250,000 people. The cemetery is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers stunning views of Belfast and its surrounding areas.
One of the most notable features of the cemetery is the impressive Mourne granite gate lodge, which was designed by architect Sir Thomas Drew. The lodge is a beautiful example of Victorian Gothic architecture and is a listed building.
The cemetery is also the final resting place of several famous figures, including Lord Carson, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, and Sir Edward Harland, the founder of the Harland and Wolff shipyard, which built the Titanic.
- Milltown Cemetery
Milltown Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in Belfast and is the final resting place of many prominent Irish republicans and nationalists. The cemetery was established in the 1860s and covers an area of 44 acres.
One of the most famous graves in the cemetery is that of Bobby Sands, a member of the Provisional IRA who died on hunger strike in 1981. His grave is marked by a simple headstone with the inscription “Bobby Sands MP.” The cemetery is also the final resting place of several other hunger strikers, including Kieran Doherty and Joe McDonnell.
Milltown Cemetery is also home to several beautiful sculptures and memorials, including the striking “Broken Heart” sculpture by sculptor Danny Osborne, which was erected in memory of the victims of the 1987 Enniskillen bombing.
- Friar’s Bush Cemetery
Friar’s Bush Cemetery is one of Belfast’s oldest burial sites, dating back to the 17th century. It is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by the bustling streets of Belfast.
The cemetery is the final resting place of many famous figures, including Sir William Petty, the founder of modern political arithmetic, and Mary Ann McCracken, a prominent social reformer and sister of United Irishman Henry Joy McCracken.
One of the most striking features of the cemetery is the large memorial to the victims of the Belfast Blitz, which took place during World War II. The memorial features a bronze statue of a grieving mother holding her dead child and is a poignant reminder of the tragedy and devastation caused by the war.
- Clifton Street Cemetery
Clifton Street Cemetery is another of Belfast’s oldest burial sites, dating back to the early 19th century. It is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by the vibrant streets of Belfast.
The cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent figures from Belfast’s past, including shipbuilder Robert Hickson and industrialist Thomas Thompson.
One of the most interesting features of the cemetery is the large number of intricate headstones and memorials. Many of these are carved with intricate designs and symbols, offering a glimpse into the art and culture of the time.
- Dundonald Cemetery
Dundonald Cemetery is one of the largest and most well-maintained cemeteries in Belfast. It is located just outside the city and covers an area of over 60 acres. The cemetery was established in 1905 and is the final resting place of over 100,000 people.
One of the most interesting features of Dundonald Cemetery is the large number of Commonwealth War Graves. The cemetery is the final resting place of over 500 servicemen and women who died in both World War I and II. The graves are marked with distinctive headstones that bear the emblem of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The cemetery is also the final resting place of many famous figures from Belfast’s past, including James Craig, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, and Sir William Whitla, a prominent physician and founder of the Queen’s University Belfast Medical School.
- Belfast Jewish Cemetery
The Belfast Jewish Cemetery is one of the oldest Jewish burial grounds in Ireland. It was established in the 1860s and is located in the city’s south-western suburbs. The cemetery is the final resting place of over 80 members of Belfast’s Jewish community, including several prominent figures.
One of the most striking features of the cemetery is the large number of ornate headstones, many of which are carved with intricate designs and Hebrew inscriptions. The cemetery also features a large number of trees and shrubs, giving it a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Visiting Belfast’s Famous Cemeteries and Burial Sites
If you’re interested in exploring Belfast’s famous cemeteries and burial sites, there are several ways to do so. One option is to take a guided tour, which can provide you with valuable insights into the history and significance of these sites. Many tour companies offer tours of Belfast’s cemeteries, including the Belfast City Cemetery, Milltown Cemetery, and Friar’s Bush Cemetery.
Alternatively, you can explore these sites on your own. Many of the cemeteries are located within easy walking distance of the city center, and maps are often available to help you navigate the grounds. It’s also worth taking the time to read the inscriptions on the headstones and memorials, which can provide you with fascinating insights into the lives and legacies of the people buried there.
No matter how you choose to explore Belfast’s cemeteries and burial sites, it’s important to remember to be respectful of the sites and the people buried there. These places are important cultural and historical landmarks, and they deserve to be treated with the utmost care and reverence.
Conclusion
Belfast’s famous cemeteries and burial sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past and the people who have shaped its history. From the grand Victorian Gothic architecture of Belfast City Cemetery to the ornate headstones of the Belfast Jewish Cemetery, each site has its own unique character and significance. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or culture, exploring these sites is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Belfast. So grab a map and a pair of comfortable shoes, and get ready to discover the beauty and history of these iconic burial grounds.