Belfast house buying guide

On the fringes of Belfast city centre, the Cathedral Quarter is known for its artsy, cool atmosphere, and underground music scene. Centred around a cobblestone pedestrian street, you'll find a king's choice of pubs, bars and speakeasies, as well as coffee shops and cafes.

It's also an area known for the arts, exemplified by the Umbrella Passage mural, portraying famous, local faces under a colourful canopy of umbrellas. You won't have to walk far for live music, stand-up comedy and art exhibitions in this part of the city!

Transport

A short walk or cycle from Belfast's city centre, the Cathedral Quarter is perfect for those who want to be within the city. There are also bus routes for walking-free options. A 20 minute walk from the city's train station, it's also easy to catch a train out of Belfast for day trips or weekends away.

Local Schools

There is a shortage of schools in the Cathedral Quarter, but there are nearby schools within the city including Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain, St Mary's Primary School and St Malachy's Primary School.

Secondary school wise, nearby there is St Mary's Primary School, St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School, Bristol Cathedral Choir School and City of Bristol College.

History

Deriving its name from St Anne's Cathedral, the Cathedral Quarter historically was the centre of Belfast's trade district, particularly shipbuilding and linen industries. It still homes some of Belfast's oldest buildings and thoroughfares, including Waring Street and Hill Street. The area fell into a state of disrepair in the 20th century, but since then has developed into the city's "cultural quarter". Today, its quirky streets are the go-to place amongst locals and tourists.

A leafy suburb of Belfast, Ormeau has everything young families could want from a city suburb. Head towards Upper Ormeau Road to get out of the radius of students, and you'll find that perfect villagey-feel - plenty of green space, local eateries and old-school pubs as well as butchers, bakeries and greengrocers. The rows of Victorian homes built in the iconic Belfast orange brick will tick any wishlist if you like period features and garden space.

Transport

Ormeau is a quick 30 minute walk from the centre, or a 10 minute cycle. If you need walk-free transport, the city is also a 10 minute drive or bus journey.

Local Schools

There are a range of primary schools in the Ormeau area, including Holy Rosary Primary School, St. Michael's Primary School, Rosetta Primary School and Forge Integrated Primary School. When it comes to secondary school education, there is Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School, St Joseph's College and Wellington College.

History

Ormeau Road was once called New Ballynafeigh Road because it ran through the townland Ballynafeigh, which is the anglicisation of Irish Baile na Faiche, meaning 'townland of the lawn or green'. The route was constructed in the early 19th century to connect Newtownbreda village to the city, and took on the name Ormeau after Ormeau House, the residence of Marquess of Donegall.

In fact, Ormeau Park is the oldest and largest park in Belfast, bought by the Belfast Corporation from the Donegall family in 1869. Over time, the area of Ormeau developed around the park and road.

Fun fact! Ormeau Bakery was the home of Ormo bread, formerly the largest independent bakery in Ireland.

If you're looking for somewhere nearby to Belfast but with more of a small-town feel, try Donaghadee. 18 miles east of Belfast and about six miles south east of Bangor, Donaghadee is the perfect choice for those who want a more intimate location but within commuting distance. This small community has a thriving high street and beautiful seasides to explore, plus regular festivals and community groups (including the cold-water swimmers the Donaghadee Chunky Dunkers).

Transport

Get to Belfast via car in around 40 minutes, or via train on a scenic coastal route in around an hour and 20 minutes. Bangor is also only a 15 minute drive away, or 30 minutes by bus or cycling.

Local Schools

There are three main primary schools close to the centre of Donaghadee; Donaghadee Primary School, St Anne's Primary School, and Ballyvester Primary School. When it comes to secondary school education, Regent House School is rated highly, as well as Sullivan Upper School and Glenlola Collegiate. Slightly further afield, there is also Bangor Grammar School.

History

In early times Donaghadee was the landing point for travellers from the British mainland and was the principal port before Belfast took the limelight.

Much of the town's development came from ships and shipping, and in 1626 a harbour was built to service the boats that worked between Donaghadee and Portpatrick in Wigtownshire.

When the tides turned and Belfast began to prosper, Donaghadee stopped being the main landing point. Instead, the rich merchant class started to use Donaghadee as a home-from-home for seaside holidays.