Easy hikes and walks around Ballymagarry

The facade alone is unique.

The colored lighting is designed to reflect the texture and lightness of linen, while the metal reflects the strength and beauty of shipbuilding, two important aspects of Belfast's history.

Today he is best known as one of the most successful diplomats of his time. His long career in public service began in 1860 as Commissioner in Syria, where his skillful diplomacy protected British interests and prevented France from establishing a client state in Lebanon. Following his success in Syria, Dufferin served in the United Kingdom government as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Under-Secretary of State for War. In 1872 he became the third Governor General of Canada, strengthening imperial ties in the early years of the Dominion, and in 1884 he reached the pinnacle of his diplomatic career as the eighth Viceroy of India.

The Ulster Museum explores the past, present, and future through collections of art, science, and history. It is located in the beautiful surroundings of Belfast's Botanic Gardens, and admission is even free.

Sad past…

Ormeau Park - the perfect place for a relaxing bike ride in the middle of Belfast. As the oldest city park in the city, opened in 1871, it offers a pleasant mix of history, nature and leisure activities. The spaciousness and the dense green of the old trees create an atmosphere that immediately brings a bit of peace to hectic everyday life. Here you will find a surprising variety: from BMX and bicycle paths to basketball and tennis courts to bowling greens and a beautifully designed flower garden. For me as a cyclist, the appeal lies particularly in the gentle curves and the wide paths that lead through the green area. In some corners you can still feel the touch of the Victorian era, especially along the beautiful avenues. The park offers many entrances - be it from the Ormeau Road, the Ormeau Embankment or the Ravenhill Road.

Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden In memory of: IRA members, ex-prisoners, political activists and civilians from the Clonard area. Information on those commemorated Date of incident: January Description: Medium sized memorial garden divided into three interconnected sections; surrounded by walls, railings and three metal gates. The central section contains a large Celtic cross on a plinth, a large plaque attached to a wall and four flags. The side sections contain plaques and memorial benches.(Source: https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/victims/memorials/static/monuments/546.html)

Perhaps the most significant development of the strike occurred when Sands entered the election campaign for a seat in the Parliament for Northern Ireland's County of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. On 10 April, after 41 days of hunger strike and to the great shock of the IRA leadership, Sands won the seat by more than 30,000 votes. His election sent shockwaves throughout Ireland and within the British government. After all, Britain's criminalisation policy was based on its claims that the IRA had little public support and was a gang of renegade criminals. Despite Sands' new political status as an MP and mounting public pressure, the British government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher refused to take even a step towards reconciliation. Sands' condition continued to deteriorate and he remained confined to the prison infirmary. Eventually, on 3 May, Sands fell into a coma. His family was called to visit and on Tuesday, May 5, 1981, Sands died after 66 days on hunger strike. Sands' death sparked enormous reactions around the world. Hundreds of thousands demonstrated in support of the prisoners' demands, the US government issued a statement of "deep regret", Irish unions went on strike, newspapers around the world condemned Thatcher's "glory" in allowing a parliamentary colleague to die, and riots broke out in the streets of Northern Ireland. His funeral procession was attended by more than 100,000 people. After Sands, nine more prisoners died before the hunger strike was finally ended on October 3, 1981. Shortly afterwards, all prisoners were granted reforms that largely met their demands.(Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bobby-Sands)