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13/12/2010
Cave Hill Voices Heard At Last
Voices from Cave Hill is an oral guide book to one of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks - taking near literal transcriptions from those who lived and worked on and around this historic hill - and using these voices to illustrate the true nature of the basalt beauty spot, writes Brian McCalden.
Cave Hill is frequently linked to the works of Jonathan Swift - who ministered along the coast near Carrickfergus, before taking up his best known religious role in Dublin Cathedral.
The wind-worn face that is so clearly defined when viewed from north Belfast could obviously be the sleeping giant of Gulliver's Travels while in more recent times, it was to the hill that revolutionaries fled after their sedition as the United Irishmen of 1798 failed to oust the British.
The Cave Hill story is however brought right up to date, by way of the Second World War - when Belfast Castle (built by the Donegall family who owned all the lands on the slopes of the hill) was to be the hub of secret activities to thwart Hilter's U-Boats deadly attacks on shipping.
Contributor, Cathleen Arthurs was there soon after it opened to the public in the 1930s and frequented weekly 'hops' when dancers got drinks in the un-refurbished cellars, which smacked of the prohibition era. Jean Martin remembers how the Castle served as naval headquarters during the Second World War, when she worked in the Operations Room or 'Plot' in the first floor ballroom.
With a passing reference to the Holywood version of the (otherwise true) story of the WWII American bomber crew who perished when their aircraft smashed into the wooded hillside in 'Closing the Ring' , the story moves into the 1950s and 1960s when the Cave Hill was to change yet again.
The splendidly restored Belfast Castle is described by another 'voice', Craig Wallace, former Belfast Director of Parks, who tells how - in the late 1970s Belfast Council came close to abandoning it.
Others recall some of the original decor, including the Donegall's private chapel, which made way for a lift shaft to allow disabled access.
The hugely popular Bellevue funfair and Zoological Gardens had to move with the times, as did the Cave Hill estate, and as a result today remains a shining light that tourists and local people alike can enjoy.
Ben Simon's compelling account of the Cave Hill story is a remarkable book, that allows the actual Cave Hill 'voices' to tell the tale and adds hugely to the enjoyment of this unique and truly picturesque resource.
See: Voices From Cave Hill
(BMcC/GK)
Cave Hill is frequently linked to the works of Jonathan Swift - who ministered along the coast near Carrickfergus, before taking up his best known religious role in Dublin Cathedral.
The wind-worn face that is so clearly defined when viewed from north Belfast could obviously be the sleeping giant of Gulliver's Travels while in more recent times, it was to the hill that revolutionaries fled after their sedition as the United Irishmen of 1798 failed to oust the British.
The Cave Hill story is however brought right up to date, by way of the Second World War - when Belfast Castle (built by the Donegall family who owned all the lands on the slopes of the hill) was to be the hub of secret activities to thwart Hilter's U-Boats deadly attacks on shipping.
Contributor, Cathleen Arthurs was there soon after it opened to the public in the 1930s and frequented weekly 'hops' when dancers got drinks in the un-refurbished cellars, which smacked of the prohibition era. Jean Martin remembers how the Castle served as naval headquarters during the Second World War, when she worked in the Operations Room or 'Plot' in the first floor ballroom.
With a passing reference to the Holywood version of the (otherwise true) story of the WWII American bomber crew who perished when their aircraft smashed into the wooded hillside in 'Closing the Ring' , the story moves into the 1950s and 1960s when the Cave Hill was to change yet again.
The splendidly restored Belfast Castle is described by another 'voice', Craig Wallace, former Belfast Director of Parks, who tells how - in the late 1970s Belfast Council came close to abandoning it.
Others recall some of the original decor, including the Donegall's private chapel, which made way for a lift shaft to allow disabled access.
The hugely popular Bellevue funfair and Zoological Gardens had to move with the times, as did the Cave Hill estate, and as a result today remains a shining light that tourists and local people alike can enjoy.
Ben Simon's compelling account of the Cave Hill story is a remarkable book, that allows the actual Cave Hill 'voices' to tell the tale and adds hugely to the enjoyment of this unique and truly picturesque resource.
See: Voices From Cave Hill
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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30 July 2018
Police Appeal For Information On North Belfast Burglary
Police have issued an appeal for information following the burglary of an elderly woman's home in north Belfast. Thieves broke into the property on the Old Cave Hill Road at about 8am on Sunday, 29 July. It is understood that the elderly homeowner was in the house at the time of the burglary but was not harmed.
Police Appeal For Information On North Belfast Burglary
Police have issued an appeal for information following the burglary of an elderly woman's home in north Belfast. Thieves broke into the property on the Old Cave Hill Road at about 8am on Sunday, 29 July. It is understood that the elderly homeowner was in the house at the time of the burglary but was not harmed.
30 November 2021
Man Attacked With Hammers In Cave Hill Country Park
A man is being treated in hospital after being attacked in Cave Hill Country Park in north Belfast. Police said that at about 8:40pm on Monday they received a report that a man had been attacked by men armed with hammers. The man, aged in his 20s, was later found on the Ballysillan Road and was taken to hospital.
Man Attacked With Hammers In Cave Hill Country Park
A man is being treated in hospital after being attacked in Cave Hill Country Park in north Belfast. Police said that at about 8:40pm on Monday they received a report that a man had been attacked by men armed with hammers. The man, aged in his 20s, was later found on the Ballysillan Road and was taken to hospital.
15 October 2007
Arrest Follows Cave Hill Death
The discovery of as body at the foot of Belfast Cavehill on Saturday afternoon has led to the arrest of and continuing questioning of a 24-year-old man. The dead man, who is thought to have been in his 30s, has now been identified but the police have not yet released his name.
Arrest Follows Cave Hill Death
The discovery of as body at the foot of Belfast Cavehill on Saturday afternoon has led to the arrest of and continuing questioning of a 24-year-old man. The dead man, who is thought to have been in his 30s, has now been identified but the police have not yet released his name.
12 October 2022
First Cave Hill Country Park Mountain Bike Trail Opens
The first official mountain bike trail in Cave Hill Country Park has been officially opened by Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black. Developed in partnership with Cavehill Mountain Bike Club, 'The Middle' trail is a pilot project aimed at showcasing Cave Hill Country Park as a first-class visitor attraction for outdoor activities.
First Cave Hill Country Park Mountain Bike Trail Opens
The first official mountain bike trail in Cave Hill Country Park has been officially opened by Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black. Developed in partnership with Cavehill Mountain Bike Club, 'The Middle' trail is a pilot project aimed at showcasing Cave Hill Country Park as a first-class visitor attraction for outdoor activities.
10 November 2021
'Living With Water In Belfast' Plan Published
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced a new plan to protect Belfast from flooding, provide a cleaner and greener environment and ensure the city is open for business and investment.
'Living With Water In Belfast' Plan Published
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced a new plan to protect Belfast from flooding, provide a cleaner and greener environment and ensure the city is open for business and investment.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
