Bells of Belfast city
by Nina McNeary, Support Officer Northern Ireland
Belfast is a city steeped in maritime and musical traditions, famous for its historic shipyards, legendary craftsmanship, and vibrant songs that have echoed through its streets for generations.
From the towering cranes of Harland & Wolff to the melodies that drift from pubs and concert halls, this is a place where industry and art have always gone hand in hand.
In recognition of its deep-rooted musical heritage, Belfast was named a UNESCO City of Music in 2021, a tribute to the singers, musicians, and storytellers who have shaped its cultural landscape. But beyond the lively sessions and bustling avenues, Belfast offers another kind of harmony - one found in its sacred spaces.
Scattered throughout the city, its churches and cathedrals stand as enduring landmarks of faith, resilience, and community. These magnificent places of worship, with their intricate stained glass, soaring spires, and centuries-old traditions, provide a glimpse into Belfast’s spiritual and architectural history. And from their bell towers, the sound of ringing chimes drifts through the air, carrying with it stories of devotion, perseverance, and the maritime spirit that has long defined this city.
Join us on a journey through Belfast’s sacred sites, where music and faith intertwine, and where every tolling bell tells a tale of the past while continuing to inspire the present.
Join us on a journey exploring churches and cathedrals, and hear the bells ring out across this musical city chiming tales of faith, resilience, and a maritime community.
Explore six stunning sacred spaces across Belfast even if ‘the wind and the rain and the hail blow high and the snow come tumbling from the sky’.
This trail is one of six new trails across Northern Ireland created as part of our Treasure Ireland project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which helps to keep places of worship in Northern Ireland open and in good repair.
Find more churches, chapels and meeting houses to visit across Northern Ireland
St Peter’s Cathedral
St Peter’s Catholic Cathedral was constructed between 1860-66, to the designs of Belfast architect and priest Father Jeremiah Ryan McAuley. Although never intended as a cathedral, the church became known as a “Pro-Cathedral” soon after its construction as it performed most of the ceremonies associated with a cathedral.
Built in the Gothic style, it is a landmark within a changing landscape. The signature two spires were added in 1886 and among the many treasures of St Peter's Cathedral is its carillon of ten bells, cast by Murphy's Bell foundry in Dublin. The addition of these bells, at a considerable cost of £1,500, marked a momentous occasion and in celebration of this milestone.
The church curate, Fr James McGreevey penned a heartfelt poem titled 'The Bells of St Peter's' capturing the essence of the cathedral through verse. 'The Bells of St Peter's' evokes a deep connection to Irish history, described as grander than any harp in Tara's famed halls.
Find out more about the cathedral here
St Mary
St Mary’s is a welcome sanctuary of serenity within the bustling city, a landscaped garden and grotto provides tranquillity and a space for reflection. St Mary’s Romanesque-style church is dated to 1868 and built to the designs of architect John O’Neill. The façade is a testament to Belfast's architectural heritage, constructed from the iconic red brick that characterizes much of the city's landscape.
Within its footprint lies an earlier church, believed to have been erected around 1783, marking a significant milestone in Belfast's Catholic history. As you step into the hushed interior you are enveloped by centuries of traditions. The soaring ceilings and aisles are illuminated by the soft light of flickering candles, and you almost hear the echoes of the past reverberate throughout.
Find out more about the church here
St Malachy
St Malachy's Catholic Church stands as a remarkable example of Tudor Revival architecture, gracing Belfast's skyline with its double-height redbrick and sandstone facade. It was constructed 1841-1844 to designs by Thomas Jackson and extensively renovated in 1926 when the current marble altar, pulpit and sanctuary rails were added. During the Second World War the church received damage when an incendiary bomb landed on the roof of the building, shattering the original glazing.
One of the church's most notable features is its interior, highlighted by a beautifully crafted fan-vaulted ceiling. This architectural marvel is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its builders and is particularly noteworthy in the context of Northern Ireland. A particular point of interest is the Great War memorial plaque that was erected in 1917 to commemorate sailors and soldiers who had fallen from the congregation.
Find out more about the church here
Cathedral of St Anne, Belfast Cathedral
Belfast Cathedral, located on Donegall Street in Belfast, County Antrim, stands as a magnificent example of Hiberno-Romanesque architecture in Belfast city. Built to the designs of esteemed architects Thomas Drew and William Henry Lynn, the cathedral replaced an earlier church constructed around 1775. The construction of the cathedral began in 1899 and has continued through the years, with notable additions and enhancements contributing to its grandeur.
One significant addition was the erection of a stainless-steel spire over the crossing in 2007, a modern touch that complements the cathedral's historic charm. The architects such as Sir Thomas Drew, Colin Conn, and Robert Jamison have all played a role in shaping the cathedral's distinctive features, from the nave to the striking brushed stainless steel flèche, affectionately known as the 'Spire of Hope'.
Within the sacred halls of the cathedral, visitors can see a poignant reminder of Ireland's history the Books of the Dead, an eight volume Memorial Record of Ireland’s tragically long roll of honour of the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War of 1914-1918. The books were beautifully and poignantly illustrated by the talented stained-glass artist Harry Clarke.
Find out more about the cathedral here
St Patrick
St Patrick's Catholic Church, located on Donegall Street in Belfast, stands as a magnificent example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Constructed around 1875, this free standing symmetrical double height stone church was designed by architects Timothy Hevey and Mortimer Thompson, with a striking four stage tower and spire rising proudly from the front west elevation.
The church's architectural grandeur is further enhanced by the presence of a two-ton bell, cast by Thomas Sheridan & Co in their Dublin foundry. Regarded as the largest bell in Ulster, its resonant tones have echoed through the streets of Belfast for generations.
The decorative carving on the high altar and the statue of St Patrick above the entrance were completed by Messrs Neill & Pearse of Dublin, James Pearse the English stone carver being the father of Patrick Pearse, nationalist poet, political activist and one of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.
St Patrick's holds a special connection to renowned artist Sir John Lavery, who was baptized within its walls. He is best known for his fine portraits of political figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, Arthur Griffith and Sir Edward Carson and also his landscapes and seascapes. He was appointed an official artist in World War I, however ill health prevented him from travelling to the Western Front. He and his second wife Hazel became popular figures in London society, and they were influential in encouraging their neighbour Sir Winston Churchill to pick up a paintbrush.
The church has a special connection to St Patrick, as the custodians of a remarkable bejewelled reliquary which I thought to hold a relic of the saint himself.
Find out more about the church here
Sinclair Seamen's Presbyterian Church
Sinclair Seamen's Presbyterian Church is a historic landmark built to serve the spiritual needs of shipyard workers, dockers and sailors. Located in the area known as Sailor Town it is part of Belfast’s Maritime Mile. The church architecture reflects the Venetian style while the interior reflects a rich maritime heritage. The unique pulpit is shaped like a ship’s prow flanked by navigation lights while sumptuous stained glass depicts ships and sailors. The bell of HMS Hood rings out beckoning worshippers to service.
Find out more about the church here
Even more to do in Belfast, from Discover Northern Ireland
Packed with history, outstanding attractions, a bustling pub culture and a restaurant boom. When you have explored Belfast's incredible ecclesiastical heritage, why not check out some other things to do in the ciity.
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LauraMcIlveen