Ardoyne, Belfast

Gaeltacht Quarter is a serene neighborhood west of Belfast. It has a big domination of the Irish, hence the widespread use of the Irish language. Most residents also have an impressive mastery of the native English language, which can be traced back in their history when they had to do the same for survival.
For a first time visitor, Gaeltacht is a great place to visit. Most of the institutions in the area are midsized, thanks to the small population of the area. Apart from one third-level institutions like, Coláiste Ollscoile Naomh Muire (St Mary’s University College), many of the other institutions are medium institutions.

Gaeltacht Quarter started gaining prominence in 2000 and has emerged as a hotbed of the Irish language and culture. The town needed transforming and reclaiming that had been lost over time. The town’s plans were laid out in 2002, originating from the Joint West Belfast/Greater Shankill Task Force. Over time, Gaeltacht Quarter began taking shape as the Department of Culture, Belfast City Council, and the Arts and Leisure adopted the initial plans for this neighborhood. The town slowly began to get shape attracting people from different places into this serene and promising land. At first, the town was simple, but within time, it has meticulously transformed and boasts of a thriving economy supported by an impressive population.

With music, intrigue, and great restaurants and bars, it is the heart of the Irish language and culture. Gaeltacht has a rich history and culture, which can be viewed from the Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich. The museum, originally built in 1991 and later renovated in 2010, is home to a beautiful art collection. Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich has been a custodian of this part of Ireland’s history for generations attracting visitors from within and far. Regularly, Gaeltacht Quarter holds celebrations to mark and celebrate its rich art and music, such as the August Féile (Festival). Annually, this neighborhood hosts one of the biggest European community festivals, the Féile an Phobail. Gaeltacht accommodates several sporting activities and events with a taste of the Irish and English culture.

Féile FM serves the area, a community radio airing in the neighborhood and across the Belfast region seven days a week. It has a tolerance for different genres of music, including Irish traditional music to pop and world music. Gaeltacht has produced incredible literature works, including famous poets and authors like Roddy Doyle and Patrick Mc Cabe. Having a tolerance for different cultures, the neighborhood has been a host to several renowned theater companies and playwrights. In addition to the periodic colorful and spectacular performances and festivals to celebrate and appreciate culture, Gaeltacht supports the same at different community levels hence the rich Irish culture.

Cleaning Contractors NI
2 The Mount
Woodstock Link
Belfast
County Antrim
BT6 8DD
Northern Ireland UK

028 9073 7252

Gaeltacht Quarter

The Gaeltacht Quarter is known to promote the Irish culture and language. It is located west of the city centre and is one of the most compelling places in Northern Ireland. It has a heavy history around the air because it was lawless and barbaric. It is home to one of Europe’s premier community festivals called Féile an Phobail.

At Cleaning Contractors NI we are carpet cleaners, hard floor cleaners and upholstery cleaners in Belfast. Belfast is the city that we love and the city we work in each day providing our services. Hence why we blog about the city!

In this article, we are going to talk about the different locations you can visit in Gaeltacht Quarter and how you can get to each one of them.

Places in the Area

Áras Uí Chonghaile James Connolly Visitor Centre

James Connolly was a man of formidable ideas, and the mission of this visitor is to introduce Irish citizens and other guests from all around the world to James Connolly. You can visit their website at https://arasuichonghaile.com/.

Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich

This is a cultural centre that holds language classes, art workshops, céilithe, concerts, and other events. This is located at the heart of West Belfast. Visit their website at https://www.culturlann.ie/..

Coiste Na nIarchimi

In Coiste, you are going to be walked through personal experiences of the Birtish/Irish conflict, and this will be done by former political prisoners. Visit their website at http://coiste.ie/.

Belfast Celtic Museum

The Belfast Celtic Museum is filled with memorabilia and items of nostalgia on the history of Belfast Celtics. Their opening times are limited, so if you want to know more, their website is http://www.belfastceltic.org/museum/.

Holy Cross Church, Crumlin

The Holy Cross Church in Crumlin Road is the main Roman Catholic place of worship for the people in Ardoyne. Their website is http://www.holycrossparishbelfast.com/ is you want to know more.

Ardoyne Community Centre

This community centre is open from Mondays to Sundays. They offer different classes for mothers and toddlers, for young women, and for everyone, basically. Check them out here: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/community/community-centres/ardoyne-community-centre

Directions to Get There

Gaeltacht Quarter to Áras Uí Chonghaile James Connolly Visitor Centre

To get to this Visitor Centre from Gaeltacht Quarter, all you need to do is head south on Ard Va Rd toward Falls Rd/A501, and then walk about 3 meters to turn right onto Falls Rd/A501. The Visitor Centre will be on the left side.

Áras Uí Chonghaile James Connolly Visitor Centre to Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich

The distance between these 2 locations is 483 meters and it will take you 7 minutes to get to your destination. From the Visitor Centre, head northeast on Falls Rd/A501 toward La Salle Park, and then turn right onto Nansen St.

Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich to Coiste Na nIarchimi

It will take you a 3-minute walk to get to Coiste from Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich. Head northwest on Nansen St. toward Falls Rd/A501, and then turn left onto Falls Rd/A501. In about 161 meters, you will be turning right onto Beechmount Ave., and then slightly turn left onto Beechmount Parade.

Coiste Na nIarchimi to Belfast Celtic Museum

The fastest way to get to Belfast Celtic Museum from Coiste is to head southeast on Beechmount Parade toward Beechmount Ave., and then slightly turn right onto Beechmount Ave., turn right onto Falls Rd/A501, turn left onto La Salle Dr., and then continue onto St. James’ Park, turn left onto Donegall Rd., and in 70 meters, turn left. In about 13 meters, slightly turn right, and then walk about 1 meter to turn left. Walk for 174 ft to get to your destination.

Read About – Ballysillan, Belfast

Read About – Ardoyne, Belfast