Smithfield and Union Quarter, Belfast facts for kids

Smithfield and Union is a special area, also called a quarter, in the city of Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Belfast City Council created these quarters in the 21st century to help organize and develop different parts of the city. Smithfield and Union got its current name in 2011, after first being known as the Smithfield Market and Library quarter.

This area is located in the northern part of Belfast City Centre. It stretches from North Street to Frederick Street. Important boundaries include Royal Avenue, York Street, Carrick Hill, and Millfield. Smithfield and Union is home to the Belfast Central Library. It also houses the offices of two major daily newspapers: The Irish News and The Belfast Telegraph.

Exploring the Smithfield and Union Area

Smithfield and Union is a vibrant part of Belfast with a mix of old and new places. It includes the historic Smithfield Market, a shopping area that has been around since the 1800s. You can also find the Clifton Street Poor House here, which has a long history.

Other notable buildings include the Donegall Street Congregational Church, now known as Redeemer Central church. St Patrick's Catholic Church is also in this area. A very important building is the recently restored St Patrick's National School. This was the first Catholic National School ever built in Belfast.

Famous Buildings and Landmarks

The beautiful art deco style Bank of Ireland building stands at the corner of Royal Avenue and North Street. Another interesting spot is The Frames building, also called The Library House. This used to be a warehouse but is now a public house. It's a listed building, meaning it's protected because of its historical importance. You can find it on Little Donegall Street.

Entertainment and Places to Stay

Smithfield and Union offers several places for entertainment. The Front Page on Donegall Street is a popular spot where many local bands perform for the first time. McElhattons is another traditional bar in Belfast located here. The Kremlin Complex, which includes the Union Street Bar, is also a big attraction in the area.

If you're visiting Belfast, the Linen House Backpackers hostel is located on Kent Street. It can host up to 130 guests. This hostel is special because it's the only one actually located right in the heart of Belfast City Centre.

Historical Sites and Figures

This quarter holds many important historical sites for Belfast. Clifton Street's historic cemetery is one such place. It contains two of the largest famine graves in all of Ireland. These graves remember the many people who died during the Great Famine.

The cemetery is also the final resting place of Henry Joy McCracken. He was a key leader in the United Irishmen's rebellion of 1798. This rebellion was a major event in Irish history. Another famous person buried here is William Drennan. He is known for creating the famous description of Ireland as the "Emerald Isle."

University Relocation Plans

The University of Ulster has announced exciting plans for the Smithfield and Union area. The university plans to move its main campus from Jordanstown to this part of the city. This big project is expected to cost around £250 million. It will bring about 13,000 students right into the city centre. This move will make Smithfield and Union an even more lively and important part of Belfast.