Clean, easy to see facility that is well maintained with courteous employees and volunteers.read more

So when I visited in August 2016, the facade was under construction so you could only just make out…read morethe glimpses of the gorgeous statuary underneath. It's a lovely warm stone and the church looks very intimate from the outside but when you go in, it's pretty big but it still feels like a warm embrace. The church is truly a masterpiece of gothic revival architecture, so glad it's being restored. My sole purpose for visiting here was to check out the €1 million triptych painting donated Sir John Lavery called "Madonna of the Lakes" to this church as he was baptized here. Our guide told us that the painting had been damaged in a fire during the Belfast Blitz, but since then it's been restored beautifully. This model for this painting was Lavery's wife and she's rumored to have had an affair with Michael Collins, so history once again comes full circle. Best of all, it's still free to visit this church so step in and check out this lovely luminous paintings and also get a wee bit of a rest (caveat - can only do this if a mass is not happening)! Note: #234 of Yelp 100 challenge for 2016

St Brigid's Catholic Church is situated on Derryvolgie Avenue between the prestigious Malone and…read moreLisburn Roads. It is a beautiful church which has been recently renovated to a very high standard both inside and out. The Church receives quite a few parishioners for Sunday service as well as attracting university students in the area. The stained-glass windows are striking and project a beautiful light within the church, adding to its serene atmosphere. If you want to light candles, the Church has two candle stands with accompanying prayers for varying interests and needs, which is a lovely thought. The odd time a parishioner will leave a specific prayer for others as this may have helped them in a particular time of need. The mass times slot into every families lifestyle as they range from a Saturday night vigil right through to the last mass at 1pm on Sunday afternoon. Therefore, leaving no excuse for missing your weekly time slot for divine intervention and inspiration.

I too was lucky enough to be married in this beautiful little church 50 Years ago tomorrow 1st…read moreJuly. My daughter also married there in 2017 so it holds wonderful memories for my husband and me. Everything Emma, the previous reviewer, said is true and I hope to visit soon to sit and reflect on the past 50 years which started there that day 1st day of July 1971. I'm sure there will be many other people over the coming years who will come and appreciate the quiet beauty of their surroundIngs. Joan

The prettiest little church you've ever seen. Built in the 1920s, this church has seen many a…read morechristening, wedding and funeral. The cycle of many residents of North Belfast's lives are viewed through the eyes of this church. And it's lovely. Whether you are religious or not, you can't help but be charmed by its simplicity. It's not as ornate as other Catholic churches usually are, letting its beautiful stained glass windows have their intended effect, and it has a fairly plain, but fresh and pretty altar area at the far end. I was lucky enough to have my wedding in this church, and it was a special place to have it in. Small enough to feel informal and special, but big enough to feel like an important event. It may sound silly to say that, but the architecture of some churches, in particular the more modern ones, just don't have that quality. The acoustics are fabulous too, if like me, you are lucky enough to have some beautiful music and singing at your wedding, or yes, even at a funeral, the acoustics work very well. There is space on the back balcony with the organ (which has a lovely sound) for musicians to play from and a choir to sit also. If you are a church enthusiast, I would recommend you take some quiet time to sit in here and enjoy the atmosphere, and if you're looking for a church to marry in, I couldn't recommend it more highly. The staff of the parish were unfailingly helpful with all the arrangements and just couldn't do enough. Ah, the memories...

St Joseph's a.k.a. The 'Chapel on the Quays' is a fond memory for many a local of Sailor Town. Amid…read moremuch controversy the building has been the subject of many planning / building applications but *SO FAR* has managed to survive the building bullies who want to demolish it. The church closed as a place of worship in 2002 against the wishes of the congregation and local residents who then went on to protest for years, pray on the steps of the building and show their undying support to the cause. Admitting defeat, the Catholic Church have leased the building to the Sailortown Regeneration Group who aim to restore it. Residents of Sailortown have launched a campaign to invite architecture students from the University of Ulster to come up with a design that can be used in the regeneration of St Joseph's. This famous church was built in 1878-80. It was designed by architect T Hevey. Unfortunately the nature of the ship building industry meant the exterior of the church has been worn away over time and often needs replacing. It is made from sandstone from Dungannon and Dundonald. It features architecture of Italian Romanesque façade with notes of an early French style. The stunning build work has ensured its preservation as a listed building, indeed it is the oldest in the area. In September an exhibition will be launched in conjunction with European Heritage Weekend which will see a shrine to the vibrant, pulsing community that used to gather here. The results of the architecture competition will be revealed at this date. Unfortunately, the church can't be used as a place of worship any longer, but there is hope that the building can be used as a community space, prayer space, and cafe location. I would HATE to see this beautiful old piece of history be demolished and some modern monstrosity built on its place so if you're in to this type of thing you can show your support at the upcoming open day or @ http://www.sailortownregeneration.com

Armagh is known as the Cathedral City, thus no trip to this ancient town would be complete without…read moretaking in the impressive beauty of St Patrick's Cathedral. A majestic hilltop building of twin spires, grey stone, gothic architecture and ornate mosaics. It's worthwhile taking a guided tour of St Patrick's to hear about its origins, history and numerous architects. A hauntingly magnificent building which is stunning both inside and out and breathtaking to behold.

Surprising detailed tiny MOSAIC tiles cover the entire floor and walls depicting 20+ life sized…read moresaints. AMAZING stain glass windows display more saints and stories. Built in the 19th century it was updated in 1990 removing communion rails and adding an altar facing the congregation. This is a world class tribute to Christianity by the Roman Catholic faithful in this community.