Intersected by the River Farset, from which Belfast derives its name, the Shankill is located in the western part of the city. Sandwiched between two large mill complexes, the members of the Shankill capitalised on the foot traffic from workers. The Shankill built itself up as a commercial area in the middle of an industrial metropolis. Over the years, the mills disappeared, but the Shankill and its popular shops remain.
Founded by St. Patrick in 455 AD, this famous community has a rich full history, extending long before the Troubles and persists long after. Though it is known for its loyalty to the Crown, the Shankill should be equally renowned for its warmth and hospitality.
The map below shows many points of interest in the Greater Shankill Area, including pubs, restaurants, shops, memorials, and murals. Click on any of the icons to receive more information about a particular point. A key below the map shows what type of place each of the icons indicate. Zoom in using the (+) key on the map, and zoom out using the (-) key. Scroll by clicking and dragging on the map. After navigating away from the home page, click on the “Shankill Welcomes You” on the very top left of the page to return to the home page with the map. Alternatively, you can click on the categories underneath the map, which will also link you to pages about individual sites on the Shankill.
The Shankill can easily be accessed from Belfast city centre via the 11 bus. The Shankill can also be reached by following North Street westwards, until it changes to Peter’s Hill around the Westlink (A12), and further westward just past the Diamond, the road actually changes in name to Shankill Road.
Small red dots indicate murals.
The drink glasses indicate pubs.
Buildings with a cross on top indicate churches.
The green arrow pointing to a star indicates a point of interest.
The donut indicates a sweetshop.
The gravestone marking indicates either a cemetery or memorial garden.
The person with a book indicates a library.
The basket and apple icons represent shops.
The fork and spoon indicate a restaurant.
Three purple squares indicate a bombing site.
The small blue dots indicate gates on the peace wall between the Shankill and the republican Falls neighborhood.
The bed indicates a place with overnight accommodations.
Listen to Albert Haslett, commonly known as the Bard of the Shankill, discuss why he loves the Shankill Road:
EPIC, or the Ex-Prisoners Interpretative Centre, has sponsored the development of this site. Read below for further details about the work this organisation does.
very nice site