St. George's Market
Saint George
St George's Market, located on May Street in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is the city's last remaining Victorian covered market. Built between 1890 and 1896 and designed by city surveyor J.C. Bretland, the market features striking red brick and sandstone construction with Roman-style arches adorned by Latin and Irish inscriptions. Originally an open market with a probable slaughterhouse and meat market, it transformed into a bustling market hosting around 300 traders, crafters, musicians, and food vendors today. The market played a significant role during World War II as an emergency mortuary following heavy bombing raids. After facing decline in the late 20th century, it underwent a major £3.5 million refurbishment funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and reopened in 1999. Beyond its traditional market function, St George's Market hosts food festivals, art exhibitions, live music events, and cultural celebrations, making it a vibrant hub of Belfast's social and cultural life. Notably, it has hosted renowned musical acts such as Deep Purple and Kasabian, and served as a venue for the World Irish Dancing Championships.
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Consejo: Visit St George's Market during weekends when the full range of traders and live music performances are available. Purchasing tickets for special events in advance is recommended to secure entry. Discounts may be available for groups or during certain festival events. The market is accessible via public transport and offers a variety of food and craft stalls, making it ideal for leisurely exploration.
Datos interesantes
- •St George's Market is the last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast.
- •The market's entrance arch features the Belfast Coat of Arms and inscriptions in Latin and Irish.
- •During World War II, the market was used as an emergency mortuary after bombing raids killed approximately 900 people.
- •Special bricks were produced in England to match the original unusually sized bricks during the 1990s refurbishment.
- •The market has hosted famous musical acts including Deep Purple, Kasabian, and Mark Ronson.
Historia
St George's Market was constructed in three phases between 1890 and 1896, replacing an earlier open market that likely included a slaughterhouse.
Designed by J.C.
Bretland, the market opened to the public on 20 June 1890.
During World War II, it served as an emergency mortuary following devastating bombing raids on Belfast.
By the 1980s, it had become the last of Belfast's Victorian markets but faced challenges from maintenance costs and hygiene regulations.
A major refurbishment funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund was completed in 1999, preserving its historic features and revitalizing its role in the community.
Guía del lugar
Main Market Hall1890-1896
The central covered space housing around 300 traders offering crafts, food, and local produce. The hall is notable for its Victorian architecture, including red brick walls and Roman-style arches with inscriptions.
Entrance Arch1890
The main entrance features the Belfast Coat of Arms and Latin motto 'Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus' meaning 'what shall we give in return for so much?' alongside the Irish phrase 'Lámh Dearg na hÉireann' or 'Red Hand of Ireland'.
Event Spaces
Areas within the market are used for food festivals, art exhibitions, live music concerts, and cultural events, making the market a dynamic cultural venue beyond its retail function.