European Heritage Open Day

This weekend a lot of buildings were open to the public for a look see. We went to:
Belfast Central Library

"Opened in 1888, it was one of the first major public library buildings in Ireland. ... Designed to reflect the ambitions of the growing city of Belfast, its architecture is a fine example of a public building at the height of the Victorian age. On a black granite base, the Dumfries red sandstone exterior with a slightly Italianate feel, houses a three-floor interior with a sweeping staircase, a pillared foyer, and a fine domed first-floor reading room.” The latter was my favourite part--I could spend days in there.
Second on the list, May Street Presbyterian Church.

"The church was opened on the site of a former millpond used by Cromac Paper Mill at Joy’s Dam in 1829 on the periphery of Georgian Belfast. Over the years, the city has grown up around the church which now finds itself in a pivotal position in the city centre.” The church has impressive outreach programs to people dealing with addiction and homelessness. It also has a nice slide deck.

"The Meter House is a small listed gem of a building by Robert Watt, dating from 1888, located in the now defunct Belfast Gasworks industrial facility, and brought back from almost complete dereliction."

Just as at the library, the domed window was the best part.

You have to see the architect’s website to appreciate the salvage operation.

Our final stop for the day was Stormont Castle, which isn’t far from where we live.

"Stormont Castle was built in 1858 in baronial style, complete with turrets, battlements and conical caps. After surviving demolition plans in 1921, the Castle became the official residence of the NI Prime Minister and, in today's devolved NI Assemby, houses the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister."
All the photos except the one below were taken from the internet.

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