Glas-na-Bradan Cairn

History & Culture

The Belfast Hills are steeped in history. Visit each section below to find out more about the area which interests you.

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History of the Hills

Learn about the fascinating history and heritage of the Belfast Hills.

History of the Hills
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Time Periods

The Belfast Hills are dotted with signs of how we used to live, when Belfast was little more than marsh and swamp. Travel through the centuries and discover the history of the Belfast Hills.

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Archaeological Sites

The Belfast Hills have a rich history, the evidence of which may be seen by the remains left in the landscape. Read about the archaeological features that have been uncovered.

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Your Ancestors

We have researched a list of the names of families living in the Belfast Hills in the 1840s. Here is a step-by-step process to unlock your past in the Belfast Hills as well as other available resources for tracing your family history.

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Oral Histories

Listen to reminiscences of life in the Hills as part of our Oral Histories project.

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Townlands

The townland is a unique feature of the Irish landscape and is one of the most ancient divisions in the country. They predate the Norman Invasion of the 12th century.

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