D.H.P.S. Trip to Belfast

Written by Adrian Murdock

Wednesday, 21 February 2007

On 16th March 2004 over a dozen American visitors and locals went on the "Donaghmore Heritage & Preservation Society" Trip to Belfast, Carrickfergus & Newtownabbey. On  a dull morning the minibus picked us up at Donaghmore Presbyterian Church and we travelled to Belfast, where we met Maud Hamill & Vicky Dundas of "Abbey Historical Society". Travelling onto Carrckfergus Castle, we met our Tour Guide, Bob Armstrong of "Abbey Historical Society", who gave us a detailed account of Carrickfergus and its castle. On the return journey we stooped at "The White House", which is presently undergoing an archaeological dig and eventually the Society hope to restore it to its former glory. We were warned to be careful walking on the floor, but of course Adrian Murdock was the one to step on the wrong floor board and one leg fell through the floor, he suffered a cut knee, but luckily managed not to break the ornamental teapot he had purchased from the "White House" charity shop. Travelling on to Newtownabbey, we were received by the Mayor, Paul Girvan and given a tour of the Council buildings, which are now in the old restored "Mosley mill".  After a light lunch, we made the journey to Belfast and the highlight of the trip, to "City Hall". The bus was permitted into the grounds and we waited in the entrance hall, until the Lord Mayor, Martin Morgan arrived and tea was served in the Lord Mayor's Parlour and we were given a warm welcome and chance to take photos.  We were then given a detailed guided tour of the main rooms. By the time we left City Hall the rain was coming on and we just had a quick tour of "Clifden Street Cemetery", where many have unmarked graves, yet some of the major figures in the history of Belfast have grand memorials.  One of the most famous is the supposed grave of Henry Joy McCraken. Our fullpacked, enjoyable day ended with a delicious dinner in the restaurant in Belfast Castle, with a beautiful view over Belfast lough, just as day light was fading and the lights were coming on. With Lord Mayor of Belfast