Search for the name, locality, period or a feature of a locality. You'll then be taken to a map showing results.

Ormeau (also known as Ormeau Park)

Introduction

A River Lagan-side demesne for a 'Cottage' of 1807. The later house of 1823 is now demolished. The site has been a public park since 1871 with a layout by Timothy Hevey. There is a curator's house and a bandstand.

Ormeau Park was originally home to the Donegall family. They moved to the park in 1807, setting up home in Ormeau Cottage. The second Marquis of Donegall extended the building and lived there until his death in 1844.

Ormeau House was designed by the architect William Vitruvius Morrison and was a massive building of some 20,000. The house was constructed in a Tudor Revival style with a polygonal tower, chimneys, turrets a pyramidal roof at the rear and a cupola (rooftop dome). The house was located near the centre of todays' park.

Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts

Access contact details

http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk

Directions

One mile east of central Belfast via the B506. On the eastern bank of the River Lagan.

Owners

Belfast City Council

www.belfastcity.gov.uk
History

Ormeau Park was opened to the public in 1871, making it the oldest municipal park in the city.

Associated People
Features & Designations

Designations

  • Environment and Heritage Service of Northern Ireland Heritage Gardens Inventory

  • Reference: D 45

Features

  • Bandstand
  • Kitchen Garden
Key Information

Type

Park

Purpose

Recreational/sport

Principal Building

Recreational

Survival

Extant

Open to the public

Yes

References