Historic Building Details

HB Ref No:
HB26/27/014

Address :
Friar's Bush Graveyard Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AA

Townland:
Malone Lower

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Survey 2:
Record Only

Date of Listing:
27/09/1979 00:00:00

Date of De-listing:
15/06/2026 00:00:00

Current Use:
Graveyard

Former Use
Graveyard

Conservation Area:
Yes

Industrial Archaeology:
No

Vernacular:
No

Thatched:
No

Monument:
No

Derelict:
No

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OS Map No:
147/1SE

IG Ref:
J3360 7230

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Owner Category

Exterior Description And Setting

The graveyard is relatively modest in terms of size, comprising only two acres, but is densely populated with burials. The site takes its name from an old thorn bush which stands in the centre of the graveyard, where mass was performed in secret during strict Irish Penal Laws. The site is located on the Stranmillis Road, which bounds it to the west, while the Ulster Muesum and Botanic Gardens are to the north and east. Access to the graveyard is through the arched gothic gate lodge.

Architects

Historical Information

Described in the list entry dated 1974 as: Inscribed small stone Ordnance Survey Map of 1832. Article by C Douglas Deane 'News Letter' 26/2/77. Ulster Architectural Heritage Society 'Queen's University' page 34.

Criteria for Listing

Architectural Interest

Not listed

Historic Interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Described in the list entry dated 1974 as: Irregular shaped graveyard enclosed by high rubble stone wall and named afer 'Ye Friar's Grave'. Extended and enclosed before 1932. Contains many tomb memorials on the enclosing walls and free standing. The Graveyard was designated as a Scheduled Monument,which is a more appropriate form of protection, on 24th February 2026.

General Comments

Date of Survey

18 December 2025