St. Malachy's Church, Belfast

Nestled just steps from Belfast City Hall, Saint Malachy’s Church offers visitors a peaceful haven amid the city’s energetic centre. As the third‑oldest continuously used Catholic church in Belfast, it was completed in 1844. Designed by Waterford‑born architect Thomas Jackson in a distinctive Tudor Revival or “Elizabethan‑Gothic” style, its red‑brick exterior is crowned with castellated parapets and twin octagonal turrets, evoking the romantic feel of a small castle rather than a traditional Gothic cathedral.

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by one of Northern Ireland’s most exquisite interiors. The star attraction is the fan‑vaulted plaster ceiling, inspired by the Henry VII Chapel at Westminster Abbey-so delicately ornate that it’s often likened to a wedding cake turned inside‑out. Below, the sanctuary’s blue‑toned mosaic floor features a pelican motif, symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, with marble altar rails and pulpit-replacements from a 1926 renovation-complementing the overall elegance. Painted over in the mid‑20th century, the sanctuary’s stencilling was meticulously restored during a major refurbishment in 2008–09, reviving the church’s vibrant colours.

Beyond its stunning architecture, Saint Malachy’s serves as a living centre of worship and community. Its interior houses side altars dedicated to Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary, along with statues of beloved saints, creating a deeply contemplative atmosphere. Best visited during quieter times, the church provides a serene retreat where sunlight streams through stained‑glass windows, illuminating its peaceful ambiance.