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.