Historic Ballynafeigh Orange Hall to Open Its Doors for European Heritage Open Day

A historic Belfast institution will open its doors to the public this September as part of European Heritage Open Days, offering visitors an opportunity to discover the history of one of the city’s longstanding community buildings.

Ballynafeigh Orange Hall, on the Ormeau Road, will welcome members of the public as part of this year’s European Heritage Open Days, providing an opportunity to step inside a building which has played an important role in the social and cultural life of the local community for generations.

The event will offer visitors an insight into the history of the Orange Institution and the role its lodges have played within communities across Northern Ireland. Those attending will also have the opportunity to view items and memorabilia connected with the history of the hall and the organisations which have met there over the years.

For members of the local Orange family, the event will be an opportunity to showcase a building which is familiar to many but perhaps less familiar to those outside the organisation.

Ballynafeigh has a particularly rich history, with the surrounding area having undergone significant change over the decades. The Orange Hall stands as part of that history, representing not only the traditions of its members but also the wider story of community life in south Belfast.

The organisers are keen to stress that the event is open to everyone, regardless of whether they have any previous connection with or knowledge of the Orange Institution.

Noel Liggett MBE on behalf of the Hall Management said:

“European Heritage Open Days provide us with a fantastic opportunity to open the doors of Ballynafeigh Orange Hall and allow people to see inside a building which has been part of the local community for many years.

“Many people will pass the hall regularly without ever having had the opportunity to come inside. We hope that by taking part in European Heritage Open Days we can share some of its history, explain the traditions associated with the building and welcome people from across Belfast and beyond.

“Heritage belongs to everyone, and we want this to be an opportunity for people to come along, have a look around and perhaps discover something they did not know about the history of the area.”

Visitors will be able to learn more about the history of the hall, its members and the wider Orange tradition, while also seeing some of the artefacts and memorabilia which help tell the story of the organisation and its place within the local community.

The organisers are encouraging local residents, history enthusiasts and anyone interested in Belfast’s built and community heritage to take the opportunity to visit.

European Heritage Open Days at Ballynafeigh Orange Hall will take place on Saturday 12 September from 11am to 4pm with guided tours on the hour. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Further information is available from Ballynafeigh Orange Hall on Facebook.