Extramural Activity

Fernhill House, which features in various loyalist murals/boards, in its present state. In 1996 it was opened as a museum, but has since been shuttered and is gradually falling into disrepair. The house is located off the modern-day Ballygomartin Road, in Glencairn Park.

Info boards below …

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Copyright © 2012 Extramural Activity
X00743 X00741 X00742 Glencairn was the former home of the Cunningham family, whose estate in north west belfast covered over 100 acres of land in the shadow of divis mountain the cunninghams were of scottish descent their forbear thomas left scotland during the troubles of 16?? and settled in the parish of killead co. antrim the family was involved in the west indian trade and barber cunningham a great-grandson  established himself as a tobacco manufacturer and importer in belfast barber’s son josias 1819-1895 founded the stockbroking firm of & co in 1843  in 1856 josias purchased 50 acres of land at ballygomartin and named it glencairn after the family’s ancestral home in scotland the following year he purchased a large mansion called house at its height the estate contained three imposing houses glendivis each was known for its distinctive features for its manicured lawns and wrought iron fence for its rolling pastures and stables and for its lawn tennis courts today on remains this elegant victorian villa was built around 184 by john smith a wealthy belfast butter merchant the architect is unknown but the perfect symmetry of its front and the general restraint of its lines epitomise the classical style of architecture the house symbolises a period in belfast’s history when the growing wealth and social aspirations of its middle class merchants led them to build fine homes on the outskirts of the city. were prominent unionists the ulster volunteer force paraded in the estate in 1914 and stored guns and ammunition in the stable yard beside they were well known throughout the shankill district for their work in politics the orange order the church and in education as well as for their social work during both world wars. when the three estate houses were at their peak the family employed as many as 90 local people in positions ranging from gamekeepers and grooms to household staff and drivers lived on until 1962 when the property was acquired by the corporation it has since be re-opened as a public park today visitors can wander through its 70 acres of impressive landscaped parklands and enjoy its extensive lawns and mature trees set against the backdrop of divis mountain welcome center organised walks and tours