I was very excited to get the chance to document this once beautiful courthouse built in the late 1850's in Belfast.  The building has been derelict from the late 1990's and unfortunately has been subject to several deliberate fires. All the floors are badly damaged, however there are still traces of how grand and elaborate this building once was.

There have been many famous trails here throughout the years, and it was the main courthouse for the 'troubles' which saw lots of activity from it to the near by prison which interlinks via an underground tunnel.

I took the walk down to the basements to the underground cells and into the tunnel. This walk would have been what many prisoners would have taken to start their sentence or to receive the death penalty by hanging. This was very atmospheric!

I thought today being New Years Eve would be a good time to revisit my old primary school to see how it's holding up. As you can see, not very well!

It still brings back memories of when I was a child lining up at the front steps every morning at 8:50 waiting for the bell to ring ⏰

I also remember sitting in the class room where the blackboard still remains doing lessons with the headmaster, he sat in the big chair, us in the little ones, throwing notes to eachother and outward laughs 😜

 Yes, I must do more Urbexing!

The school has been abandoned from 1999 as there was a new one built to accommodate the growing numbers from the local community. In my day each class held a maximum number of 15 pupils.

My last visit could easily be 7 years ago and the decay is certainly picking up pace. Will it still be here in the next 7 years? Watch this space...

Even though the buildings deteriorate our memories do not.

Happy new year to all my followers, thank you for your continued support 🍾🍻

Sunday 1st of September now added!

Abandoned Ni' will host a talk in the historic Riddel's Warehouse, Ann St Belfast.   Listen to them talk about previously visited abandoned properties, editing/camera techniques and talk in depth about a documented house known as 'Dessie's'

Rooms from the home will be replicated for you to experience. Items on display will include, letters, books, clothing, newspapers, furniture and clothing - some items from the early 1800's.

Photographers welcome to bring their camera for photo opportunities. A short tour of Riddel's will also be included.   Hidden history fans and photographers alike this is not to be missed!

Tickets for both dates 25th of August and 1st of September can be bought here!  

Abandoned Ni' will host a talk in the historic Riddel's Warehouse, Ann St Belfast.   Listen to them talk about previously visited abandoned properties, editing/camera techniques and talk in depth about a documented house known as 'Dessie's'

Rooms from the home will be replicated for you to experience. Items on display will include, letters, books, clothing, newspapers, furniture and clothing - some items from the early 1800's.

Photographers welcome to bring their camera for photo opportunities. A short tour of Riddel's will also be included.   Hidden history fans and photographers alike this is not to be missed!

Times for  talk are 10AM-12PM / 2PM-4PM

10Pm Click here

2Pm Click here

Tickets are limited*

I've always wanted to travel to Belgium to do some abandoned photography. So last month I finally made the trip. I set about searching for some locations and caught a 6AM flight from Dublin.

I was slightly nervous about driving on the right side of the road but I knew I had to if I wanted to get to these locations. So I put this aside and got my rental car and loaded up my google maps!

This hospital complex was first on my list and I was there within a few hours of landing. This is a large complex with this part being the only abandoned building. I parked up and made the walk over. 

As we got in and walked around each room we found that they were rammed with rubbish, toys and clothes which made it harder to get a good photograph with such chaos.

It also became apparent as we walked round that there were homeless people staying here, with the made up mattresses and empty bottles/food packets, so this put me a little on edge.

Then not to mention the bathroom scene that was set up with the blo...

Today we have updated our web shop with new products for you to buy with January sale prices!  We also have a new batch of 2019 calendars due to arrive next week, so if you've placed an order it will be posted out soon! 

Remember if you like a print we can do it any size and add a frame of your choice if required. 

This is my last image taken on 31/12/18 which leads me to say Happy New Year and thank you for the continued support comments, shares and likes.  Here's to an amazing 2019!

This is one of those houses that you could pass everyday on your daily commute and not notice. It sits on a bad bend on a fast road and because your attention is on the road you don't notice the abandoned house.

From the outside it looks more like a barn than a house. The front door is hanging off and it doesn't look like there could be much left inside. These common assumptions are always wrong and this time they were!

From going in the front door you walk straight into the kitchen with it's brightly coloured walls, stove and sitting chairs. Looks like they've been well worn and they've sat through many a conversation.

 Lots of bright colours in this house where it's always 4.3

 This is what's called a 'Peep Hole' it let the persons the living room look through the hole to see who was at the front door.  I've seen a few of these but one never this shape.

 This looks like it's been the master bedroom complete with two bedpans and a suitcase.

There's a record player and a collection of r...

We have some beautiful and interesting castles dotted around the country, some lie in ruin and some not. 

This castle was built in the 17th century on the site of a Norman Agnew castle and was later renovated by the well-known architect John Nash. (who also built Killymoon Castle in Cookstown)

In WW1 some American soldiers were based here then it was home to an American family who leased the castle from the then Italian family of Balzani and who refurbished the castle up until 1922.

In WW2 it also had soldiers stationed at it. However today it lies in ruin on private land as part of a working farm. 

 The Castle in its hay day, image courtesy of Mid Antrim Council Website.

The Kilwaughter Castle Trust hopes to restore the castle to former glory.

Sergeant McQ.

I learnt about Sergeant McQ this time last year while I was documenting a house that's become known as "Dessie's'  
At that time we didn't know who he was or how he fitted into the family history. Eventually we found out, but along the way we came across some fascinating historical documentation belonging to him. 

One of these items was a letter from the police HQ dated 1903 asking him to detain certain suspects when they came into the Co Armagh district. 

There was a description given and some personal details to help him catch the criminals at large! I'm not sure how successful he was given the information provided lol. 

One reads: 
Name: John | Residence Belfast | Date 19:03:03 |Age 35yrs | Make Med | Hair Dark | Eyes Grey | Eyebrows Brown | Nose Short Cocked | Mouth Large | Complexion Sallow | Visage Round | Moustache Light Brown | Occupation Shop Keeper | Loud Whistles when walking|

Zoom into the picture to read more!

To hear more about Sergeant McQ and more I'll be...