I’ve written very little about the city I’ve called home for the past 7 years, so, I think it’s time for Belfast to shine – as I do a dive into some of my favourite places within the city. First up is CS Lewis Square, celebrating a literary giant who was born in Belfast.
This little charming square is nestled amongst cafes, and facing the popular Connswater Shopping Centre.
The adjoining East Side Visitor Centre houses many pieces of art inspired by Lewis’ books, and Jack’s coffee bar (Lewis was affectionately known as Jack to his friends, after his childhood dog – very Indiana Jones-esque), and Freight – a unique Café designed from old shipping containers.
The square’s main features are the statues – homages to characters from Lewis’ imaginary realm of Narnia, featuring the fearless lion Aslan, the goat man hybrid who guides the children Mr. Tumnus, the frightening witch, and if there’s a lion and a witch – you’d presume there’s also a wardrobe statue (there is). Each statue is accompanied by a plaque explaining who the character is for those less familiar with Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.
The square itself is an introspective sphere, where one can relax and read, whilst bustling city life whizzes past. The colossal Samson and Goliath cranes shadow over you from one side, whilst beyond the aforementioned cafes lies shoppers and traffic. The square would be perfect for warm summer sketches – as it exudes an artistic aura, or just a quick break from normality for the less arty.
CS Lewis Square offers a realm to escape normality akin to how the wardrobe to Narnia offered an escape for the children in his Chronicles of Narnia and is a must visit for those in Belfast.
The square is a short walk from the Titanic train station, and could be visited before/after checking out the Titanic museum and the colossal Samson/Goliath cranes that have become symbolic of Belfast at Titanic builders Harland & Wolff’s current shipyard.
