Belfast is a fabulous city to visit; it was nothing like I had imagined. And of course, like any city recovering from industrial decline it is trying to build a future in tourism. City visits, by their very nature, have a lot of attractions, which can be expensive. So, it was refreshing to find a free attraction like the CS Lewis Square to commemorate the life and works of Belfast-born author, CS Lewis.
To those who don’t know, CS Lewis wrote ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ including the ‘Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe‘ (1950), ‘Prince Caspian‘ (1951), ‘The Voyage of the Dawn Treader‘ (1952), ‘The Silver Chair‘ (1953), ‘The Horse and His Boy‘ (1954), ‘The Magician’s Nephew‘ (1955), and ‘The Last Battle‘ (1956). This is a fantastic series of children’s fantasy literature. It tells the story of four evacuee children at their uncle’s house where they discover the hidden world of Narnia, which is inhabited by a plethora of magical creatures. Considering they were written in the 1950s they are still remarkably fresh – and some might say – timeless.
A walk-through CS Lewis Square, a public space
CS Lewis Square is situated in East Belfast, between the Connswater and Comber Greenways and near the EastSide Visitor Centre. You can park at the EastSide visitors centre while you visit. Situated within a square, which is sometimes used for art and literary events, you and your children will discover seven sculptures from ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe‘. These incredible art works include Aslan (the lion):
The White Witch:
Mr Tumnus (the faun):
The Beavers:
Maugrim:
The Robin:
The Stone Table:
The Searcher:
It is an absolutely stunning display. The sculptures, designed by Maurice Harron, cost £2.5 million and they are surrounded by 300 native trees. They bring to life your imagination and give the books a new meaning. CS Lewis Square is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is fully illuminated.
Our Experience
While I don’t expect children to be overcome with emotion about artworks, this display was quite well received by Millie-Mae and Toby, who are both fans of the books. The EastSide Visitors Centre is also very helpful, and here visitors can access information on the city’s attractions from interactive screens, interpretative panels and a wall map, connecting people to the EastSide’s famous faces, places and industries. The Centre also has a coffee bar, named for CS Lewis, affectionately known as ‘Jack’ to friends and family. JACK’s Coffee Bar locally sources products from local artists and chefs/bakers.
The Lamppost Café
However, on the day we visited we opted to walk a short distance from the square to visit The Lamppost Café, because it was dog friendly and we had our two Springers with us.
The dogs received a great welcome, and actually got photographed for some publicity drive! The café was themed with quirky bookcase wallpaper …
There’s white tinsel everywhere …
… CS Lewis-inspired artwork on the walls …
… real bone china cups, saucers and plates, and retro tableware.
The children were really impressed with the Narnia chess set.
The menu was also themed with Tumnus’ fry for breakfast and Poggins stew for lunch.
But the choice was fantastic with loads of hot meals, sandwiches and cake.
I would definitely recommend The Lamppost, and I know the dogs loved the attention as well. They got water and biscuits and even some bacon scraps from the kitchen. It’s a dog’s life, eh.
Free trail maps can be found in EastSide Visitor Centre, The Arches Health & Wellbeing Centre, Connswater Community Centre and Holywood Arches Library.
Ella @ Typical Mummy says
My son would love this! The artworks look great – I bet they look even more impressive and magical when it snows!
Treasure Every Moment says
Oh wow what a magical place to visit! I absolutely love all of the Narnia sculptures and the extra special touches throughout 🙂
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
The artwork is amazing. I’m sure my children would love to visit and see that. It’s great the cafe has a good choice of food, my kiddies are fussy lol
Talya Stone says
Oh my goodness I didn’t know this place existing – how magical. Especially love the cafe! What a wonderful treat.
Chloe says
I didn’t even realise this place existed! Looks like it’s definitely worth a visit sometime
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
This is one of my favourites so I would really love to go here. I didn’t know about it before!
Mandi Morrison says
Gosh I love it. So cool! I remember watching and reading the Lion, Witch and Wardrobe as a child myself and have loved all the films.
Lizzy says
Lovely post! I love visiting places that bring stories to life x
Kelly says
Oh wow how great is this little place. A great little find. That place you went to eat looks so cute too. I would have loved the Narnia chess set too.
Jenni says
Oh wow, I had no idea this existed! I’ve only been to Belfast once, for about 24 hrs, but I’ll have to go back as I’m a big C.S. Lewis fan.
Anosa says
What an amazing experience that has been, I have not thought about visiting Belfast at all.
Jennifer says
We loved our recent visit to Belfast but missed this! I think the kids would have loved it.
Marie says
How fabulous! I love the staircase and all the quirky little items. Really great that they welcome dogs too.
Kara says
The statues are an incredible sight aren;t they, wish we had stopped off at the cafe now