Friars Bush, Belfast’s oldest and eeriest graveyard, holds mass graves, body snatchers’ tales, and ghostly footsteps, writes HAUNTED CHARLIE HALL
Tucked away by the Ulster Museum on Stranmillis Road, Belfast, is Northern Ireland’s oldest Christian graveyard: Friars Bush.
A hidden gem full of history and mystery, it harbours gruesome tales of body snatchers, hangings, famine and ghosts.
For years, people were able to bury their coffined dead wherever they could—often atop other graves.
It became heavily overcrowded, with bones and skulls exposed.
The ground turned uneven and was grimly nicknamed the Hill of Bones.
Myths, Monuments and Friars Bush Folklore
There is a legend that tells of St Patrick founding a church at Friars Bush, which is linked to the cemetery’s Friar’s Stone – bearing an inscription that reads, “This stone marks ye friar’s grave, AD 485”.
Speculation suggests this is a frivolous antiquarian Victorian piece, possibly engineered by author and solicitor Francis Joseph Bigger, who was notorious for being a prankster.
The cemetery holds some fascinating graves and tombstones, including a grand monument with a spire for journalist Andrew McKenna, founder of the Northern Star newspaper.
Sadly, the head of the bust is missing.
There was evidence of the carving being found in the 1980s after grounds maintenance, but it has not been seen since.
It is hoped that one day it will be reunited.
Barney Hughes, a leading baker in Belfast, is also buried here—known for his creation of the Belfast Bap, or ‘Barney’s Bap’.
He made cheap, wholesome bread mixed with peas, carrots and beans to help nourish the impoverished people of the town, especially through the famine.
In the centre of the graveyard is an old hawthorn bush where Catholics secretly gathered for ceremonies.
In 1691, Penal Laws were introduced, and when a friar was caught celebrating Mass here, he was murdered – allegedly by hanging – and buried underneath.
This event gave rise to the name ‘Friars Bush’.
“In ancient times, as peasants tell,
A friar came with book and bell
To chant his Mass each Sabbath morn
Beneath Strath-milis’ trysting thorn”
– Poet Joseph Campbell
Spirits, Sightings and Strange Sensations
I was unaware of this beautiful place, so I was pleasantly surprised when receiving an entrance ticket—and a male spirit followed as I walked up the main path.
To the left is an unnatural-looking mound known as ‘Plaguey Hill’.
Upon wandering around alone, I felt uneasy and knew I wasn’t alone.
I saw a female spirit in a dark, grubby dress, with apron and cotton bonnet, swiftly walking with several children behind.
This is a mass burial site that holds the remains of over 2,000 victims of the 1832 cholera epidemic, dysentery, and pestilence from the 1847 famine.
Many paranormal sightings have occurred in this area—like feelings of being tugged and movement from below.
A memorial plaque has since been erected.
Resurrectionists, Tragedies and Tunnels
Body snatching was rife, especially to supply cadavers for anatomical study.
In 1832, some intruders snuck into the cemetery.
Later, at Belfast Dock, a barrel was discovered on a ship bound for Scotland, containing the bodies of a shoemaker’s wife and daughter who had recently been buried there.
The guilty resurrectionists were George Stewart—who got away—and someone called Feeny, who was found to possess a box of medical implements and sovereigns.
There are awful stories of past servant girls and mistresses becoming pregnant in this wealthy area.
Due to fear of scandal or consequence, they would abandon their babies.
The gatekeeper and gravediggers were left to make the horrendous discoveries of the infants in the mornings—having been tragically thrown over the cemetery wall, dead or alive.
It is said that an underground tunnel runs between the university buildings opposite.
On several occasions, workers have reported cold spots and being touched—and now refuse to enter the tunnel.
I loved my time at Friars Bush.
As we went to leave, it was realised that we were accidentally locked in by another guide.
I was in my element, thinking I’d get my paranormal lockdown after all (others weren’t quite as enthused by my macabre excitement!).
The ghosties wanted me to stay… or maybe not, as eventually two lads kindly came to our rescue.
All ticket money helps maintain the graveyard—so go give it a visit.
Have you experienced anything paranormal at Friars Bush Graveyard? Share your story in the comments below!
This article originally appeared on our regional site, www.spookybelfast.com
