Our heritage group, founded through the Eastside Lives (Bangor) project, today had the pleasure of visiting the newly restored Templemore Baths in Belfast, a historic gem that has been beautifully preserved and brought back to life, championed by the local East Belfast community over the past decades. The visit was an opportunity for our heritage group to delve into the rich history of the baths, which have been a cornerstone of the community since the late 19th century.  Without the intervention and campaigning of key people in the community, this wonderful building would have been lost.  it was fantastic to see the restoration and how the memories have been captured by this National Heritage Lottery Fund and Belfast City Council project. 

As we walked through the carefully restored spaces, we were transported back in time, reminiscing about the days when the baths were bustling with activity, either for those down for their weekly bath after a weeks work in the shipyard, or those down to use the swimming pool. For many of our group, the visit was a chance to reconnect with their own personal histories, recalling childhood memories of swimming lessons, communal baths, and the vibrant social atmosphere that once filled these halls.

The restoration of Templemore Baths has not only preserved a significant piece of Belfast’s heritage but has also provided a space for the community to engage with its past in a meaningful way. We were particularly impressed by the meticulous attention to detail that has gone into the restoration, from the original tiling to the historic pools, all of which have been restored to their former glory.

The visit also sparked lively discussions among our group about the importance of preserving heritage sites like Templemore Baths. We reflected on the role these places play in maintaining a tangible connection to our past and how they serve as a reminder of the shared experiences that bind our community together.

Engaging with heritage in this way is at the heart of what our group is all about. The trip to Templemore Baths was not just a visit to a historic site but a journey into our collective memory, allowing us to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future.

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to visit Templemore Baths and send our thanks to the team who were so welcoming and provided great hospitality to our group.  Why not pay the baths a visit and learn more about the incredible work that has gone into its restoration. It was a day of learning, reminiscing, and deepening our appreciation for Belfast’s rich cultural heritage, providing inspiration on how we can best celebrate and capture our own living heritage.

For more information on the Eastside Lives project contact Susan on 91478292 or call into the Old Market House, 77 Main Street Bangor.  Why not join us for our next heritage trip or sign up for the upcoming workshops.

This project is ‘made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.’