Prior to 1890 ( even as far back as 1604), St. George’s Market was an open air venue with a slaughter house and a meat market. Then, in 1890, the “Belfast Corporation” ( now known as the “City Council”) commissioned the construction of a covered market. Built in three phases, construction was completed in 1896.
The original, much smaller building than today’s, included Roman styled arches with inscriptions in both Irish and Latin. During World War II, German aircraft heavily bombed Belfast, resulting in St. George’s Market being turned into an emergency morgue for the identification of hundreds of victims. By the 1980’s , the Market had become a “General Market.” As that decade closed, it became evident that the building was seriously decaying and in need of much repair work. A 4.2 million dollar refurbishment fund was established to bring the building up to current codes. The work was completed and the market re-opened on May 14, 1999.
Today, St. George’s Market, which is only open on week-ends, plays host to over 300 food venders, crafters, Trade merchants, and musicians. During weekdays, the site is often used for other events, such as art exhibitions, charity launches, festivals, business demonstrations, and live music happenings. We passed the Market every day on our way to explore Belfast city center, and were always on the lookout for what interesting events might be taking place here.