Donegall Pass

Donegal Pass is recognised as one of Belfast oldest areas. During the 1970’s and 80’s it underwent extensive redevelopment, which has resulted in a dramatic decline in population numbers due to lower housing density. Like so many protestant areas, it has a high proportion of older people.

The Markets

The Markets is one of Belfast oldest communities in Belfast and the second nationalist area in south Belfast. It derived it’s name from the extensive city centre markets, which used to operate nearby (most of which have long since closed). Since the 1970’s the area has undergone extensive redevelopment and has experienced a substantial reduction in the population as a result. The area is close-knot with a high proportion of young people.

Sandy Row

Sandy row is also one of the oldest communities in Belfast. It is a traditional protestant area, which used to be a thriving commercial hub. Many of the industries have closed down and the shopping area has been in decline for many years. Consisting almost entirely of public housing (NIHE), the area has been largely redeveloped and as a result its population has severely declined.

Lower Ormeau

The Lower Ormeau community is one of the two nationalist pockets in south Belfast. The area is largely made up of traditional terraced housing. There are relatively high numbers of children and young people in the area, often suffering from a high degree of social deprivation. This is not always clearly identified within some ward statistics as the botanic ward also contains affluent and student areas which skew the results.

The Village

The village is traditional protestant area. Housing consists of streets 2up and 2down terraces with much of the housing in private ownership, mixed with some privately rented and some owner-occupied. Over the past few years the impending redevelopment of the area has created a sense of uncertainty, resulting in owner-occupiers moving out and private speculators and landlords moving in, creating the presence of a transient student population and leading to the break-up of the traditional community.