Skipper Street, Belfast

Merchant Hotel

Skipper Street, Belfast, runs from Waring Street to High Street.

This is one of the the oldest streets in Belfast, where the River Farset used to flow openly along High Street itself (it still does, though it's culverted).

High Street, Belfast, 1831, looking westwards (TM Baynes/ T Davies/ NMNI)

The street was thus named because skippers of sailing vessels lodged here.

This street is mentioned as far back as 1685; it was, however, significantly affected by the 1941 blitz.

In 1974, The Albert Inn stood at 3 Skipper Street; then it changed its name to the Blackthorn Bar.

High Street, looking eastwards towards the Albert Clock

The buildings are now all relatively recent since many, if not most, were destroyed by bombing during the 2nd World War.

The most notable premises today are the Merchant Hotel - formerly the Ulster Bank head office - which now runs along the entire left-hand side of the street (the even numbers).

The Spaniard bar is situated at number three, and Jackson Sports was located at the corner of Skipper Street and High Street from the 1970s until 2023.

Jackson Sports is to be replaced in 2025 by Trait restaurant and bakery.

First published in July, 2009.