St. Mary's Church, Belfast

St. Mary's Church is a Catholic church building on Chapel Lane in Belfast, constructed of red brick with a tower measuring 27 meters (90 feet) in height. The interior displays Romanesque elements, featuring five bays arranged around a semicircular sanctuary.

The original building opened in 1784 as the first Catholic church in Belfast following the relaxation of laws that had restricted Catholic worship. The construction was partly funded by donations from local Protestant supporters.

The church serves as a gathering place for worshippers and remains central to the community's spiritual life. Daily services draw people from across Belfast who come to pray and reflect.

The church is accessible daily to visitors who wish to admire the architecture or attend services. It is useful to check opening times before visiting, as these may vary depending on scheduled worship times.

A notable history of religious tolerance is marked by the Anglican Vicar of Belfast donating a pulpit to the church in 1813, an unusual sign of cooperation between faiths. This gift remains today as a symbol of that interfaith understanding.