The best running trails around Strandtown

In Belfast stands a fish so large, Made of steel and art, a true castle. Its blue shines in the sunlight, Its face a marine wonder. It swims in the cityscape, proud and free, A symbol of strength and harmony. People watch, marvel, laugh, And are awakened by the work of art. A sea spirit in the middle of the city, That shows what art and courage can do. The blue fish, so beautiful and clear, Remains wonderful in our hearts.

Ceramic fish sculpture with pictures and texts on the history of Belfast, partly made by children.

Sad past…

Here, in the middle of the city, the characters from The Chronicles of Narnia come to life in the form of impressive bronze sculptures. As a cyclist, you pass right by the square and can pause for a moment to immerse yourself in this fantastic world. The sculptures of Aslan, the mighty lion, and the White Witch's throne in particular attract attention. The details of the figures are impressive and give the characters a special presence. The square is not only a place for literature lovers, but also an interesting work of art in the open air - a change from the usual sights. CS Lewis, the famous writer and son of the city, is omnipresent here and also makes this place a small piece of Belfast history.

Victoria Park in Belfast is an interesting spot for a short bike ride and a break by the water. It is accessible 24 hours a day and has a quiet lake that is enlivened by swans, ducks and other water birds. The walk around the lake is particularly relaxing, where gently curved paths lead you through the greenery of the park. The complex dates back to 1906 and was designed by landscape architect Charles McKimm, who also designed the impressive tropical hall in the Botanical Garden. You can also explore the small BMX track by bike, which attracts ambitious cyclists - perfect for adding a little variety. On the banks of the lake, the complex offers a beautiful mix of nature and urban flair. Free parking makes access uncomplicated and practical. A walk or a bike ride through this historic park is a refreshing break, especially with the lively birdsong and the proximity to the water. Whether for a short break or a longer stay – Victoria Park offers a pleasant ambience in the middle of the city.

Perhaps the most significant development of the strike occurred when Sands entered the election campaign for a seat in the Parliament for Northern Ireland's County of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. On 10 April, after 41 days of hunger strike and to the great shock of the IRA leadership, Sands won the seat by more than 30,000 votes. His election sent shockwaves throughout Ireland and within the British government. After all, Britain's criminalisation policy was based on its claims that the IRA had little public support and was a gang of renegade criminals. Despite Sands' new political status as an MP and mounting public pressure, the British government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher refused to take even a step towards reconciliation. Sands' condition continued to deteriorate and he remained confined to the prison infirmary. Eventually, on 3 May, Sands fell into a coma. His family was called to visit and on Tuesday, May 5, 1981, Sands died after 66 days on hunger strike. Sands' death sparked enormous reactions around the world. Hundreds of thousands demonstrated in support of the prisoners' demands, the US government issued a statement of "deep regret", Irish unions went on strike, newspapers around the world condemned Thatcher's "glory" in allowing a parliamentary colleague to die, and riots broke out in the streets of Northern Ireland. His funeral procession was attended by more than 100,000 people. After Sands, nine more prisoners died before the hunger strike was finally ended on October 3, 1981. Shortly afterwards, all prisoners were granted reforms that largely met their demands.(Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bobby-Sands)

Robert Gerard Sands (Irish: Roibeárd Gearóid Ó Seachnasaigh; [2] 9 March 1954 – 5 May 1981) was a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) who died on hunger strike while imprisoned in HM Prison Maze in Northern Ireland. Sands was involved in planning the 1976 bombing of the Balmoral Furniture Company in Dunmurry, which was followed by a gun battle with the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Sands was arrested during an escape attempt and sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment for possession of weapons. He was the leader of the 1981 hunger strike in which Irish republican prisoners protested against the abolition of Special Category Status. During Sands' strike he was elected to the British Parliament as a candidate of the Anti-H-Block movement. [3] [4] His death and that of nine other hunger strikers was followed by a wave of IRA recruitment and activity. International media coverage drew attention to the hunger strikers and the republican movement in general, drawing both praise and criticism. (Source: Wikipedia)

A really huge fish sculpture