Belfast nursing home takes residents on trip down memory lane with a city bus tour

Our Lady's nursing home residents get ready for a tour of Belfast
-Credit: (Image: Macklin Group)


A Belfast care home has taken its residents on a trip down memory lane with an open top bus tour of their city. The group from Our Lady's Nursing Home got the chance to become tourists on their home turf and take in the sights and historic attractions.

A spokesperson for Macklin Care Homes says they try to help their elderly and vulnerable residents celebrate life to the full by getting involved in days like national tourism day, which resulted in Tuesday's City Bus Tour.

The hop on, hop off tour took the residents to Titanic Quarter, Belfast City Hall, Harland & Wolff, SSE Arena and Waterfront Hall.

READ MORE: Elton John sings praises of Belfast rappers KNEECAP for "power" in their music

Staff said it gave them a chance to "reminisce" and take in the differences around their city, stirring memories of a time when the skyline and streets looked very different.

Nuala, 90, said she "could not believe how busy Belfast City is again and the new buildings" while 85-year-old Eileen reminisced outside City Hall about Robinson & Cleaver big Department store, how it had a large marble staircase and that she had not been in it much and "would only buy small items as it was a very expensive shop".

Staff said she also remembered "the Plaza Dance Hall and laughed out loud saying that she was not allowed to go as all the sailors attended it".

Ladies from Our Lady's take a "trip down memory lane"
Ladies from Our Lady's take a "trip down memory lane" -Credit:Macklin Group

Gerard, 74, and his wife Marian took the tour together, recalling when they shopped in the old shops of C&A, British Home Stores and Littlewoods, sharing lovely memories.

Eadie, who works at Our Lady's and went on the tour with the residents said it brought back memories of the Ritz picture house and Odean Picture house on each side of Grosvenor Road as well as the news and cartoon picture house at the Royal Avenue as well as Robbs Department Store facing bank buildings, which is now Primark.

We were told the heartwarming trip was a huge success, giving residents the opportunity to experience the Belfast of today while remembering the Belfast of their youth.

READ MORE: Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89 in hospital as heartbroken sons pay tribute

READ MORE: Oscar winner James Martin to star in one of five new NI comedy shorts

The care home's activities therapist, Christina, said: "We wanted to give our residents a chance to reconnect with the city in a fun and nostalgic way. It's more than just a bus tour—it was a journey through time for them, and seeing their joy and hearing their stories has been truly special."

Our Lady's Nursing Home on Ard Na Va Road, West Belfast, cares for around 102 elderly and vulnerable residents and is part of the Macklin Group.

Stops included Belfast City Hall, Titanic Quarter, Harland & Wolff, SSE Arena and Waterfront Hall
Stops included Belfast City Hall, Titanic Quarter, Harland & Wolff, SSE Arena and Waterfront Hall -Credit:Macklin Group

A spokesperson for Macklin says they are dedicated to providing a life of fulfilment and that the nursing home prioritise indoor and outdoor activities for residents as it helps their mental and physical wellbeing.

And that between baking and gardening, cinema nights and country music parties, staff ensure there is never a dull day at Our Lady's.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.