Shankill Graveyard


The Shankill Graveyard is one of the oldest cemeteries in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
It has been used for active burials for more than 1,000 years. Since 1958 it has no longer been an active burial site. The oldest standing headstone was erected to the memory of George McAuley who died in 1685. The gateways and railings are listed as being of historic and architectural interest.
In 1872 at the corner of Shankill and Woodvale Road lies St Matthews Church of Ireland was reconstructed. St Matthews Church takes its name from the very first church that was built in the Shankill Graveyard. Local poet Louis MacNeice whose father was Bishop MacNeice, of the church of Ireland As an “enlarged shamrock”.

History of some of the deceased