One of Belfast’s oldest and most historically important buildings, the Assembly Rooms dating from 1769, has been in a derelict state for more than 25 years. Traders and their stalls made it a popular market place and in 1776 it was converted to the Exchange and Assembly Rooms when an upper storey was added. During the 1780s and 1790s social and business activities held in its spacious and lavishly decorated rooms included civic balls, banquets and concerts. Bunting’s transcriptions of the harpers’ assembly were subsequently published in three volumes entitled The Ancient Music of Ireland. Belfast City Council has also purchased the Assembly Rooms for a sum thought to be in the region of £2.85 million.

Source: The Irish Times February 18, 2026 01:01 UTC