Did you know that High Street in Belfast was built over the course of the River Farset, a tributary of the River Lagan?
Ships sailing into Belfast up the Lagan would have turned right into the Farset where the Big Fish is now.
The Irish name Béal Feirste translates to "Mouth of the Farset". The river's original sandy ford gave the city of Belfast its name.
Skipper Street is one of the oldest streets in Belfast, where the River Farset used to flow openly along High Street.
The street was thus named because skippers of sailing vessels lodged here, and ship owners would come here to find a skipper for their vessel.
This street is mentioned as far back as 1685; it was, however, significantly affected by the 1941 blitz.
The buildings are now all relatively recent since many, if not most, were destroyed by bombing during the 2nd World War.
Posted by Timothy Belmont
First published in July, 2009.
The Albert Clock at the end of High Street was completed in 1869 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Consort, Prince Albert.
As a result of being built on wooden piles on marshy, reclaimed land around the River Farset, the top of the tower leans four feet off the perpendicular. (Wikipedia)
At GZ you will see the Street name "Skipper Street". In order to claim this Virtual Reward, you must;
1. Sent the answer to the following Q to the CO - What is the symbol on the road sign above the street name?
2. Post one photo of yourself or geotag which captures both the street name "Skipper Street" and the Albert Clock in the background.
We hope you enjoy this piece of histroy on your visit to Belfast!
Virtual Rewards 5.0 - 2026-2027
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between February 3, 2026 and February 3, 2027. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 5.0 on the Geocaching Blog.