26 May 2021

A guide to living in Lisburn

Are you planning a move to Lisburn? Propertynews.com have created a guide to living in Lisburn which showcases the best that this city has to offer.

Living in Lisburn

Since being granted city status in 2002, Lisburn has quickly become one of the most sought-after areas to live in. Situated southwest of Belfast, the bustling city boasts an unrivalled array of amenities, which greatly appeals to modern day living.

The car-free city centre is one of its biggest draws with Bow Street Mall and the Georgian-style Lisburn Square serving as many people’s first port of call. A wealth of independent retailers and big brand names delights shoppers, while respite can be easily achieved by visiting any of the city’s coffee houses and bakeries. Elsewhere in the city, an abundance of restaurants, bars and entertainment facilities mean Lisburn is a firm favourite of locals and visitors alike.

For a quieter approach, Lisburn’s array of pretty parks gives balance to the city’s urban characteristics. These are rife with history, with benefactor Sir Richard Wallace’s fountains offering a focal point. Lisburn is located approximately eight miles from Belfast making it the perfect area for working commuters.

Who is Lisburn ideal for?

In particular, Lisburn is popular with first-time buyers, young professionals and families. With a variety of smart new build homes in contemporary residential areas and character-infused period style homes, this is an area desired by many. Living in Lisburn offers easy access to Belfast with direct bus and train links to the city centre.

Where to eat in Lisburn?

Square Bistro: Square Bistro has the winning recipe when it comes to dining. The warm and inviting décor reflects the service and atmopshere, making it the perfect place to dine.
Boston Grill: Hearty portions, a lively atmosphere and superb service makes this American-style diner a hive of activity on any given night. The selection of platters, sizzlers and burgers will appeal to all palettes.
Spice: Tantalise your taste buds with a taste of the south at Lisburn’s finest Indian restaurant. Traditional Punjabi spices are expertly used to create truly regional dishes that delight diners time and time again.
Del Toro: Priding itself on offering the best steaks in town, Del Toro’s success is due to chef and owner, Anton’s vast experience in preparing exquisite meals. The menu includes superbly prepared meat, fish and vegetarian dishes.
The Tap Room at Hilden Brewery: For a venue with a difference, make The Tap Room your first choice. In the working brewery resides a licensed restaurant that is set in a beautiful and historic Georgian courtyard. The highly praised food focuses on local produce.

What to do in Lisburn?

Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum: As a city with a vast textile past, explore the story of linen in Lisburn’s dedicated museum. Uncover Ireland’s industrial heritage in the museum’s award-winning exhibition, ‘Flax to Fabric’, trace the history of production and revel in live spinning and weaving demonstrations.

ISLAND Arts Centre: Since 2018, ISLAND Arts Centre has established itself as one of Ireland’s leading multi-arts venues. Immerse yourself in the centre’s unique diversity of arts and entertainment choices year round.

Lisburn Castle Gardens: As Lisburn’s most historically significant open space, Castle Gardens formerly served as the backdrop to Lisburn Castle, with the gardens granted to the people of Lisburn in 1903. Meander around the beautiful grounds and soak up the castle’s history which dates back to the seventeenth century.

Hilden Brewery: The craft beer culture has never been rifer, and with breweries such as Hilden leading the way, the craze is set to continue. Attend a tour at Hilden and discover the art of brewing, as well as sampling their finest wares.

Bow Street Mall: At the heart of the city centre, Bow Street Mall offers unrivalled shopping. Discover the latest trends in over 70 fashion, technology and beauty stores.

Schools in Lisburn

Lisnagarvey High School: Lisnagarvey High School began life as an all-boys school and now provides post-primary education for girls and boys of all abilities. The school’s motto is ‘Success For All’ and strives to help its pupils reach their own personal goals.

St Patrick’s Academy: St. Patrick’s Academy is a successful co-educational Catholic post-primary school which caters to pupils of all abilities. St. Patrick’s Academy offer a full curriculum and is the only school in Northern Ireland to be commended by Friends of the Classics for their Classic & Latin course which is offered to all first-year pupils.

Friends School: Friends School was first opened in 1774. Since then, the school has built upon its Quaker roots to offer an inclusive education for children within the Lisburn area.

The Wallace High School: Founded in 1880, The Wallace High School is a co-educational voluntary grammar school and provides post-primary teaching for 1160 pupils and 200 within their preparatory department. Not only that but the school was also used as a filming location for the film ‘Killing Bono’ and the series ‘Paula.’

Fort Hill Integrated College: Fort Hill Integrated College has built a reputation for building a school ethos based on honesty, effort, attitude, respect and tolerance to provide a secure environment to help shape the future success of its alumni.

Laurel Hill Community College: Established in 1974, Laurelhill Community College is a post primary controlled school and continues to serve the whole community. We firmly believe in the culture of Learning and Achieving Together where all stakeholders in the College are committed to life-long learning and working towards success in all areas of life.