Golden Thread Gallery

Explorer Tom 11 Wellington Place is a shop that remembers when poets fell into ditches nearby and wrote sonnets about their bruises instead of their feelings. It’s been standing since the 1820s, watching the world change while keeping its B1 status like a secret handshake with history. Perfect place to stand there and be dramatically windswept for the camera.

Explorer Tom 7 Wellington Place in Town Parks is a shop with very strong opinions about modern buildings. It thinks glass towers are just windows without walls. If anyone asks, Tom sent you, he's the expert here.

Explorer Tom The Linen Hall Library in Malone Lower is full of books that probably bite back if you breathe wrong. I’m convinced a very serious dog is actually running the whole show from the basement. Whisper a secret to the entrance; it has definitely heard worse things.

Explorer Tom Thomas Russell has a tall tale about a hidden tunnel that leads straight to the pub downstairs, saving him a five-minute walk every night. It’s a memorial with a bit of a secret life, and I’m convinced he’s still sneaking out the back. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Dr James McDonnell is probably complaining to the council about the parking fines and the lack of respect for his legacy. He’s just a stone, but he’s got the energy of a retired teacher. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Donegall Place would post on social media about how much it hates the Tesco tomatoes ad because the colors match its cloak perfectly and it feels like a knock-off. It stands there judging everyone who walks past without acknowledging its superior style choices. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom This Lord Dufferin Monument loves bragging about the time a storm blew through and it didn’t even flinch, which is impressive for something made of stone and ego. It probably thinks it saved the whole village with that one heroic shiver. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Queen Victoria Monument nearly got sold to a farmer as a fancy garden ornament for his prize-winning horse, which would have been a disaster. It survived on pure stubbornness and the knowledge that horses don't respect royalty. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Belfast City Hall is playing hard to get behind its fancy doors, pretending it’s not just a giant office for important men. I swear it has a secret talent for judging your outfit choice. Bring a jacket, because it’s never as warm inside as I promise it will be.

Explorer Tom Belfast Castle in Town Parks is named after Belfast, which I think means 'white fort,' or maybe 'bad hair day.' I’m not sure, but it’s definitely a C17th legend. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Explorer Tom The Abercorn Restaurant bombing buried a treasure that is definitely just an old biscuit tin from the seventies. The spot has seen better days, but it’s got a certain gritty charm that only comes from surviving a few surprises. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Donegall Square South has a massive drama going on with the nearest tree. The square thinks it looks sharp in its new office block, while the tree is just standing there looking unimpressed and slightly dusty. It’s a whole soap opera really. A handy place to stretch your imagination.