It is not generally known that close to the city of Belfast there lies an entertainment resort that, I think, is without parallel in a British city. A few days ago (writes a correspondent) I visited the greatly "boosted" Bellevue Gardens, which are maintained by the Belfast City Tramways.
When I had climbed the hundred-odd steps to the great terrace which commands one of the finest views in Ireland, I came upon a scene that was curiously reminiscent of a continental city. It was evening; a concert party, on this occasion hired from England, was performing in the bandstand, and with the fall of darkness the brightly lighted stage stood out clear against the sombre background of the cliffs. The scene was almost fairy-like.
Lifting my eyes, I could see strollers on the cliff-tops sharply silhouetted against the sky, and, turning in my seat, I looked over the edge of the plateau to the dull silver ribbon of the sea. People were walking everywhere. Occasionally the sound of laughter floated down from the heights of the Cavehill, but neither that nor the distant noise of the trams, nor the strains proceeding from the concert platform, seemed to disturb the essential quiet of the place.
It was once the fashion to sneer at Bellevue, but the Gardens, I think, by now must have fulfilled all their designers' hopes. Their loveliness at evening, with the odd lights and the soft sounds, would adorn any city.
The Irish Times, September 1st, 1930.