What is The Commons?
The Commons is a three phase project which will transform a church at the heart of the vibrant and diverse Ormeau Road community into a self sustaining community centre for all
The Commons emphasises values of hospitality, creativity and love of neighbour, for the good of the whole community.
The Ceili House
A Space to Gather
A Space to Gather
Belfast's first dry bar arts venue – a modern Ceili House for performance, creativity and connection. A heritage-meets-modern storytelling space, open to all and fuelled by Belfast's diverse culture and talent.
Because storytelling and song aren't just for the stage
They help us carry culture, connect with each other and build something shared. Just outside, the street food hub brings people together over flavour-packed dishes from Belfast's newcomer and international communities – a celebration of culture, welcome and connection, told through food and shared tables.
The Craic
A Space to Belong
A Space to Belong
The Craic is built on the everyday rhythm of real lives coming together. From Pilates to bowls, ukuleles to community meals, it's a space for connection, conversation and craic.
Because turning up again (and again) is how community grows
At its heart are the Heart and Hearth Rooms – a hub of hospitality where the kettle's always on, and a quiet chapel space that holds daily rhythms of prayer, stillness and reflection. A sacred centre that ripples out.
The Currach
A Space to Shelter
A Space to Shelter
Inspired by the ancient boat that carried Celtic pilgrims into the unknown, The Currach partners with a local charity to offer a home and a brighter future to women rebuilding their lives in the community. For those who've been at sea too long, this is a place to land, to rest, to begin again.
Because justice isn't just a word
It's a roof, a door, a community that says: "You're safe here."
Updates
Behind those doors
You can be forgiven for thinking that there is a lot of finger drumming going on while we wait for the final go ahead for work to start in the building. But the truth is far from that. Here are just some of the wonderful people who are keeping the building alive with a variety...
There's a donkey in room
Have you ever had the experience of being transported back in time as you sit in an old church and let your imagination run away with you? Your eyes take in the design that an architect, long gone now, dreamed about and brought into being. The shapes, the patterns, the variety of materials all carefully...