Take a trip down memory lane and let us know your own favourite memories
belfastlive.co.uk
06:30, 07 Apr 2026
Rope swings were firm favourite on the street lamps
Growing up on the Falls Road was different from growing up in other parts of Belfast.
You were part of a tight-knit community and many things that make perfect sense to you wouldn’t to an outsider.
We’ve pulled together some memories of Falls Road folk – from black cabs, to the Adventure Playground.. and of course a game of Cribby.
Take a trip down memory lane and let us know your memories in the comments below.
1. You put all your mates for a family swim in Andytown Leisure Centre instead of paying per person.
2. You fit your whole family into a black taxi. Three kids on the one seat.
3. You remember when the WestWood Centre opened and it was like an American Mall.
4. And when the Kennedy Centre cinema had a £1.50 matinee.
5. …where you were asked to ‘see a boy or girl’.
6. You spent your Saturdays at the Adventure Playground and came away with (just a few) friction burns and bruises.
7. But Cribby was the best pastime.
8. And you loved bulldog or two-man hunt.
9. You know what ‘Do you think I’m buttoned up the back?’ means.
10. Everyone remembers Micky Marley’s roundabout.
11. And there was even a song about it:
12. The love of New City Chinese passes through generations.
13. You got fresh sodas and buns at the Old Oven Door Bakery at 2am.
14. And your ice-cream from Fusco’s.
15. Bill Clinton came to the Falls that time.
16. And was met by Gerry Adams.
17. You made sure to get your pennies back for your glass bottles.
18. And every area had a van shop – like Frank and Muriel in Andersonstown.
19. You remember Ted the apple cake man on his bike with his basket.
20. And how Hook the paper man free-wheeled down St James’ Road to save petrol.
21. Nearly every parish had a disco on a Friday night. Like St Mick’s, St Theresa’s, St Agnes’ and Joe’s Mad Arena in Poleglass. Or Rodney’s.
22. You remember when the apartments opposite the Park Centre was the West Side Stores.
23. And desperately hoped that you’d be randomly chosen to get your shopping for free.
24. You remember when you had to put a pound in the back of your TV.
25. And your grandparents have a story about courting someone in the Clonard picture house.
26. You remember ‘Crazy Horse’ at Dunville.
27. And got a glass of lemonade from the Tremona shop.
Read more: Mickey Marley’s roundabout image recreated 27 years later
28. Or gum from the beechnut chewing gum vending machines.
29. You got chips from the Red Barn after going for a swim.
30. And a knickerbocker glory from Fusco’s if you were lucky.
31. But there were always burnt-out buses outside the leisure centre.
32. Either you worked in Curley’s at some point, or you know someone who did.
33. You thought St Dominic’s girls had the best or worst uniform depending on your views of those, err, ankle length tartan skirts.
34. You remember when Westway Bingo was a bowling alley.
35. And every street seemed to have a rope swing tied to a lamppost.
36. Everyone has been to the firework display at Casement on Halloween wearing a bin big at least once.
37. You went to the roller disco in the Beechmount Leisure Centre.
38. You got a bottle of the milk man’s orange to cure your hangover.
39. But most importantly you know why you’re proud to call yourself a ‘Westie’.
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