The walk was attended by Mike Hogg, Daniel Jewesbury, Michael ‘Mac’ MacWilliam, Niamh McDonnell, Hugh McNally, Aisling O’ Beirn and Andrea Theis. There was discussion as to whether to split into pairs and go in different directions to cover a lot of ground so as to later regroup and compare notes or whether to get an overview of the nature of the alleys as 1 group. Given our compact size it was decided to go together for a joint experience. First we took in the narrow alleys between the library and Ava Ave. We came across a mixed range of small back gardens where yards were used to face out onto the alley and areas of green not visible from the street. There was a lot more open green and tree flanked alleys than many of us suspected. We ventured into the open courtyard / garden of some residential flats at Candahar St curious as to the courtyards status, only to be asked by a resident what we were doing, however we were not told it was private land. A stand alone lock up / garage now in disrepair sat nestled amongst a network of alleys running behind Ava Ave and Burmah St.

Across the Ormeau Rd the alleys were far more spacious, almost wide enough for 2 cars to pass in places. We started with North Parade’s alley, which held a few surprises.
Pears, just in season, overhung the alley which also had substantial radio antenna which spanned from the back of North Parade to South Parade.

There was an abundance of freshly fallen conkers at the mouth of South parade’s alley, the first many of us had seen of the season.

All in all the alleys held hidden details even for the walkers who were resident in the area and the potential of future alleyway walks of other parts of the city was discussed.