THE impact that Irish language has had on communities in Belfast is illustrated in a new Gaelic map of the city.
Created by Turas, the Irish language group based in east Belfast, the map documents places across the city that relate to the Irish language.
The 'Gaelic Maps of Belfast' was launched at City Hall as part of Irish language Week, which celebrates the language and the role it plays in daily life across the city.
With expertise help from Queens University and artist Andrew Whitson, the colourful map is divided into two sections - the townlands of Belfast and the contemporary Irish scene of the city.
Gordon McCoy, Irish language education officer at Turas, who designed the map, said it is aimed at tourists and "people who don't know much about the Irish language and want to know more".
"I had done two previous maps of east Belfast, so I was asked to do this one, the map of Belfast," he said.
"I had initially thought it would be easy enough, but it turned out to be more difficult than I'd thought and took two years rather than six months that I had expected.
"I decided I needed to split things up in two sections, the first shows the townlands of Belfast and some features and these are on the main map.
"The second part is the contemporary Irish scene in Belfast.
"We want to show what Irish language is in Belfast and also trying to show that it has a cross community element to it in the city. There are stories behind many of the townlands and the areas that are featured, it was a discovery process all along.
"It is aimed at people who don't know much about the Irish language and want to know more as well as for tourists."
Belfast Lord Mayor Daniel Baker said: "This map is a perfect example of how the Irish language impacts on all communities in the city and it is a huge part of the rich, shared history of Belfast.
"The colourful map of place names in Belfast is a tremendous piece of work and I am delighted to see so many Irish language enthusiasts here in City Hall this afternoon.
"Belfast City Council is truly delivering on ensuring language equality and diversity is at the forefront of its overall agenda."
The maps will be available at the Welcome Centre in Belfast and the TURAS offices.
