While Belfast city centre’s large-scale public art dominates the creative landscape, in the West of the city communities are unleashing their own inner muses and developing some truly unique and personal pieces. And what started life as a project aimed at helping to revitalise the local area has now become an unwitting tourist attraction.

As part of the Upper Springfield Development Trust’s Urban Art Project, residents and artists have come together to produce over eighty original works of art reflecting the area’s stories and citizens. Historical and contemporary experiences, local heroes and a sheer pride in where they live has inspired the work and created a public art trail that draws visitors from across the world. In fact, if you’re driving to or from Belfast International Airport, you will pass the neighbourhoods that are home to this outdoor art.

Two maps – the West Belfast and Shankill Arts and Heritage Trail and West Belfast Mural Map -  have been produced to help you navigate your way through these, and many more, works of art. Both are available free at An Culturlann on the Falls Road and the Belfast Welcome Centre on Donegall Place. So, if you want to head off the beaten track and see the pieces for yourself, grab a guide and go explore. To get you started, here are some highlights worth seeking out:

Springhill Celtic Cross
This colourful 9ft mosaic cross depicts traditional Irish music, Gaelic sports, nature and the 17th Century Claddagh symbol of friendship, love and loyalty (two hands clasping a heart and crown).
Artist: Michael Baker working with Springfield Youth Club
Location: side of house, Springhill Avenue

Poet-Tree
This tree was saved and carved into the figure of a beautiful woman holding two red squirrels. This wood nymph represents the spirit of nature and at her feet is carved the poetry of local children.
Artist: Raymond Watson working with St Gerard’s Educational Resource Centre and residents from Mount Alverno
Location: Outside Top of the Rock, Upper Springfield Development Trust HQ, 685 Springfield Road (ask at reception for access).

Seat of Dreams
Contemplate the view of Black Mountain from this hand-carved bench engraved with two faces of the Farset River Gods. Its Tir na nOg Park setting contains other works of public art so spend some time in this outdoor space named after the Celtic legend of the Land of Eternal Youth.
Artist: Mark Anthony Grimley
Location: Tir na nOg Park, Springhill Avenue.

Metamorphosis
These nine carved slabs of marble and slate display images and text laid out in sequence to show a metamorphosis and a play on words. The piece was born out of a desire from the group to address the community’s perceptions of people with disabilities.
Artist: Mark Anthony Grimley working with two groups of people with disabilities through the Action on Disability Project.
Location: Gable wall at the Whiterock Credit Union, Springfield Road.

Herald of Jericho
Salvaged corrugated sheet metal and rocket wire from the nearby British army Fort Jericho - dismantled in 1999 - have been used to create this evocative sculpture of a large flying angel. Celtic symbols are carved into the metal wings and trumpet of the figure that flies overhead and casts a shadow – designed to represent that felt by locals living near the fort. 
Artists: Farhad Nargol O’Neill and Frank Quigley working with local residents and ex-political prisoners.
Location: Inside Top of the Rock, Upper Springfield Development Trust HQ, 685 Springfield Road

Turf Lodge Vantage Points
These two new display panels overlook the city and Black Mountain and point your eyes in the direction of all the main natural and urban landmarks. A great spot for a panoramic photo of Belfast.
Location: Top of Springfield Road at Turf Lodge entrance on the left-hand side as you drive away from the city centre.