Actress Roisin Gallagher Shares Her Favourite Haunts in Her Home City of Belfast

Irish actress Roisin Gallagher is on a roll. Having recently received an Irish Film and Television Award nomination (Best Lead Actress in a Drama) for her performance as Shiv in The Dry, directed by Nancy Harris, she will soon be starring in The Lovers, a six-part romcom series filmed in her home city of Belfast. The series, produced by Normal People production company Drama Republic, follows Janet (played by Gallagher) a Belfast supermarket worker and Seamus (played by Johnny Flynn) a handsome, self-centred, political broadcaster with what looks to be a perfect London life and a celebrity girlfriend. Though it sounds very much like opposites attracting, The Lovers is about two people with very different backgrounds and backstories coming together. In this GLOSS exclusive Roisin shares her favourite haunts in Belfast.

My neighbourhood: “I live in west Belfast in an area called Andersonstown. I feel very lucky that I live in the city but am never far from the sea or mountains.” 

Favourite haunts: “There are so many beautiful parks and forests in Belfast.  My favourite spots are Lady Dixon Park, where I walk my dog most days, and Divis Mountain for when I need a proper jaunt! I feel very lucky that I live in the city but am never far from the sea or mountains.” 

For celebrations: “TK One in Andersonstown. It’s a family friendly café that has seen me through childhood celebrations, the morning-after-the-night-before fry-ups with my mates and the place my kids love to go for chips after swimming.  It has the best staff; the warmest atmosphere and you certainly won’t be hungry leaving it!”

For dinner: “I absolutely love Bo Tree Kitchen, it’s honestly the best Thai food I’ve had since Thailand!  On a typical Saturday night, it is bustling and full of life but has a laid-back vibe, making it the perfect place to go with a group of friends.  Other gorgeous spots are Yugo, pictured, and Six by Nico.” 

For late nights: “The Cabaret Supper Club for cracking entertainment, as well as The Dirty Onion (Image above @thedirtyonion) and Yardbird.  The city centre is compact, so Belfast is a great place for a pub crawl.  You would be amazed by how many places you can visit in one night and get away with wearing heels!”

For music: “I’m a fan of more intimate gigs, The Black Box is a great space and showcases Belfast’s up and coming talent.”

Art galleries: “The Ulster Museum. I never tire of it. I love going for a wander round on my own and it’s also a great place to bring the kids, who  love visiting the ancient mummy and dressing up as knights in the playroom.”

Boutiques: “Blush Boutique on the Lisburn Road is my go-to for a special occasion. As well as a gorgeous selection of dresses all the staff are great fun and you feel so well looked after.  I also love to visit Whisper Boutique in Georges Market. They stock beautiful jewellery and accessories that make lovely gifts.”

Hotels: “For a little bit of luxury The Merchant Hotel is the place to go.  (Image above @merchantbelfast) During The Lovers we took over a whole floor for filming. One of the suites was used for a green room and it’s safe to say it was the most opulent green room I have ever had.  They also do a lovely afternoon tea.”

Best film location for The Lovers: “I really loved being in and around East Belfast.  The iconic Harland and Wolff cranes were always in sight and people were so friendly and welcoming to us filming in their streets.”

Need to know:   Roisin Gallagher co-stars in The Lovers, a six-part series set in Belfast and created by playwright David Ireland, coming to Sky Atlantic and NOW on September 7. The series also stars Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones, The Power of Parker) and Alice Eve (Star Trek Into Darkness, She’s Out of My League); www.sky.com