CS Lewis Square

CS Lewis Square is a small public square in East Belfast, Northern Ireland, dedicated to the writer who was born in the city. It features sculptures of characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Entry is free and the square is accessible around the clock.

What is CS Lewis Square?

The square honours Clive Staples Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia, who was born in Belfast in 1898. It opened in 2016 as part of a wider regeneration of East Belfast. It sits where the Connswater Greenway and the Comber Greenway meet, right next to the EastSide Visitor Centre. For visitors it is a short, relaxed stop, and for families a small doorway into Narnia.

What can you see here?

The main draw is a set of seven bronze sculptures by Irish artist Maurice Harron. They depict characters and features from the first published book of the series:

• Aslan the lion,
• Maugrim the wolf,
• Mr and Mrs Beaver,
• the Robin,
• the White Witch,
• the Stone Table,
• Mr Tumnus the faun.

The figures are spread across an open, landscaped space, so you can walk around all of them in a quarter of an hour or so. Children enjoy hunting for the next character, while adults will recognise scenes from the book. The square is lit up, so it looks quite different after dark.

Is it free, and when can you visit?

Yes, admission is free. The square is open 24 hours a day, with no opening times or tickets, so there is nothing to book in advance.

How does it fit into a C.S. Lewis trail?

The square is one stop on a wider trail following the writer's footsteps around Belfast. Nearby you will find St Mark's Church, connected with the Lewis family, and a blue plaque marking his birthplace on Dundela Avenue. You can cover the lot in one afternoon, mixing a stroll along the green Greenway with short stops at each Lewis-related site.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit take? Usually 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how many photos you take and whether you add a walk along the Greenway.

Is it suitable for children? Yes. The storybook sculptures appeal to younger visitors, and the open space gives them room to move.

Who made the sculptures? The seven bronze sculptures are by Irish artist Maurice Harron.

Where exactly is the square? In East Belfast, at the junction of the Connswater Greenway and Comber Greenway, beside the EastSide Visitor Centre. Coordinates are roughly 54.5986 N, 5.8903 W.

Do I need to know the books to enjoy it? No. Knowing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe adds context, but the sculptures and the setting can be appreciated without it.

Practical tips

Pick a dry day, as everything is outdoors and Northern Irish weather can change quickly. Bring a camera: the bronze figures photograph well, especially at dusk when the lighting comes on. If you want a longer walk, the Greenway paths continue through the eastern districts, which lets you see Belfast beyond the usual tourist centre. Keep in mind that the square is compact and quiet, so it works best as an addition to a day in the city rather than the sole reason for a trip. Literature fans can combine it with other Lewis-related places, and families can pair it with nearby parks and cycle paths.