The CS Lewis Story

Belfast-born CS Lewis was one of the most influential writers of the 20th Century and creator of The Chronicles of Narnia. Discover his legacy in the east of the city.

Scroll For More Ideas
Last Updated
30 April 2024

Who is CS Lewis?

Clive Staples Lewis was a writer and theologian, most famous for creating The Chronicles of Narnia. He was born in east Belfast in 1898 and later attended Campbell College, a historic private boys’ school that’s still in use today.

In 1916 he was awarded a scholarship at Oxford University and, after completing his studies, went on to work there as a professor. Throughout his lifetime CS Lewis wrote over 40 books including fictional novels and Christian apologetics. Many of his works are still known and read worldwide today.

But perhaps the most famous of his works were The Chronicles of Narnia, a fictional series written for children that deals the Christian themes. The trilogy was adapted into three films: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in 2005; Prince Caspian in 2008 and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 2010.

Though buried in Oxford following his death in 1963, CS Lewis’ legacy lives on in Belfast. Uncover the man and the stories that touched the world right here in the east of the city.

Discover the Legacy

EastSide Visitor Centre

EastSide Visitor Centre

Packed full of information about east Belfast, the EastSide Visitor Centre on Newtownards Road is a great starting point on the CS Lewis trail. Pick up a map and take a self-guided tour of local highlights, including St Mark’s Church where CS Lewis was christened in 1899.

The White Witch at CS Lewis Square

CS Lewis Square

Just outside EastSide Visitor Centre is CS Lewis Square. This beautiful public space has seven bronze sculptures of the characters from The Chronicles of Narnia, so you can walk among Aslan, Mr Tumnus, The Beavers, The White Witch and more.

cs lewis festival (1)

CS Lewis Festival

This annual festival celebrates CS Lewis’ legacy by connecting visitors and locals to the places that inspired some of his most loved stories. Now in its 10th year, this unique festival will take place at various locations across east Belfast from 18 – 20 November. Everyone is invited to step through the wardrobe door to explore their creativity and imagination and find out more about C.S. Lewis.

The Lamppost Cafe

The Lamppost Café

Visit The Lamppost Cafe, a family run café on the Upper Newtownards Road inspired by CS Lewis. With a Narnia twist on tea shop décor, a ragtime soundtrack and everything served on vintage crockery, you will feel as though you have stepped back in time (or into the wardrobe!)

Read more

Ask Us
Ask Us

We're here to help, so if you can't find the info you're after, or you just want to ask a really odd question, then we're here for you.

Ask A Question

Ask a Question

"*" indicates required fields

Start
Choose a date
End
Choose a date
Back To Top
In order to display distances relevant to you, we'd like to be able to use your GPS location. Privacy Policy
In order to display distances relevant to your current position, we'd need to be able to use your GPS location. To find out more about how we use your location, please read our Privacy Policy
You have previously denied access to your GPS location. In order to allow access to your location, you need to update your site settings through your browser settings to allow this site access to your location.

To find out more about how we use your location, please read our Privacy Policy
Your settings have been updated. They will take effect next time you refresh the page.
By default, all distances on the site are calculated from Belfast City Centre. You can choose a different starting point here, or specify your own.

If you select a location more than 15km from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, your location will be set to Belfast City Centre.

Open 'Ask a Question' window Close 'Ask a Question' window

Ask a Question

X

"*" indicates required fields

Hide this tool

Open 'Sign up for Newsletter' window Close 'Sign up for Newsletter' window

Visit Belfast Newsletter

X

Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Sign-Up

Hide this tool