The Salmon of Knowledge
4
4
Date of visit: February 2025
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
The Big Fish is precisely what it sounds like, a statue of a big fish! Inspired by the Irish myth of The Salmon of Knowledge (An Bradán Feasa) and created by Irish artist John Kindness, the statue is decorated with ceramic tiles that depict scenes from Belfast’s history, including newspaper headlines, historical maps and images of the city’s past. Inside the statue is a time capsule containing information, stories and artefacts related to Belfast's history and culture. This eye-catching sculpture has held pride of place on the banks of the River Lagan since 1999.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
As an open-air installation, there are no real barriers to visiting The Big Fish. The pavements on approach are level, there is a bridge nearby providing access to the other side of the river, and there are plenty of seats and benches. Local crossings have tactile paving. The statue is a highly visual attraction, with images, words and documents decorating its scales. There are no additional accessibility features.
Parking & Transport
Average
The closest bus stop is at Custom House Square, where the G1 and G2 bus services operate. 320 metres from The Big Fish is the NCP Belfast City Quays car park. There are accessible parking spaces here, but NCP doesn't confirm how many there are on their website. Please note that this car park does not provide Blue Badge exemptions.
Accessible Toilets
0There is a freestanding accessible public toilet in the square across the road, but I didn't use it, so I can't speak to how it's maintained. There are cafés, restaurants, hotels, and an entertainment complex nearby which may be better options.
