Belfast Farset International
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Farset International Photos
About Farset International
Farset International was officially opened on Thursday the 11th of December 2003by Mr William T McCarter, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland. The inspiration behind this project came from Jackie Hewitt, a community leader from the Shankill. Considering the uncertain times, not to mention the high unemployment rate around this area, the development was actually initiated in part to provide neutral ground for cross-community meetings and discussions about the future of Belfast.
A secondary need though in this area was also identified in the form of affordable hotel prices since there was little if nothing on offer. The nearest being in the centre of town. As a consequence, Farset International fills a niche in the market as a 38 bedroom hostel located in West Belfast providing high quality but low cost accommodation. All rooms are equipped with en suite bathroom, television and tea and coffee making facilities.
The building sits on the picturesque banks of the Springfield Dam. And if there’s one characteristic that sums up this place it must surely be the view from the eastern side of the building. Windows and a balcony from the dining areas here over look the dam which teems with wildlife. The additional image of Belfast city with the houses, hospital and Harland & Wolff cranes provide a stark contrast to mother nature set out below.
In the reception area is a water colour painting by Ivor B Coburn. He just happens to be the President of the Ulster Watercolour Society and recognised nationally and internationally for his talent.
Most staff here are locals therefore ensuring plenty of information about surrounding areas.
The fact that Farset straddles the Peaceline is also quite an advantage. In the start-up stages it was not so easy to attract investment but the International Fund for Ireland stepped in and footed quite a considerable sum towards the final building costs of £2.25 million.
Incidentally there are three conference rooms all of which display names from the nearby factories that in the past made this a leading industrial area.
A peek into a typical en suite room shows no surprises. It’s presented as their brochure states: high quality but affordable accommodation. Perhaps though, the view from the windows is a bonus as there’s surely not too many places that can boast of such a feature.
Farset has branched off in many directions offering a range of social and charitable initiatives in the areas of youth, health, training, employment and conflict resolution. Furthermore, more tourists to this budget hotel are helping keep up an average 60% occupancy rate, which for a project that was doomed from the beginning proves that the Hewitt’s of these troubled communities are really the bedrock of any future benefits to be gained from peaceful times..
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