The Big Fish (Salmon of Knowledge)

Why it is here

The sculpture was commissioned to celebrate the regeneration of the River Lagan, with funding from the Laganside Corporation and the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. It stands where the Farset, the river Belfast takes its name from, joins the Lagan, which gives a quick riverside photo stop a bit of meaning.

Look closely at the scales

Each ceramic scale tells a story. Historic images supplied by the Ulster Museum sit beside newspaper headlines and drawings by local schoolchildren, covering everything from Tudor Belfast to an Ulster fry. The fish also holds a time capsule containing information, images and poetry about the city. Give yourself a few minutes to walk all the way round rather than photographing it from a distance.

Combining it with a walk

The Lagan Lookout is right beside it, the Albert Memorial Clock is about 200 metres away and Queen's Bridge is a similar distance. The Cathedral Quarter is a short walk inland, so the fish makes a natural start or end point for a stroll along the river. Allow ten minutes or so; it is a quick stop rather than a destination in itself, but the detail on the tiles repays a close look.

Highlights

• 10-metre ceramic salmon by John Kindness, 1999
• Scales printed with Belfast history and children's drawings
• Contains a time capsule about the city
• Marks where the River Farset meets the Lagan

Good to know

• It is an outdoor public sculpture on Donegall Quay and free to see.
• The sculpture was damaged by vandalism in September 2026, including its eye and several scales; check its condition before making a special trip.

Frequently asked questions