Northern Ireland’s ‘Big Snow 2010’: Looking back in pictures

In late November 2010 Northern Ireland was blanketed with a thick layer of snow which remained until the New Year.

By Michael Cousins
Thursday, 26th November 2020, 3:09 pm
3rd December 2010 Shoppers in Belfast battle thru the snow in the City Centre's Continental market.

Temperatures plummeted towards -20 in many areas and the entire country became a winter wonderland.

We even had a white Christmas.

We’ve delved into the archives to bring some of the images from the time.

Shoppers in Belfast battle thru the snow
The scene in North Belfast's Waterworks as a blanket of snow covers the City
General views of Belfast City Airport after travel plans were thrown into chaos because of the bad weather.
Snow outside Queens University, Belfast
Snow outside Queens University, Belfast
Heavy snow causing problems across Northern Ireland with nearly 40 schools closed and some roads impassable. The scene in North Belfast's Waterworks as a blanket of snow covers the City.
Weather stops play. All sports fixtures were called off due to the severe weather condition as we see from Ballyclare Rugby Club. INLT 50-014FP
Snow caused traffic disruption.
Snow at Malone Park in south Belfast.
All transport felt the effects of the extreme weather as seen at Mossley railway station. INNT 52-015FP
Snow brought a close to the Theatre at The Mill as all the shows on Friday were cancelled due to the extreme weather conditions. INNT 52-013FP
The annual Santa stroll for the Mayor's Charities was called off last Friday due to the adverse weather conditions but Mayor Paula Bradley along with Dean Holmes and Jenni Coulter braved the icy condition to thank everyone for their support and to throw snowballs at our photographer. INNT 52-007FP
Council workers clear frozen snow from footpaths in Ballymena town centre in Co Antrim as the cold spell continues.
Nightime snow fall
Icy conditions near Moneymore.
Sheets of ice floating on the River Foyle last week. INLS5010-102KM
Foyle Ice
Freezing temperature's are making life difficult for road users - Picture Gavan Caldwell
Freezing weather still contines as motorists travel under the old muckamore railway bridge. Picture Gavan Caldwell
Fun in the snow
Dyed blue sheep in the hills of Co Antrim as the cold spell continues: Paul Faith/PA Wire
Council workers clear frozen snow from footpaths in Ballymena town centre in Co Antrim as the cold spell continues. Paul Faith/PA Wire
Heavy snow in rural areas makes it very difficult to reach the towns. INLT 51-805-CON
Jayden and Matthew having fun at Sandy Bay. INLT 51-401-PR
Cattle knee deep in it - outside Banbridge. Picture Michelle McCauley/Kevin McAuley Photography Multimedia
The road from Banbridge to Gilford Picture Michelle McCauley/Kevin McAuley Photography Multimedia
Trees along the Castlewellan Road, Banbridge.
Edendork Hall in winter INTT5210-119JS
The old church at Brackaville, Coalisland INTT5210-114JS
Children's swings at Gortgonis INTT5210-112JS
Market Square, Dungannon Picture: John Stafford INTT5110-184JS
Lonely tree Picture: Victor Hazelton
Brantry Lough Picture: Victor Hazelton
TREACHEROUS CONDITIONS...Traffic at Nursery Avenue, Coleraine. CR52B-115mj
GOING DOWN! A lopsided snowman pictured during last week's big freeze. PICTURE: MARK JAMIESON. CR52B-114mj
Frozen lake at Corbet Co Down. Picture Michelle McCauley/Kevin McAuley Photography Multimedia
Snow and ice covered pitches once again resulted in a wiped out weekend for local sport.