evidence: Belfast's Holylands district was back in the news this week as thousands of drunken revellers effectively held residents hostage in their own homes. We asked two writers who have lived in the university quarter for their impressions of life there — with markedly contrasting results Belfast's Holylands district was back in the news this week as thousands of drunken revellers effectively held residents hostage in their own homes. We asked two writers who have lived in the university quarter for their impressions of life there — with markedly contrasting results. [...] Known as the Holylands because of its biblical street names, this was once one of the city's loveliest districts. Its diverse social and religious mix had a Bohemian feel - even during the conflict. It was unique by Belfast standards - in one street, an ex-UDR man lived doors from a former republican prisoner.