Takes its name from Cranmore House, a 17th century house which been a ruin for about a century. It lies at some distance back from Malone Road, hidden by chestnut trees. Although now nothing but a ruined shell, it may be the only surviving house in Belfast of this age. The name seems to be an anglicised form of Ir. An Crann Mór, 'the great tree'.
"Tradition says it was at Cranmore, beside Maryville, that King William rested when on his way to Belfast, and the tree where his horse was tied is still to be seen. Cranmore was formerly named Orange Grove, and was the residence of a family named Eccles [in the late 17th century]. The jug which King William drank out of and the bed he slept in were for a long time treasured in the house" (Mary Lowry, The Story of Belfast and Its Surroundings). The name Orange Grove alludes to the association with William of Orange and is not to be understood literally.
Jonathan Bardon in his book Belfast: An Illustrated History refers to some "gracious houses in an entirely rural setting" including Cranmore House which he describes as "the finest of these" and was owned by a merchant called John Templeton who had a business at Bridge Street [in the late 18th / early 19th century].
"Resolved - That the following names for new streets be approved…Cranmore Gardens, Canmore Avenue, Randal Park for new streets off Cranmore Park on the property of Mr. James Winter". (Town Improvement Committee, 3rd November 1936).
Dual language street sign (English and Irish) approved in March 2024.