"Haypark Avenue, Gardens and Haywood Avenue are so called from the site of these streets being the 'Haypark', a part of the home farm of the Marquis of Donegall when residing at Ormeau (1807-1844)" (John J. Marshall, Belfast Telegraph, 22/01/1941). This refers to the 2nd Marquess, George Augustus Chichester (14 August 1769 – 5 October 1844). Being heavily in debt and pursued by creditors, he and his family moved from England to Belfast to evade pursuit and spent the rest of his life here. Initially he moved into accommodation on Donegall Place while Ormeau was being built.
The 1st edition of the Ordnance Survey map (c. 1832) shows stables at Ormeau and a race course at Hay Park. The Marquess had substantial veterinary bills and expenses for forage at this time, which are unlikely to have been just for working horses (W. A. Maguire, Living Like A Lord, p.75; Belfast: The Making of the City, p. 34). All of these details suggest that he was keeping racehorses at Ormeau/Hay Park at this time. It also fits with Marshall's statement that Ravenhill was a house built for his horse-trainer (John J. Marshall, Belfast Telegraph, 10/02/1941). This is confirmed by Thomas Gaffikin:
"A racing stud was kept at Ormeau, producing an occasional winner at the annual meeting on the Maze course. The Maze races in July were looked forward to with considerable interest. For weeks previous to the meeting, preparations were made for the occasion. Streets of tents were erected for refreshments, and many spent the Sunday before and the Sunday after the racing week amongst the brackens that covered the rising ground behind the tents. Lord Downshire, the Marquis of Donegal, Messrs. Joyce, Martin, Maxwell, Filgate, Fivy, Ferguson, and Commodore Watson, were among the local supporters of the turf. One of the favourite jockeys was Conlan; but the principal races were ridden by gentlemen riders, when four mile heats prolonged the excitement" (Thomas Gaffikin, Belfast Fifty Years Ago, 30-31).
"Resolved that Mr Martin's new street hear Ormeau Park be named Haypark Avenue". (8th January 1879). "That on the application of Messrs H and J Martin two new streets off Ormeau Road be called Parkmore Street and Haywood Avenue as shown on plan submitted". (24th March 1886).
The Irish form of the name was approved in September 2023.