Rev Graeme Kennedy of Kirkpatrick Memorial Presbyterian Church in Ballyhackamore led a dawn service on Easter Sunday at Lisnabreeny Hill in east Belfast. Assistant minister Francine Magill conducted the half-hour event, which included hymns, prayers, and a talk on the resurrection of Christ.

Several dozen people attended at 6:30am, including young children and at least one dog on a lead. The group gathered at the entrance to Cregagh Glen near the Knock dual carriageway, then walked a narrow wooded path to the site overlooking Belfast, with views of Harland and Wolff cranes, Belfast Lough, hills to the west, and a valley to the south.

A weather warning from Storm Dave lasted until 3am that day but conditions improved by 6am ahead of sunrise at 6:43am. The service occurred under bright skies despite cold air. Cold sleet fell as attendees descended the hill.

Rev Kennedy stated most churchgoers knew of multiple dawn services and chose between them or the main 11am service. He noted 250 people attended the later Kirkpatrick service.

Dawn services took place across Northern Ireland on Easter Sunday, starting at 6:30am or 7am in locations from the Mournes and Millisle in Co Down, Carrickfergus and Portrush in Co Antrim, to Co Londonderry, Co Fermanagh, and Ballygawley.

The events followed Presbyterian, Methodist, or Church of Ireland traditions but operated as non-denominational.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson MP commented on freedoms in the UK to worship compared to restrictions faced by Christians elsewhere. Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood and TUV leader Jim Allister MP also addressed global Christian persecution in Easter statements.