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Description

Belfast Castle is located in the Cave Hill area of north Belfast. It was built in the 1860s and is one of the city's most famous landmarks to visit.

For generations, Cave Hill has been synonymous with Belfast, with its imposing outline visible throughout the city. The landmark, named for the five caves located on the side of the cliffs, contains a wealth of natural, archaeological and historical features, including Belfast Castle.

Its most famous feature, known locally as Napoleon's Nose, is believed to have been the inspiration for Jonathan Swift's novel, Gulliver's Travels.

The park is home to the Cave Hill Adventurous Playground (Closed until Mid-October for refurb works), archaeological sites, a Visitor Information Centre in Belfast Castle (Open to 5.30pm 7 days per week), beautiful gardens, ecotrails, walking and orienteering routes.

The estate contains landscaped gardens and mature mixed woodland and offers superb views of the city from a variety of vantage points. It is home to many different species of wildlife, including long-eared owls, sparrowhawks and Belfast's rarest plant; the town hall clock.

Belfast Castle has a fantastic newly opened café with a range of hot and cold snacks and drinks.

The Ability café operated by USEL is open 5 days per week, Thursday through to Monday 9am-4pm (Hot food served til 3pm). The Café is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
  • Antrim Road
  • Belfast
  • Antrim
  • BT15 5GR

Top Reasons To Visit

  • Belfast Castle is one of the city's most famous landmarks
  • Breathtaking views of the city from Cave Hill Country Park
  • The award-winning Cave Hill Adventurous Playground
  • Learn about the history at Cave Hill Visitor Centre
  • Cave Hill Visitor Centre

    Cave Hill Visitor Centre is located in the basement of Belfast Castle. This fascinating and intriguing museum offers a self-guided tour and is open:

    • Monday to Sunday: 9am – 5.30pm

    Admission is free.

    The Castle Tavern Ability Cafe is open for snacks and hot drinks and is open:

    • Monday to Sunday: 9am – 4pm
  • Cellar Restaurant

    The Cellar Restaurant is currently closed to the public.

A Tribute: Candlelight Concert Inspired By Taylor Swift

5.33 KM
Fri, 15 Dec 2023, 8:30pm

Head to Belfast Castle on Friday 15th December for a Candlelight Concert featuring the music of American Superstar Taylor Swift.

Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor Centre
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Candlelight Concert Inspired By The Best Of Magical Movie Soundtracks

5.33 KM
Sat, 16 Dec 2023, 6:00pm

Head to Belfast Castle on Saturday 16th December for a Candlelight Concert featuring soundtracks from some of your favourite movies.

Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor Centre
Find Out More

A Tribute: Christmas Candlelight Concert At Belfast Castle

5.33 KM
20 - 23 Dec 2023
See All Dates (3)

Head to Belfast Castle for a Christmas inspired Candlelight Concert to ring in the festive period.

Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor Centre
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Candlelight Concert Inspired By Pink Floyd

5.33 KM
Sat, 30 Dec 2023, 6:30pm
See All Dates (2)

Head to Belfast Castle on Saturday 30th December for a Candlelight Concert featuring HITS from UK Rock Band Pink Floyd.

Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor Centre
Find Out More

Candlelight Concerts: A Tribute to ABBA

5.33 KM
Fri, 12 Jan 2024, 8:30pm

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Belfast.

Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor Centre
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