Belfast Castle is a symbol of the city and can be seen from across town. A visit to the castle is a must for history enthusiasts and those wanting to appreciate the best views of the city. Admire the romantic-looking Scottish baronial architecture, wander the castle’s expansive grounds, have a traditional Irish meal in its cellar, or hike Cave Hill.
Over the centuries, there have been three Belfast Castles. The first was a Norman 12th-century structure in what is now the city centre. It was replaced by a stone and timber castle in 1611. Nearly a century later it burned down and the 3rd Marquess of Donegall chose to build a whole new castle on the slopes of Cave Hill in 1862. It was donated to the City of Belfast in 1934 and renovated from 1978 to 1988.
See if you can find the Donegall coat-of-arms over the front door and then enter to explore the castle’s permanent exhibits. Learn about the families who lived here and their importance to Belfast.
Walk the castle grounds to discover the native flora and fauna of the area. For a more rugged experience, visit the adjacent Cave Hill County Park, which has excellent hiking trails.
Take in the views of Belfast from the castle, or hike to the summit of Cave Hill to view the castle from above. There is also a playground for children in the castle grounds.
Enjoy local food in the Victorian-style cellar during a unique lunch or dining experience. At night, the lit-up castle acts as a beacon to people looking for traditional Irish fun. Hear local music at the Castle Tavern on a Friday or Saturday night.
Belfast Castle is located on Antrim Road, on the edge of Belfast, a 10-minute drive from downtown. Parking and admission is free. The castle is also served by bus however, it’s a 15-minute walk from the castle gates to the actual building. Belfast Castle is open daily, but the tavern and restaurant close on Sunday and Monday nights.
Belfast Castle
Visit Belfast Castle
Reviews of Belfast Castle
4/5 - Good
Good , was a shame it was raining heavy we couldn't take pictures outside
Popular places to visit
Cave Hill Country Park
Stroll through the glorious meadows and hills of this park overlooking Belfast to encounter a land of castles, forts and caves.
Crumlin Road Gaol
Tours of this historic prison will take you through the cells to the execution chamber, where you’ll have the chance to meet a ghost.
Clifton House
An impressive Georgian building dating back to 1774, Clifton House is set in beautiful landscaped gardens. Built by the Belfast Charitable Society, it was used until the 1880s as Belfast’s Poor House.
Titanic Belfast
The world’s biggest Titanic museum experience, Titanic Belfast sits on the very slipway where the ill-fated ocean liner was built between 1909 and 1911. The location, Belfast’s former Harland and Wolff shipyard, is dominated by the towering exhibition space, with its glittering blocks recalling four ship hulls.
Fortwilliam Golf Club
Formed in 1891, Fortwilliam Golf Club is Belfast’s oldest, and certainly one of its most beloved, golf clubs. Located just off the Antrim Road, easily accessible from the north of the city, the course has a par of 70 spread over around 6,000 yards. Yes, it is a short course, relatively speaking, but it packs plenty of punch. Expect tricky greens and fairways lined with trees that pose substantial hazards to even the most experienced of golfers.
Belfast Zoo
One of the oldest visitor attractions in Northern Ireland, Belfast Zoo is located in the north of the city, on Antrim Road, and is home to more than 1,000 animals on its 55-acre site.
Top Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Belfast Castle
- Holidays and getaways similar to Belfast Castle
- Hotels Near Belfast Castle, Low Wood
- Expedia's Latest Trends