Belfast Parks & Attractions
The city of Belfast is located along the east coast of Northern Island. Serving as the capital city since 1921, Belfast has rich heritage and breathtaking landscape. Sites to behold include the magnificent architecture as well as the natural wonders of Cave Hill and the many lakes, locally known as loughs.
The predominant languages in Belfast are English and Irish, so there should be little problem with navigating your holiday. Locating the area attractions and parks is quite simple as well, since the public transportation system will pass you nearby.
With such a wide assortment of parks to choose from, you will find that the gardens and parks of Belfast range from small little courtyards to large impressive open spaces. Central gardens with gorgeous floral displays and an impressive amount of trees are all waiting to be enjoyed in Belfast.
To begin with, the Belfast Botanical Gardens are among the most popular gardens in all of Belfast. Since opening in the early 1880s, the Belfast Botanical Gardens have boasted one of the best plant collections in all of Ireland. The Victorian Palm House is loaded with exotic plants and the park includes ponds with water lilies, many spots for picnicking, and even a tropical ravine.
Open during the summer months, Belfast Botanical Gardens is one of the coolest free exhibits to be enjoyed in Belfast. The 100+ year old Tropical Ravine House is located within the Botanical Gardens and contains ferns, bamboo trees; citrus trees, flowers and plants, and many people find it is a worthwhile venue all on its own.
In the southern section of Belfast, you can find Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. Located on Upper Malone Road, it covers an expansive area. The well-known Rose Garden within the park features an enormous rose collection and over 250,000 summer blooms each year.
The Antrim district is home to the Antrim Castle Gardens on Randalstown Road in the Clotworthy Arts Centre. Remarkable water gardens can be found here, and admission is free. The Antrim Castle Gardens have been around since the 17th century and are filled with subsidiary plants, water lilies, canals, and secluded garden areas. You can even take guided tours through the garden.
Belvoir Forest Park is full of the native Irish plants and several natural spots of beauty to behold. Since so many types of birds made this area their home, the park is now home to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. As with most area parks, admission is free.
Cave Hill Country Park is a location that must be experienced during your holiday in Belfast. A hike to the top of the hill will reward you with a majestic view of the Scottish coast, and with so many wood lined walkways and scenic trails, you will experience the best of the natural Belfast landscape.
The Grovelands are in the southern region of Belfast and feature manicured areas and rock gardens along with a wide variety of flowers and plants. Picnic spots are scattered throughout and the garden is open each day from dawn until dusk.