Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle featuring château or palace, a fountain and heritage architecture
Belfast Castle
Belfast Castle
Belfast Castle
Belfast Castle


With views across the city and centuries of history, this classical sandstone building is one of the most popular free attractions in Belfast.

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 center. 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.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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Reviews of Belfast Castle

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
26
5 - Excellent 37%
4 - Good
33
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Good , was a shame it was raining heavy we couldn't take pictures outside

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Things to do near Belfast Castle

At Belfast Castle, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including guided tours, scenic walks, and golfing opportunities. The stunning surroundings offer beautiful walking trails, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, city trips allow tourists to discover Belfast's rich history and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

The nearest shopping options to Belfast Castle include Victoria Square Shopping Centre and St. George's Market, both just 4.8km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere for gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Twin Villages Shopping Centre, located 25.7km away, provides additional family-friendly shopping experiences.

Recreation

At Belfast Castle, indulge in wellness activities at nearby Cave Hill Country Park, where serene nature trails promote relaxation. For sports enthusiasts, the SSE Arena offers exhilarating events, while the Ulster Hall provides a vibrant atmosphere for music lovers, ensuring a truly rejuvenating experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Jetpack Adventures, located 8.0km from Belfast Castle, where you can soar above the water. For karting enthusiasts, Eddie Irvine Sports, 17.7km away, offers an exhilarating racing experience. Finally, enjoy the picturesque scenery along the Blackhead Path, situated 20.9km from the castle.

Nightlife

After exploring Belfast Castle, enjoy a performance at the MAC Theatre, just 4.8km away, where culture meets romance. For some adventure, visit Vertigo Titanic Park's arcade, or catch a film at Cineworld Belfast, both offering entertainment and a lively atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Belfast Castle

While visiting Belfast Castle, you can explore a variety of attractions such as the maritime museum, historic prison, and modern civic government building. These points of interest offer a rich cultural experience, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're keen on history or simply enjoying the scenic surroundings, Belfast Castle and its nearby attractions provide a delightful experience for all travellers.

  • Titanic Belfast: Explore the fascinating story of the ill-fated RMS Titanic at this stunning maritime museum, located 4.8km from Belfast Castle. With interactive exhibitions and a dramatic architecture, it offers a deep dive into Belfast's shipbuilding heritage and maritime culture.
  • Queen's University of Belfast: Situated 6.4km away, this modern university boasts beautiful architecture and vibrant campus life. You can wander through its grounds, admire the historical buildings, and soak in the energetic city vibes that surround this esteemed institution.
  • Boucher Road Playing Fields: Located 8.0km from Belfast Castle, this fairground offers outdoor activities and family-friendly events. It's a great spot for picnics, sports, and enjoying the fresh air in a lively, community-focused environment.

Best time to go to Belfast Castle

The best time to visit Belfast Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Belfast Castle

To save money on your visit to Belfast Castle, consider travelling during the cheaper months from December to February. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, with Monday being the most affordable day to stay. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, sort hotel prices from lowest to highest, and combine your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities around the castle, and utilise Belfast's public transport for an economical way to navigate the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Belfast Castle are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Belfast Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Belfast Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Belfast Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search feature enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to discover the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Belfast Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia