Cave Hill Country Park

Cave Hill Country Park

Cave Hill's famous profile is visible from almost everywhere in Belfast and its famous Napoleon's Nose and McArt's Fort have become ingrained into the social and political history of the city. It is one of the most celebrated landmarks in the hills.

How to get there

Main car parks at Belfast Castle and Belfast Zoo

Other access: Ballyaghagan car park, Upper Hightown Road, Upper Cavehill Road

By car:

From the Westlink going north, take Clifton Street exit. At the top of slipway turn left, then at roundabout take the third exit onto the Antrim Road - Belfast Castle and Zoo are signposted

Public transport

Translink Metro: From Belfast city centre (Donegall Square West)1A/1B/1C/1D/1E/1F/1G/1H Antrim Road. You can alight along this route to two sites on Cave Hill:

Belfast Castle. Walk countrybound from Strathmore bus stop to Innisfayle Park (brown direction sign for Belfast Castle). Follow the sign about 800m into the grounds of the castle. The path to Cave Hill is behind the car park just outside the castle building

Belfast Zoo. Get off the bus at Bellevue where you will see the zoo entrance. Follow the road upwards into the zoo for about 800m. Walk towards the zoo building and then veer right where you will see the path to Hazelwood woodland leading to Cave Hill. Top of Cave Hill

Walking routes

There are 3 way-marked trails within Cave Hill Country Park:

  • The Cave Hill trail: a challenging 2 hour walk passing the caves to McArt's Fort, crossing moorland, heath and meadows. Walking route
  • The Estate trail: A 1 hour walk with some fine views over the city from above the castle with glimpses of Cave Hill
  • The Castle trail: a 30 minute walk through attractive parkland, including Belfast Castle gardens, with views over the city

Bird's-eye view

Facilities

Toilets at Belfast Castle

Seats at various points

Hot beverages at Belfast Castle during opening hours. Cellar Restaurant - book lunches, scones - 02890 370 133

More information

Cave Hill Country Parks leaflet

Belfast City Council Cave Hill

Private Taxis will charge about £11 to get to Belfast Zoo from Belfast city centre

Management

Belfast City Council

There is open access to this site all year round

Access code

Before you go download our access code - general guidelines on how to look after yourself and the environment when out in the Hills