A Short Guide On How To Visit Belfast Castle in Northern Ireland – OUR CROSSINGS

Last Updated on the 7th of August, 2025

The majestic Belfast Castle, a wonderful landmark, has a rich history spanning over 800 years and can be seen from across the city.

It was built in a Scottish baronial style, and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Belfast, especially for history enthusiasts and those wanting to appreciate the city’s best views.

The castle is close to the Belfast Zoo and Cave Hill Country Park, so you could easily spend a day just in this area of north Belfast and soak up the essence of the city’s splendid beauty.

Beyond its scenic and architectural beauty, Belfast Castle has been a witness to significant events throughout history, making it an integral part of Belfast’s cultural heritage.

As the castle sits  400 feet above sea level on the crag of Cave Hill, from its elevated position, it offers unobstructed views over Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast Lough and the rolling hills beyond.

So, if you are keen to wander the castle’s well-manicured lawns, admire the romantic-looking Scottish baronial architecture, have a meal in its cellar, or explore the lush greenery of Cave Hill Park, then keep reading.

Read More: Belfast Bucket List: The 10 Best Things To Do In The City

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Unveiling the History of Belfast Castle

Over the centuries, the castle served various purposes and changed not only hands but also location.

As we journey through the historical importance of Belfast Castle, we can learn that there have been many Belfast Castles.

Originally, the castle was first built in the 12th century by the Normans as a defensive fortification, and its location was in the city centre.

Sadly, the castle was destroyed by a devastating fire in 1708, and instead of rebuilding it on the same site, Sir Arthur Chichester chose to build a new castle on the slopes of Cave Hill in 1862 to escape the growing industrial city.

The castle and the estate were gifted to the City of Belfast in 1934 by the 9th Earl of Shaftesbury. It was used for grand events and weddings until the council started a massive restoration programme in 1978.

Today, the castle is used mostly for events, weddings and private banquets. 

Read More: Your Guide To Visiting One of Belfast’s Most Popular Tourist Attractions – Titanic Belfast

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Discovering the Story of Castle Garden Cats

One interesting story surrounding the castle is about the tradition of the castle cat.

The Donegall family, who were the owners of the castle before it was gifted to the city of Belfast, always kept a white cat.

It was said that as long as a white cat remained on the premises, good fortune would come to all who visited the castle.  

When the city of Belfast took over the care of the castle, they couldn’t maintain the tradition of keeping a white cat at the castle.

To keep the spirit of the white cat alive and the good fortune going, they came up with a clever idea to incorporate nine cats in various incarnations – topiary, quotes, sculptures and mosaics – into the garden.

Read More: Northern Ireland Travel Guide: 9 Amazing Things to See and Do in Derry

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Magnificent Architecture of Belfast Castle

The castle was constructed by Sir George Chichester with the help of Belfast-based architect Charles Lanyon and built in the Scottish Baronial style inspired by the royal castle at Balmoral.

The castle was completed in 1870, by far exceeding the initial estimated cost of 11,000 pounds, and by then, the Donegall fortune had diminished. The castle was finished when Lord Ashby, the Marquess’s son-in-law, stepped in.

The castle has an entrance portico in the Jacobean style and a square tower of six floors with corner turrets. A stunning external Italianate Renaissance spiral staircase was added to the garden terrace in 1894.

Originally, the territory around the castle was farmland, but thanks to a major planting exercise which took place in the 1880s, it turned into an attractive wooded parkland.

Read More: Everything You Need To Know About Walking The Maritime Trail In Belfast City

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Facilities at The Belfast Castle

• A few of the rooms on the upper floors are open to visitors

• The Cellar Restaurant in the basement is cosy and styled with the flavour of the Victorian age when the castle was first built.

• The Castle Tavern bar is open Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm to 10 pm with live music.

• On the ground floor are an antique and bookshop, a small museum and a visitor’s centre.

Read More: Belfast One-Day Itinerary: A Detailed Guide For Your Next Getaway to Northern Ireland

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Belfast Castle? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Belfast and have travel-related questions!

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