Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle

Perched on the slopes of Cave Hill overlooking the city, Belfast Castle is one of Belfast's most iconic landmarks and offers spectacular panoramic views across Belfast Lough and the surrounding countryside.

Built between 1867 and 1870 in the distinctive Scottish Baronial style, the castle was commissioned by the 3rd Marquess of Donegall and designed by architect Charles Lanyon, one of the most influential figures in Victorian Belfast architecture.

Today, Belfast Castle is a popular visitor destination, renowned for its historic character, elegant interiors and beautiful landscaped gardens. The grounds include walking trails, woodland paths and the famous Cat Garden, inspired by the local legend that good fortune will come to the castle as long as a white cat resides there.

Located within Cave Hill Country Park, the castle serves as a gateway to some of Belfast's most celebrated natural and heritage attractions, including Cave Hill itself, which is said to have inspired the shape of Jonathan Swift's fictional Gulliver's Sleeping Giant.