Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle: The Free Victorian Castle Above the City, with Nine Hidden Cats

The legend says the castle will be safe — or its residents will have good fortune — as long as a white cat lives within its walls. The castle's response to this piece of local folklore was to create the Cat Garden: a space in which nine cats are hidden in mosaics, statues, topiaries and garden artworks, waiting to be found by visitors who look closely enough.

The giant topiary cat is hard to miss. The others require a certain amount of searching. Finding all nine is an activity that engages children and adults with equal enthusiasm, and it gives Belfast Castle's gardens a quality of playful treasure-hunt that no other Victorian mansion garden in Northern Ireland quite matches.

Belfast Castle is 400 feet above sea level on the slopes of Cave Hill Country Park, on the northern edge of Belfast. It was commissioned in 1862 by the Third Marquis of Donegall, designed by the architectural firm Lanyon, Lynn and Lanyon — responsible for many of Belfast's finest Victorian buildings — and completed in 1870. The Ninth Earl of Shaftesbury gifted the castle and its estate to the city of Belfast in 1934, and it has been a public attraction ever since.

Entry is free. The Cave Hill Trail from the castle leads to McArt's Fort at the summit, where in 1795 a group of United Irishmen including Wolfe Tone and Henry Joy McCracken stood, looked down at Belfast spread below them, and pledged to break the connection with England. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit.

Where Is Belfast Castle?

Belfast Castle is on Antrim Road, in Cave Hill Country Park, on the northern edge of Belfast, approximately 10 minutes by car from Belfast city centre and 15 minutes from George Best Belfast City Airport. Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with Blue Badge bays near the main entrance.

By public transport, Metro Bus Route 1 from Upper Queen Street in Belfast city centre stops at Strathmore Park on Antrim Road; the castle is a 15-minute uphill walk from there, well signposted. Walking or cycling to the castle is also possible from the north Belfast suburbs.

A Brief History of Belfast Castle

The name "Belfast Castle" has attached itself to three different structures. A Norman castle of the late 12th century stood in what is now the city centre at the River Lagan ford. A stone and timber castle built in 1611 by Sir Arthur Chichester burned down in 1708, leaving only street names — Castle Place — as a memory. The current castle, the Victorian mansion on Cave Hill, is an entirely different building on a different site.

The Third Marquis of Donegall commissioned the present castle in 1862, with work proceeding through the decade to completion in 1870. John Lanyon of the firm Lanyon, Lynn and Lanyon — the same firm associated with Queen's University Belfast and the Killyleagh Castle redesign — designed a building in the Scottish Baronial style: towers, turrets, vaulted roofs and the warm pink Scrabo sandstone and Giffnock sandstone that give the castle its distinctive warm-toned exterior.

In 1884, the castle passed to the Shaftesbury family through marriage. In 1894, the Ninth Earl of Shaftesbury added the serpentine Baroque stone staircase that has become the castle's most-photographed feature — it now appears in the background of hundreds of wedding photographs every year. On 26 July 1934, the Ninth Earl gifted the castle and its grounds to Belfast Corporation, making it a public space. A £2 million refurbishment from 1978 to 1988 restored the building, and the castle reopened as a venue and visitor attraction.

The remarkable thing about Belfast Castle is the gift. The Ninth Earl of Shaftesbury, a former Lord Mayor of Belfast and Chancellor of Queen's University, could have sold the estate. Instead he gave it to the city, ensuring that the views of Belfast Lough from 400 feet above the city would remain public.

Architecture & Design

Belfast Castle is a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture — the Gothic Revival-influenced style that characterised the grandest Victorian country houses in Scotland and Ulster. The pink Scrabo sandstone and Giffnock sandstone of the exterior walls give the castle its distinctive warm facade; the towers, turrets and vaulted rooflines create the Baronial silhouette.

The Donegall coat-of-arms appears on the front door and north wall — a reminder of the original Donegall commission. The serpentine Baroque stone staircase of 1894, sweeping down from the entrance front, is both architecturally distinctive and practically the most-photographed exterior feature. The Cave Hill Visitor Centre in the castle's basement provides interactive exhibits on the history of the castle and its country park from Stone Age times. Original Victorian interior elements — ornate fireplaces, period proportions — survive in the public rooms.

The Cat Garden, created in response to the white cat legend, is the most unusual designed feature: a garden where nine cat representations are hidden in mosaics, statues, garden topiary and other decorative elements.

Legends & Lore

The white cat legend is the castle's defining piece of folklore: the castle and its residents will be safe and fortunate as long as a white cat lives within its walls. The legend's origin is not precisely documented, but it is well established in the castle's identity. The nine-cat treasure hunt of the Cat Garden, the giant topiary cat, and the cat mosaics throughout the grounds are all direct responses to this tradition.

Belfast Castle's more substantial historical lore lies at the top of Cave Hill. McArt's Fort, the prehistoric earthwork at the summit, was the site of a gathering in 1795 when a group of United Irishmen — Wolfe Tone, Henry Joy McCracken and others — stood looking down at the city of Belfast and made their famous pledge. The connection between the dramatic landscape of Cave Hill and the events of the 1798 rebellion gives the hill above the castle a significance well beyond its geological interest.

Visiting the Castle

Belfast Castle is open to the public with free admission, managed by Belfast City Council. The castle's public rooms — ground and first floor — preserve the Victorian character of the building. The Cave Hill Visitor Centre in the basement runs interactive exhibits on the castle and Cave Hill Country Park. The Cat Garden is the most distinctive outdoor attraction, with its nine hidden cats.

The Tavern Coffee Shop serves hot and cold drinks, homemade scones and cakes daily. The Cellar Restaurant — operated by Crumlin Road Gaol — offers a full menu of homemade dishes on selected days and evenings. Check the castle website for current opening days and times for both.

The castle is a popular venue for weddings and private events; it may be partially closed on these occasions. Check before visiting to avoid a wasted journey.

Photography for personal use is generally permitted throughout the castle and grounds.

Browse Belfast City & Cave Hill Tours →

For current opening hours and any planned closures, check the official Belfast City Council website before your visit.

Where to Stay Near Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle does not offer accommodation. Belfast city centre, 10 minutes away, has the full range of city accommodation from budget hostels to five-star hotels. The castle is very easily combined with a Belfast city stay.

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The Best Time to Visit

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the finest times for Belfast Castle — the Cave Hill views are clear, the Cat Garden is at its best and the trails through the park are most rewarding. The Cave Hill Trail is best walked in dry conditions; the 4.5-mile ascent requires good footwear.

Summer (July to August) brings the best weather and the longest days; the cave system and the views from McArt's Fort are most accessible in good summer visibility. Winter visits are quieter, with atmospheric mist views over the lough.

How to Get There

By car. From Belfast city centre, take Antrim Road north for around 10 minutes, entering through Innisfayle Park. Free parking on site.

By bus. Metro Bus Route 1 from Upper Queen Street, Belfast, to the Strathmore Park stop on Antrim Road, then a 15-minute uphill walk to the castle.

On foot or by bike. Walking or cycling from north Belfast is possible; bike parking is provided.

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Nearby Attractions

Cave Hill Country Park and Belfast together make this one of the most varied day-out locations in Northern Ireland.

Attraction	Why Visit	Distance
Cave Hill Trail & McArt's Fort	A 4.5-mile trail from the castle to the prehistoric summit fort — linked to the 1795 United Irishmen pledge and offering one of the finest panoramas over Belfast	Within park
Cave Hill Adventurous Playground	An award-winning family play area near the castle, with swings, slides and climbing equipment	Adjacent
Belfast Zoo	A large and well-maintained zoo with a diverse range of animals — popular with families	~10 mins
Titanic Belfast	The world-class museum at the site where RMS Titanic was built — the definitive Belfast experience	~20 mins
Cathedral Quarter, Belfast	The cultural and creative heart of Belfast city centre — bars, restaurants, street art and music venues	~20 mins

A natural Cave Hill day walks the Cave Hill Trail first (get the panorama and McArt's Fort in the morning) before returning to the castle for the Cat Garden hunt and lunch in the Cellar Restaurant.

Browse Belfast City & Cave Hill Tours →

Family & Accessibility

Families. Belfast Castle is outstanding for families. The Cat Garden treasure hunt engages all ages, the Cave Hill Adventurous Playground is immediately adjacent, the Visitor Centre's interactive exhibits work well for children, and Belfast Zoo is 10 minutes away. The Cave Hill Trail is suitable for older children and adults with reasonable fitness; younger children and the playground keep families on the accessible park level.

Accessibility. The castle is wheelchair accessible with step-free entry and Blue Badge parking near the main entrance. Some areas may have limitations; check the AccessAble guide or contact the castle before visiting for specific route information.

Practical Tips

• Find all nine cats in the Cat Garden — the topiary cat is obvious; the others are more cleverly hidden. A challenge for all ages.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes — the cave hill trail involves a 256-metre ascent and can be muddy after rain.
• Pack a compact travel umbrella — Cave Hill is exposed and Belfast weather is changeable.
• Bring a portable power bank for photography — the views of Belfast Lough and the city from the castle terrace and from McArt's Fort are exceptional.
• Check for private events before visiting — the castle is a popular wedding venue and may have partial closures.
• Photography is permitted for personal use throughout.
• Overseas visitor? Pack a UK travel adapter for Type G plugs.

Conclusion

Belfast Castle was given to the city by the Ninth Earl of Shaftesbury in 1934 because he thought Belfast should have it. The result is a Victorian Scottish Baronial mansion 400 feet above the city, free to visit, with a garden containing nine hidden cats, a Baroque staircase that appears in hundreds of wedding photographs every year, and a trail leading to the summit where Wolfe Tone and Henry Joy McCracken made their 1795 pledge.

Belfast Zoo is 10 minutes away. Titanic Belfast is 20. The cats, when found, are nine. And a white cat, according to the legend, keeps the whole thing safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Belfast Castle free to visit?

Yes — admission to the castle and the Cave Hill Visitor Centre is free. Car parking is also free on a first-come basis. Some specific events may have charges — check in advance.

What is the Cat Garden at Belfast Castle?

A garden where nine cat representations — in mosaics, statues, topiaries and other artworks — are hidden for visitors to find, inspired by the local legend that the castle will be safe as long as a white cat lives within its walls.

What is the white cat legend?

Local tradition holds that Belfast Castle will remain safe — and those within it will enjoy good fortune — as long as a white cat lives on the premises. The Cat Garden was created in response to this legend.

What is McArt's Fort and how do I get there?

McArt's Fort is a prehistoric earthwork at the summit of Cave Hill (370 metres), reached via the 4.5-mile Cave Hill Trail from the castle. It is linked to the 1795 gathering of United Irishmen — including Wolfe Tone and Henry Joy McCracken — who pledged to break Ireland's connection with England. The trail involves a 256-metre ascent and requires sturdy footwear.

Is there food at Belfast Castle?

The Tavern Coffee Shop serves drinks, scones and light snacks daily. The Cellar Restaurant offers a full menu on selected days and evenings. Check the Belfast Castle website for current opening days.

Is Belfast Castle wheelchair accessible?

Yes — step-free access and Blue Badge parking are available. Some areas may have limitations; check AccessAble or contact the castle for specific accessibility details.

How do I get to Belfast Castle?

By car: 10 minutes from Belfast city centre via Antrim Road (free parking). By bus: Metro Route 1 from Upper Queen Street to Strathmore Park, then 15 minutes uphill on foot.

Are dogs allowed at Belfast Castle?

Dogs on leads are generally welcome in the grounds and on the Cave Hill trails. Confirm current policies inside the castle buildings with staff.

Can I take photos at Belfast Castle?

Photography for personal use is generally permitted throughout the castle and grounds. Confirm with staff for any restrictions inside specific rooms.

What is the Cave Hill Adventurous Playground?

An award-winning children's play area near the castle, open daily, with swings, slides, climbing frames and outdoor play equipment suitable for a range of ages.