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Castle · Belfast, Irlanda do Norte
Belfast Castle
The Victorian sandstone castle dating from 1870 on the slopes of Cave Hill, 6 km from the centre, with gardens, a café and trails up to the hilltop from which you can see the whole city and Belfast Lough.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Belfast Castle
Belfast Castle sits on the slope of Cave Hill, a basalt hill north of the city, about 6 km from the centre. The current sandstone building, in Scottish baronial style with a tower and turrets, was built between 1867 and 1870 for the Marquis of Donegall and later passed to the Shaftesbury family, who donated it to the city in 1934. The original medieval castle in central Belfast no longer exists.
The castle is used for weddings and events, but the ground floor and gardens are usually open to the public, with a café and a small exhibition about the history of the site and Cave Hill. In the gardens, a tradition says it brings luck to find the nine cats hidden in mosaics, sculptures and details, linked to the legend that a white cat would bring good fortune to the castle's residents.
Trails for Cave Hill Country Park start at the castle and climb to the top of the hill, at 368 metres, on a return walk of about 1½ to 2 hours. Along the way there are caves carved into the basalt and the ruins of an ancient fort, McArt's Fort. The cliff profile, seen from the city, is called Nariz de Napoleão and, according to tradition, is said to have inspired Jonathan Swift to imagine the giant in Gulliver's Travels.
From the top you can see all of Belfast, the shipyard cranes, Belfast Lough and, on clear days, the coast of Scotland.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour for the castle and gardens; 2 to 3 hours including the ascent to Cave Hill.
Best time
On clear days for the view from Cave Hill; preferably in the morning or at sunset. The castle may be partially closed for weddings and events.
How to get there
It is on Antrim Road, about 6 km north of Belfast city centre. Metro buses depart from the centre and stop at the park entrance, about a 15-minute uphill walk from the castle. By taxi, about 15 minutes.
Tip
Look for the nine hidden cats in the gardens and hike to the top of Cave Hill via the trail that starts at the castle car park.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Belfast Castle
Is Belfast Castle medieval?
No. The current building dates from 1870; the medieval castle in the centre no longer exists.
Can you climb Cave Hill?
Yes, via trails from the castle, taking about 1½ to 2 hours round trip, with views over the city.
What is the legend of the cats?
A tradition says a white cat brings luck to the castle; nine cats are hidden in the gardens for visitors to find.