Belfast Castle Tours and Activities

Belfast Castle showing heritage architecture, a fountain and a castle
Belfast Castle
Belfast Castle
Belfast Castle
Belfast Castle


With views across the city and centuries of history, this classical sandstone building is one of the most popular free attractions in Belfast.

Belfast Castle is a symbol of the city and can be seen from across town. A visit to the castle is a must for history enthusiasts and those wanting to appreciate the best views of the city. Admire the romantic-looking Scottish baronial architecture, wander the castle’s expansive grounds, have a traditional Irish meal in its cellar, or hike Cave Hill.

Over the centuries, there have been three Belfast Castles. The first was a Norman 12th-century structure in what is now the city center. It was replaced by a stone and timber castle in 1611. Nearly a century later it burned down and the 3rd Marquess of Donegall chose to build a whole new castle on the slopes of Cave Hill in 1862. It was donated to the City of Belfast in 1934 and renovated from 1978 to 1988.

See if you can find the Donegall coat-of-arms over the front door and then enter to explore the castle’s permanent exhibits. Learn about the families who lived here and their importance to Belfast.
 
Walk the castle grounds to discover the native flora and fauna of the area. For a more rugged experience, visit the adjacent Cave Hill County Park, which has excellent hiking trails.

Take in the views of Belfast from the castle, or hike to the summit of Cave Hill to view the castle from above. There is also a playground for children in the castle grounds.

Enjoy local food in the Victorian-style cellar during a unique lunch or dining experience. At night, the lit-up castle acts as a beacon to people looking for traditional Irish fun. Hear local music at the Castle Tavern on a Friday or Saturday night.

Belfast Castle is located on Antrim Road, on the edge of Belfast, a 10-minute drive from downtown. Parking and admission is free. The castle is also served by bus however, it’s a 15-minute walk from the castle gates to the actual building. Belfast Castle is open daily, but the tavern and restaurant close on Sunday and Monday nights.

Plan a trip to see Belfast Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Marine Hotel Ballycastle
Ocho Homes by Eight Continents
Portrush Adelphi

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Belfast Castle

The Cool Belfast Home

The Cool Belfast Home

2 out of 5
21 Antrim Road, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland
The Cool Belfast Home
The Lansdowne Hotel

The Lansdowne Hotel

3.5 out of 5
657 Antrim Rd, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Lansdowne Hotel
Titanic view luxury apartment Belfast in the leafy castle view area of Belfast

Titanic view luxury apartment Belfast in the leafy castle view area of Belfast

Belfast
Titanic view luxury apartment Belfast in the leafy castle view area of Belfast
The cool belfast home

The cool belfast home

Newtownabbey
The cool belfast home
Maldron Hotel Belfast City

Maldron Hotel Belfast City

4 out of 5
20 Brunswick Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Maldron Hotel Belfast City
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

5 out of 5
Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
Leonardo Hotel Belfast

Leonardo Hotel Belfast

4 out of 5
Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Pass the Keys | Gorgeous 4 Bedroom Home 7 Min from City Centre

Pass the Keys | Gorgeous 4 Bedroom Home 7 Min from City Centre

Belfast
Pass the Keys | Gorgeous 4 Bedroom Home 7 Min from City Centre
Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre

Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre

3 out of 5
20 Talbot Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Belfast Castle

At Belfast Castle, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including guided tours of the stunning estate, scenic walking trails, and golfing at nearby championship links. Additionally, day trips to Belfast provide an excellent opportunity to explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you're strolling through the gardens or hitting the links, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this iconic landmark.

Shopping

In Belfast, explore St. George's Market, a vibrant public market just 4.8km from Belfast Castle, perfect for unique gifts. Victoria Square Shopping Centre, also 4.8km away, offers family-friendly shopping and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Twin Villages Shopping Centre, located 25.7km away.

Recreation

At Belfast Castle, indulge in wellness at the Royal Portrush Golf Club with its luxurious atmosphere and pristine courses. Enjoy sports events at SSE Arena or immerse yourself in live music at Ulster Hall, both located a short distance away, offering vibrant experiences for relaxation and enjoyment.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience, try Jetpack Adventures, located 8.0km from Belfast Castle, where you can soar above the water. For karting thrills, head to Eddie Irvine Sports, 17.7km away. Alternatively, enjoy the scenic Blackhead Path hiking trail, located 14.8km from the castle, offering stunning views.

Nightlife

In Belfast, the Grand Opera House enchants with its cultural performances, while the MAC Theatre offers intimate shows perfect for romance and family outings. For a dose of adventure, Vertigo Titanic Park provides thrilling arcade experiences, making for an exciting night out just a short trip from the castle.

Find the best attractions near Belfast Castle

When visiting Belfast Castle, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Explore the nearby maritime museum, modern civic government building, and various monuments. For a family-friendly experience, consider visiting Ballygally Castle and other historic castles in the area. Whether you're keen on history or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings, Belfast Castle and its surroundings offer something for every traveler.

  • Titanic Belfast: Explore the captivating story of the RMS Titanic at this world-class maritime museum, located 4.8km from Belfast Castle. With stunning exhibitions and interactive displays, you'll immerse yourself in the rich maritime heritage and culture of Belfast.
  • Queen's University of Belfast: Located 6.4km away, this modern university boasts beautiful architecture and lush gardens. Stroll through the campus to experience the vibrant city vibes, and perhaps catch a lecture or event that showcases its academic excellence.
  • Waterfront Hall: Just 4.8km from the castle, this entertainment hub offers a range of performances and events for all ages. Enjoy family-friendly shows, concerts, and exhibitions in a stunning architectural setting, making it a lively spot for entertainment.

Best time to go to Belfast Castle

Visitor numbers around Belfast Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Belfast Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Belfast Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Belfast Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Belfast Castle

When visiting Belfast Castle, consider exploring nearby free attractions like St. George's Market and the Botanic Gardens. For budget-friendly accommodation, travel during the low season from January to March, and book about a month in advance for the best rates. Mondays typically offer cheaper stays compared to Saturdays. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices, look for last-minute deals, and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. To save further, bundle your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package and take advantage of flexible booking options and free cancellations.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Belfast Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Belfast Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Belfast Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Belfast Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Belfast Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.