Belfast Castle Tours

Belfast Castle which includes heritage architecture, a fountain and a castle
Belfast Castle which includes heritage architecture, a park and a castle
Belfast Castle featuring heritage elements, interior views and a house
Belfast Castle which includes heritage architecture, wildflowers and a park
Belfast Castle featuring a park, wildflowers and a fountain


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

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This is free! Great lunch too!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Belfast Castle

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

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

The Lansdowne Hotel

3.5 out of 5
657 Antrim Rd, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Lansdowne Hotel
Leonardo Hotel Belfast

Leonardo Hotel Belfast

4 out of 5
Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Fully Refurbished North Belfast Home

Fully Refurbished North Belfast Home

3 out of 5
146 Joanmount gardens, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Fully Refurbished North Belfast Home
Beautifully Refurbished Belfast Home - WiFi/Parking/Close to Centre

Beautifully Refurbished Belfast Home - WiFi/Parking/Close to Centre

Belfast
Beautifully Refurbished Belfast Home - WiFi/Parking/Close to Centre
New North Belfast Home. Free Parking/ 10 mins from centre!

New North Belfast Home. Free Parking/ 10 mins from centre!

Belfast
New North Belfast Home. Free Parking/ 10 mins from 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
room2 Belfast Hometel

room2 Belfast Hometel

4 out of 5
32-36 Queen Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
room2 Belfast Hometel
Charming House Close to City Centre Free Parking

Charming House Close to City Centre Free Parking

Belfast
Charming House Close to City Centre Free Parking
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

Belfast Castle offers a variety of activities for visitors, including guided tours, scenic walking trails, and nearby golf opportunities. The castle also hosts a vibrant theater experience and concerts, making it a hub of cultural entertainment. Whether you're exploring the historic grounds or enjoying a performance, there's plenty to see and do at this iconic landmark in Northern Ireland.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots near Belfast Castle include Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Castle Court Shopping Centre, and St. George's Market, all just 3 miles away, offering a mix of entertainment and local vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore more shopping options in nearby areas.

Recreation

At Belfast Castle, enjoy wellness activities at nearby Cave Hill Country Park, just 0.4 miles away, perfect for relaxation amidst nature. For a lively atmosphere, visit the SSE Arena and Ulster Hall, both 3 miles away, offering energetic sports and music experiences to invigorate your spirit.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Jetpack Adventures, located 5 miles from Belfast Castle, where you can soar above the water. For a scenic hike, explore Blackhead Path, 13 miles away, offering stunning views. If you’re into winter sports, visit Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre, 20 miles distant, for skiing fun.

Nightlife

Experience Belfast Castle's vibrant nightlife by visiting the MAC Theatre for a blend of culture and romance, or unleash your adventurous spirit at Vertigo Titanic Park's arcade. For a cinematic escape, catch a film at Cineworld Belfast, where entertainment meets a romantic atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle is surrounded by a variety of attractions that cater to culture, outdoor activities, and family experiences. Nearby, you can explore the maritime museum, a historic prison, and a modern civic government building. Don't miss the chance to visit Ballygally Castle and discover the best castle hotels in Northern Ireland, all within a few miles of Belfast Castle, enriching your travel experience with the region's historic charm.

  • Titanic Belfast: Located 3 miles from Belfast Castle, this maritime museum offers a unique blend of history and culture. Explore the fascinating story of the Titanic, from its conception to its tragic sinking, through interactive exhibits and stunning architecture.
  • Queen's University of Belfast: Situated 4 miles away, this modern university boasts beautiful architecture and vibrant city vibes. Stroll through its picturesque campus, visit the stunning Lanyon Building, and soak in the lively atmosphere of student life.
  • Boucher Road Playing Fields: Just 5 miles from the castle, this fairground and showground is perfect for outdoor family fun. Enjoy various sports facilities, picnic areas, and open spaces, making it ideal for a relaxing day with loved ones.

Best time to go to Belfast Castle

The best time to visit Belfast Castle is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 HighAverage
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 LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Belfast Castle

To save on your trip to Belfast Castle, consider visiting during the off-peak months of December to February when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodations about a month in advance for the best rates, with Mondays being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia for potential last-minute deals and customize your search to find affordable options. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and rewards. Look into package deals combining hotels, flights, and activities to maximize savings while enjoying free local attractions and public transport options.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Belfast Castle are December to February, 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: Book your hotel around Belfast Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool lets you customize your search by setting your budget, choosing your ideal location, and more. You can organize the results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • 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 deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia