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.

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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
The cool belfast home

The cool belfast home

Newtownabbey
The cool belfast home
Leonardo Hotel Belfast

Leonardo Hotel Belfast

4 out of 5
Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
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
Refurbished Belfast Home, 10 mins from centre with parking!

Refurbished Belfast Home, 10 mins from centre with parking!

Belfast
Refurbished Belfast Home, 10 mins from centre with parking!
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
room2 Belfast Hometel

room2 Belfast Hometel

4 out of 5
32-36 Queen Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
room2 Belfast Hometel
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 that explore its rich history and stunning architecture. The surrounding grounds are perfect for walking, allowing guests to enjoy beautiful views of the city and countryside. Additionally, golf enthusiasts can find nearby courses to play a round while soaking in the picturesque scenery. There's something for everyone at Belfast Castle, making it a must-visit destination in Northern Ireland.

Food and drinks

Enjoy local brews at Hilden Brewery, 9 miles from Belfast Castle, or savor unique flavors at Farmageddon Brewing Company, 12 miles away. For a distinct experience, visit The Copeland Distillery LTD, located 16 miles from the castle, where you can relish the local spirits and ambiance.

Shopping

The nearest shopping options are Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Castle Court Shopping Centre, and St. George's Market, all about 3 miles from Belfast Castle, offering family-friendly vibes and a variety of gifts. If you're up for a drive, check out larger malls in the surrounding area for even more options.

Recreation

Explore the SSE Arena for an energetic atmosphere with live sports events. Enjoy tranquility at Cave Hill Country Park, perfect for relaxation and scenic walks. For a touch of luxury, play a round at the Royal Portrush Golf Club, known for its stunning links and premium facilities.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience near Belfast Castle, try Jetpack Adventures, a thrilling water sports venue located 5 miles away. If hiking is more your style, explore the scenic Blackhead Path, 13 miles away. For a high-speed adventure, visit Eddie Irvine Sports for karting, located 11 miles away.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night out at the Grand Opera House, just 3 miles from Belfast Castle, for a captivating theater experience. For a cozy drink, visit the Crown Liquor Saloon, also 3 miles away, where you can soak in the romantic ambiance. Adventure seekers can check out Battlefield CQB, 6 miles away, for some thrilling fun.

Find the best attractions near Belfast Castle

When visiting Belfast Castle, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including the castle itself, nearby lakes, and urban parks. These points of interest cater to culture enthusiasts, families, and outdoor lovers alike. Don't miss the chance to explore ancient castles, such as Carlingford Castle, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Belfast Castle for a memorable experience in Northern Ireland.

  • Titanic Belfast: Just 3 miles from Belfast Castle, Titanic Belfast is a stunning maritime museum that tells the story of the famous ship through interactive exhibits and galleries. The architecture itself resembles the ship's hull, offering a unique cultural experience that immerses you in the history of the Titanic.
  • Queen's University of Belfast: Located 4 miles away, this modern university boasts beautiful architecture and vibrant city vibes. Stroll through its picturesque campus and soak in the lively atmosphere, which is enriched by students and various cultural events throughout the year.
  • Waterfront Hall: Situated 3 miles from the castle, Waterfront Hall is a premier entertainment venue that hosts concerts, theater productions, and events for the whole family. Its modern design and lively ambiance make it a perfect spot for enjoying an evening out.

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 CloudyAverageAverage
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 HighAverage
August57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
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 LowSlightly Low
December42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Belfast Castle

When planning your visit to Belfast Castle, consider visiting nearby free attractions like Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Belfast Botanic Gardens, and Ormeau Park. The best times to find lower hotel prices are from November to January. Booking about a month in advance usually yields the best rates. For spontaneous travelers, check Expedia's last-minute deals and use their filters to find eco-friendly options. Take advantage of package deals that combine flights, hotel stays, and activities, and consider joining Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and future savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Belfast Castle are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, 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.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Belfast Castle with your flights and activities.
  • 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.