Belfast Castle
County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Key facts
- Operator
- Belfast City Council
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
J3V5+33, Antrim Rd, Belfast BT15 5GR
Telephone 028 9077 6925
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Belfast Castle is a Victorian baronial mansion built on the slopes of Cave Hill, with free entry to the grounds and views over the whole city and harbour. It's more a garden and viewpoint than a castle tour - reviewers note the interior isn't generally open, and one flagged the café terrace as under-invested compared to the setting.
Worth the trip
The view over Belfast from Cave Hill - reviewers call the harbour and city panorama the main draw, more than the building itself.
Before you go
The interior isn't usually open to the public, so this is a grounds-and-view visit rather than a room-by-room tour - the basement coffee shop is the way most people experience the inside.
Reviewers consistently enjoy the free castle grounds and gardens along with the panoramic views over Belfast and the harbour, and most say around an hour is enough to see it. Opinions diverge on the on-site cafe - one reviewer was strongly critical of the outdoor seating and lack of weather cover, while others enjoyed the food and coffee - and a couple of visitors note the castle interior is sometimes closed to the public for private events.
Victorian baronial mansion on Cave Hill; free entry
“Really pretty, nice cat garden. Unfortunately couldn’t go inside the castle because of a private event. Kinda wish I would have known before going there, but the grounds and the castle exterior are still worth seeing.…”- Alison Auclair, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Facilities
- “So much potential but such a lazy finish to the café.” - lucy bell
Common questions about Belfast Castle
Where is Belfast Castle?
Belfast Castle is in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, at J3V5+33, Antrim Rd, Belfast BT15 5GR.
Do you need a ticket to visit Belfast Castle?
Yes - Belfast Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Belfast City Council. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Belfast Castle?
The view over Belfast from Cave Hill - reviewers call the harbour and city panorama the main draw, more than the building itself.
Is Belfast Castle a ruin or still intact?
Belfast Castle is largely intact - Victorian baronial mansion on Cave Hill; free entry.
