Exploring the Green Spaces of Belfast
Although Belfast is Northern Ireland’s most urbanized locale, it is rich in green spaces and dense woodlands that evoke classic images of the Emerald Isle. Public parks are often former aristocratic estates donated to the city in the 20th century, and wildlife corridors and grassy glens on the outskirts have maintained a rural feel. Consequently, whether you’re seeking a secluded picnic spot, a walk on the wild side, or a space for kids to run free, at least one of Belfast’s parks will meet your needs.
Ormeau Park
First opened in 1871, Ormeau Park (pronounced “or-mo”) is the oldest municipal park in Belfast. It is flanked by the meandering River Lagan on its western edge, showcasing remnants of a Victorian-era estate. The flower beds and deciduous trees scattered throughout the park contribute to its recognition as a recipient of the Green Flag Award from 2011 to 2021, marking it as one of the best green spaces in the UK.
Spanning 100 acres, Ormeau Park is one of the city’s largest and most diverse parklands. Daily, dog walkers and joggers traverse its pathways, while sports enthusiasts utilize the basketball nets, tennis courts, football pitches, and BMX track. If you have no Sunday afternoon plans, grab takeout from one of the quirky cafes along Ormeau Road and enjoy watching locals engage in casual football matches.
Additionally, the park hosts Belsonic, a vibrant music festival featuring various headliners, and the Belfast Ukulele Jam band performs on Sunday afternoons throughout the year.
Botanic Gardens
Nestled next to the stunning Gothic-inspired Lanyon Building of Queen’s University, Botanic Gardens is a haven for horticulture enthusiasts. This park features pristine lawns perfect for picnics and relaxing musicians during the summer, along with a variety of impressive flora on display that attracts numerous visitors.
The Tropical Ravine bursts with exotic palms and ferns thriving within a Victorian storehouse, creating a stunning contrast to the Northern Irish landscape. Visitors should not miss the iconic cast iron and glass-walled Palm House, designed by Belfast-native Charles Lanyon in the mid-19th century, which is recognized as one of the oldest structures of its kind.
Inside the greenhouse, plants that struggle to endure Belfast’s frigid winters coexist alongside sculptures and artwork, offering a unique experience. Additionally, the gardens are home to the free-to-enter Ulster Museum, which showcases local art, history, and natural sciences with its striking façade that blends a brutalist extension from the 1960s and neoclassical foundations.
Cave Hill Country Park
Named after the five caves believed to have once been primitive iron mines, Cave Hill Country Park is among the most popular walking destinations in Belfast. The trails weave through woodlands and heath to reach the hill’s 368m (1207ft) peak, which features breathtaking views of the city center, Belfast Lough, and the iconic Harland and Wolff shipyard, the birthplace of the Titanic, as well as views of Scotland on clear days.
Offering a 4.5-mile scenic trail, the park attracts many visitors during New Year’s and Boxing Day, serving as a detox from holiday indulgences. For those preferring a less strenuous challenge, an easier 0.8-mile trail in the lower parts of the park encircles the manicured grounds of Belfast Castle, providing excellent views while allowing visitors access to the castle’s cozy tavern—perfect for post-walk drinks.
Connswater Community Greenway
Pride is abundant in East Belfast, particularly along the Connswater Community Greenway, a 5.5-mile linear park that connects significant heritage sites. This greenway was designed to rejuvenate what was once a neglected ecosystem.
At its northern end, the greenway features CS Lewis Square, named after the famous author, complete with sculptures of characters from his mythical realm, Narnia. Nearby, Victoria Park serves as a sanctuary for birdwatchers, home to various bird species throughout the year.
On the southern end, the greenway heads towards Orangefield Park, which bursts into life with wildflowers in the spring, and the wooded Cregagh Glen, where winding paths lead alongside beautiful waterfalls and wildlife corridors towards the Castlereagh Hills.
Lady Dixon Park
Lady Edith Dixon, noted for her philanthropy, donated over £100,000 to charitable causes in the early 20th century, particularly supporting servicemen from WWI. Her legacy lives on in the park named in her honor, officially called Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, contributed to the city in 1959.
Spanning 128 acres, this park reflects Lady Dixon’s love for botany and aesthetics. It features rolling meadows bordered by hedgerows, woodlands populated by squirrels, intricate flower gardens, and captivating stone water features. The Japanese-style garden, showcasing ancient landscaping techniques, stands out as a highlight of the park.
Every July, Rose Week draws thousands of flower enthusiasts, while barbecue areas and picnic tables are highly sought after on those rare sunny days in Northern Ireland.
Stormont Park
Stormont Park, also referred to as “Stormont Estate,” features tree-shaded trails, flower gardens, and a children’s play area. Visitors can begin their day with an invigorating morning walk or jog along the 2.5-mile woodland trail (free adventure guidebooks are available at the main entrance), or they can relax at the Bullfield, a designated area for dogs to roam freely while their owners unwind at the picnic tables.
The estate encompasses the Stormont Parliament Buildings, the home of Northern Ireland’s devolved government since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that established peace after decades of conflict. The main building, with its stunning neoclassical façade and impressive driveway, welcomes visitors for guided tours on weekdays.
Lagan Meadows
Named for the River Lagan bordering its eastern edge, Lagan Meadows offers a sprawling expanse of greenery just south of Belfast city center. Due to its limited amenities, the park is perfect for those who wish to experience wild Ireland without straying too far from urban areas. The Lagan Towpath runs southward from the meadows, linking Belfast to Lisburn City, located about 7.5 miles away, while bisecting the Lagan Valley Regional Park.
Visitors can enjoy scenic paths that weave through birch, pine, and hawthorn copses, along with moss-covered steps leading through forest glades and beside the duck-filled river. The park presents plenty of secluded picnic spots during pleasant weather, and improved water quality initiatives have allowed for fishing opportunities in certain river sections—check seasonal calendars and permits for fishing details.
Belvoir Park Forest
Belvoir Park Forest (pronounced “Beaver”) comprises a rich wooded area adjoining the manicured fairways of Belvoir Golf Club, along with a diverse arboretum established in 1839. Located within the Lagan Valley, this publicly accessible forest features secluded walking trails surrounded by birds chirping and the sound of twigs and leaves crunching underfoot.
While the forest’s isolation lends it an ancient ambiance, it also contains historical sites such as a WWII air-raid shelter now reclaimed by nature and a 12th-century Norman motte that once surveyed and fortified the land against invaders.
