Belfast Castle Estate Walk

While the Belfast Castle Estate Walk is a fairly quick and easy adventure on the edge of the city, there are some portions of uphill walking along the slopes of Cavehill. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes for the best footing along the trail. Additionally, this walk will usually see a fair amount of foot traffic, so be sure to respect other walkers and keep your dog on a lead at all times.

Although it can be fairly busy with outdoor enthusiasts and tourists alike, this is still a great walk that will allow you to relax in a beautiful stretch of forest in Belfast. After taking in the views of the 19th Century Belfast Castle, you will meander through the wonderfully atmospheric forests of the Cavehill Country Park and gain some nice sightlines over the city from the breaks in the tree cover. This route is a great way to kill a few hours on the weekend.

Setting out from the trailhead next to the car park, you will make your way to the southwest along the road for 450ft and make a sharp right onto the footpath. From here, you will continue on for 160ft and turn left to make your way around the estate. At this point, you will have some beautiful views of the magnificent Belfast Castle that was originally constructed for the 3rd Marquess of Donegall.

Continuing on to the northeast, you will eventually pass by the Cavehill Adventurous Playground and an interesting maze set in the forest, before meeting up with a lane. After crossing over the lane, you will pick up the footpath on the opposite side and continue on for 0.4mi, climbing uphill until you arrive at a junction.

Heading to the left here, you will make your way along the forested slopes of Cavehill and enjoy some intermittent views of the city of Belfast. After keeping right for 0.7mi, you will break free of the tree cover and turn left to make your way downhill. Here, you will temporarily enter back into the forest, keeping straight until you meet up with a road. Follow this to the right for 0.2mi and turn left onto the footpath, continuing on for 0.3mi. Turn left here, followed by a right along the lane to make your way back to the trailhead where you began the Belfast Castle Estate Walk.

Trail Highlights

Belfast Castle

Located just north of the city of Belfast, Belfast Castle is a Victorian Era country house that was built between 1867 and 1870. Originally constructed for the 3rd Marquess of Donegall, the castle is now owned by the city of Belfast. It is situated on the slopes of Cavehill in the Cavehill Country Park, offering beautiful views across the city of Belfast and the waters of Belfast Lough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you enter Belfast Castle?

Yes, visitors can explore the public areas of Belfast Castle, as well as The Cellar Restaurant located inside the castle; however, some sections may be closed off for private events, such as weddings.

What elevation is Belfast Castle?

Belfast Castle is situated on the slopes of Cavehill and an elevation of 400ft above sea level, providing a great sightline across Belfast and Belfast Lough.