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Cave Hill
For generations, Cave Hill has been synonymous with Belfast, with its imposing outline visible throughout the city. The landmark, named for the five caves located on the side of the cliffs, contains a wealth of natural, archaeological and historical features.
Cave Hill Country Park
Enjoy breathtaking views and stand, literally, on top of Belfast during a visit to Cave Hill Country Park.
Explore one of Belfast’s most famous landmarks, Napoleon's Nose, believed to have inspired Jonathan Swift's novel, Gulliver's Travels.
Cave Hill Country Park is also a popular walking and cycling spot.
More about Cave Hill Country Park
Orienteering courses
Challenge your mind and body with our orienteering courses at Cave Hill Country Park. Call into Belfast Castle reception to pick up your free map.
Orienteering is suitable for all ages and abilities. Follow the route of your choice at your own pace, which could be walking, jogging or racing. Our courses are ideal for families, schools and community groups.
Cave Hill Adventurous Playground
Cave Hill Adventurous Playground is a free and suitable for children aged three to 14 years old. The playground has swings, slides, rockers, roundabouts, a climbing space net and an aerial runway.
More about Cave Hill Adventurous Playground
Cave Hill Visitor Centre
Find out more about the history of the Cave Hill area at our free-to-visit centre. You can find it inside Belfast Castle, in our cellar basement.
History leaflets in various languages are available.
The visitor centre is open 9am to 5.30pm from Sunday to Tuesday, and 9am to 8.30pm from Wednesday to Saturday.
The Millennium Maze
Update on 3 June 2024: Currently the maze is closed to the public while we complete essential maintenance.
The maze at Belfast Castle has been revived by a passionate group of volunteers from the Cave Hill Conservation Campaign (CCC).
It was officially opened to celebrate and welcome the new millennium in 2002, the maze offers a unique experience for locals and tourists visiting the area and is just a 5-minute walk to the north of the castle.
CCC volunteers planted 1,500 beech trees and 250 fence posts, helped by P7 pupils at that time, from Cavehill Primary, Ben Madigan Prep and Our Lady of Lourdes (Park Lodge) Primary. A mosaic with a cat theme was designed by a pupil of Park Lodge, and installed by the children in the centre of the maze, under the guidance of artist Angela George.
After nearly twenty years, the maze became wild and unkempt. The trees had grown very tall and leggy and there were numerous gaps. The wonderful CCC volunteers decided to restore it to its original function.
Since September 2021, they have spent hundreds of hours cutting back beech trees and planting almost 800 fast-growing willows. The CCC now maintain the maze. They have created a place that entertains young children and a space which can also be a quiet haven for people wanting to have some time out.
Other attractions at Belfast Castle
The estate contains landscaped gardens, mature mixed woodland and a forest trail. It offers superb views of the city from a variety of vantage points.
It is home to many different wildlife species, including long-eared owls, sparrowhawks and Belfast's rarest plant; the town hall clock.
