What to do and see in Belfast, Northern Ireland: The Best Nature & Parks

December 19, 2021 Jasper Kershner

With a population of almost 300,000 in the city proper, Belfast has grown into a cosmopolitan destination and become a popular weekend break spot. With feelings of optimism and life pulsing through the city, Belfast makes for an energizing getaway. It's never been easier to tour the city, thanks to a number of intriguing bus, taxi, boat and pedestrian options. Don't miss the Ulster Folk Museum or the Belfast Cathedral, and make sure to experience some of the award-winning restaurants, bars, clubs, galleries and theaters.
Restaurants in Belfast

1. Lagan Lands East

Annadale Embankment, Belfast BT7 3AE Northern Ireland +44 28 9032 0202
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Lagan Lands East

2. Divis

Belfast Northern Ireland
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
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0%
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Divis

Reviewed By BelfastFoodTravelMan - Belfast, United Kingdom

Fresh from tackling Slieve Donard we decided to explore Divis and Black mountain. Certainly easier going and totally different terrain. My girls loved being so close to the roaming cows, big downside was the copious amounts of cow dung!!! The views of Belfast Lough and Belfast were worth it and we were blessed with fab weather!!

3. Treasure Trails

47 Donegall Place, Belfast BT1 5AD Northern Ireland +44 28 3833 6266 [email protected] http://www.treasuretrails.co.uk
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Treasure Trails

The company, run by Allan Hamilton provides mystery walking and driving trails across the south of Northern Ireland and aims to get people to switch off their TVs and games consoles and get out and about exploring the towns and cities of Northern Ireland, learning, and having fun. A Treasure Trail can best be described as a cross between a quiz and a guided walk, and has been compared to a giant game of Clued. Trailers complete a Trail in their own time and at their own pace, following the directions around the best historic and scenic sights of a location.

4. Botanic Gardens

College Park, Belfast BT9 5AB Northern Ireland +44 7767 271683 [email protected] http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parksandopenspaces/parksdetails.asp?id=54
Excellent
50%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
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1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,894 reviews

Botanic Gardens

Reviewed By stephaniemY1160IO

I visited three times during my stay in Belfast each visit brought something new to see, great place to chill in the warm weather the palm house and tropical ravine house were full of interesting flowers and plants if a little humid

5. Cave Hill Country Park

Antrim Rd, Belfast Northern Ireland +44 7920 187643 http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/leisure/parks-openspaces/Park-6622.aspx
Excellent
69%
Good
29%
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1%
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4.5 based on 480 reviews

Cave Hill Country Park

Reviewed By PB2269 - Aldergrove, United Kingdom

Climbed Cavehill on Christmas morning the weather was glorious and well worth the effort it took, fabulous view of our city and a beauty attraction on our doorstep

6. RSPB Belfast's Window on Wildlife

100 Airport Road West, Belfast BT3 9ED Northern Ireland +44 28 9046 1458 http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/belfasts-window-on-wildlife/
Excellent
78%
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17%
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4.5 based on 23 reviews

RSPB Belfast's Window on Wildlife

At Belfast's Window on Wildlife you'll be amazed at the diversity of wildlife thriving just 10 minutes from the city centre. Come along to the visitor centre to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and see a huge variety of wildlife up close. Over 200 different species of bird have been recorded here, along with lots of butterflies, mammals, fish and plants. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions and help you use the binoculars and telescopes. Then why not visit one of our outdoor hides to get a different perspective on this special place? We manage the lagoon to create ideal conditions for wildlife: look out for wading birds ad ducks in autumn and winter, and for breeding terns in summer. During your visit you may also catch a glimpse of our konik ponies, which graze the land, helping to create the right conditions for wading birds, such as lapwings to breed.

7. Belvoir Forest Park

Belvoir Park Forest Belvoir Drive, Belfast BT8 7QT Northern Ireland +44 28 9049 1264 [email protected]
Excellent
50%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
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2%
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4.5 based on 56 reviews

Belvoir Forest Park

Reviewed By Noah1701

This forest park is amazing to talk through any time of year. With several hidden entrances, from the Lagan towpath via Shaw's Bridge and the Lockkeeper's Cottage, to the Galwally Avenue entrance, as well as the official entrance via the carpark in the Belvoir estate, there are many ways to get into this urban oasis of tranquility and nature. Just away from the carpark, you'll find the remains of a 12th century Norman motte, as well as an the site of an ancient village. The variety of tree species is also incredible, as a large portion of the park was planted as an arboretum by the Dungannons and Batesons, and this area includes some specimens of sequoia redwood and cedar. As well as this, there is a private Medieval graveyard with plots dating back to the 14th century. A short walk down the towpath to the Clement Wilson Park will bring you to Shaw's Bridge, built to allow Cromwell's gunners to cross the Lagan, and the remains of an ancient Irish ringfort. Belvoir Park Forest - a beautiful, peaceful place steeped in a thousand years of history.

8. Lagan Meadows

Sharman Rd and Knightsbridge Park, Belfast BT9 5PB Northern Ireland +44 28 9027 0348
Excellent
44%
Good
56%
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4.5 based on 9 reviews

Lagan Meadows

Reviewed By 502rosemaryh

This is a well kept secret. I have walked the tow path many times but never knew about the meadows. Great walk for a family or a walking group. The signage is not great but easy to make your way back to carpark beside Cutters Wharf by keeping the river to one side of your journey. We walked it during the summer but are walking this weekend for a sunny winters day walk. Really looking forward to it. Plenty of steep inclines to get the heart beating and flat areas along the river to enjoy the wildlife. Totally recommend.

9. Ormeau Park

281 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 3GG Northern Ireland +44 28 9023 9026
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
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1%
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2%
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4.5 based on 76 reviews

Ormeau Park

10. Black Mountain

Belfast Northern Ireland +44 28 9082 5434 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/divis-and-black-mountain
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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4.5 based on 172 reviews

Black Mountain

Reviewed By 729AnneC - Belfast, United Kingdom

See great views over Belfast Lough and all the land marks on both sides. Wild hills with NT cafe. Wild horses. Hard to believe so close to city

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