Cave Hill has got to be on your list when visiting Belfast, Northern Ireland.

• My favourite time to visit is sunrise, it’s one of the best spots in Belfast to watch the sunrise!

At 370m above sea level, Cave Hill dominates much of North of Belfast and can be spotted from many locations across the city. Now, there are several different trails to tackle at Cavehill Country Park, each ranging in difficulty level, but the most popular is a circular route that starts and ends at Belfast Castle.

Belfast city gradually opens up below, as you climb above the tree line. Hiking to the top of McArt’s Fort (Napoleon’s Nose as locals call it) is one of the best viewpoints of all of Belfast ,including spectacular views over Belfast Lough and Titanic Belfast. One of the most beautiful destinations to discover in Northern Ireland!

Location

You’ll find Cave Hill Park just to the north of Belfast just a 10min drive from Belfast Zoo.

Trails

There’s The Castle Trail (2.4 miles/1.3km) which is the easier one. The Estate Trail (2.4 miles/3.9km) is moderately difficult. The Cave Hill Walk (4.5 miles/7.2km) is strenuous.

1. The Castle Trail

The Castle Trail at Cavehill Park is nice and handy. It’ll take you around 30 minutes to do and it stretches for just under 1 mile (roughly 1.3km). You simply follow the marked red trail and follow a path that leads you through gorgeous parkland and past the towering Belfast Castle. You’ll also be treated to views out over the city. It’s a circular route and it’s nice and handy.

2. The Estate Trail

The looped Estate Walk is around 3.9km trail that follows blue arrows. Starting at the barrier at Belfast Castle, it follows a path downhill before hugging the outer perimeter of the castle. It’s a great trail to follow . You’ll love it!

3.The Cave Hill Trail

The main Cave Hill hike in Belfast (one of the best hikes in Northern Ireland) is the long, tough route that’ll treat you to the best views. Depending on the weather, it should take between around 2 hours minimum. The walk is a circular route that is a distance of 4.5 miles.

Parking

There are several different entrances to Cavehill. Based on my experience, I’d recommend parking up at Belfast Castle. Just keep in mind that it can get busy here in the peak tourist season (June -August).

💷 free admission

Top Travel Tips:

• Although a lot of the longer Cavehill route is signposted, there are sections where the trail can be hard to follow. It’s worth grabbing a map from Belfast Castle before you set off.

• I highly recommend you visit Belfast Castle on your visit to Cavehill!

• The Cellar Restaurant or Castle Tavern Bar of the nearby Belfast Castle is a great option for food!

  💚 As with any natural area please follow the principles of Leave No Trace, respecting the environment and wildlife.