Highlights
- The Palm House, begun in 1839 to designs by Charles Lanyon with ironwork by Richard Turner
- The Tropical Ravine of 1889, restored between 2014 and 2018
- The rose garden and alpine garden
- Mature trees, flower beds and sculptures
About Botanic Gardens Belfast
Belfast's Botanic Gardens were established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society as the Belfast Botanic Garden. The site was later sold to Belfast Corporation and reopened as a public park in 1895.
The gardens are run by Belfast City Council and have held Green Flag awards, including a Green Flag Heritage Award. Their two Victorian glasshouses, the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine, are both free to enter.
What to see
- Palm House: begun in 1839 to designs by Charles Lanyon, with wrought ironwork by Richard Turner, and completed in 1852.
- Tropical Ravine: opened in 1889 by Charles McKimm, the gardens' first superintendent. An exhibition sits on the ravine walkway. It was restored between 2014 and 2018, keeping the original roof structure and railings.
- Rose garden and alpine garden.
- Trees, bedding and sculpture: mature trees, flower beds and sculptures across the park.
Planning your visit
The main address is College Park, Botanic Avenue. There is no parking in the gardens, so public transport is the easiest option; coaches can drop off on Stranmillis Road. The Tropical Ravine is wheelchair accessible, with lift access to its exhibition and an accessible toilet. Guided tours run on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Disposable barbecues are not allowed in the park.
Frequently asked questions
Is Belfast Botanic Gardens free?
Yes. The park, the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine are all free to visit.
What are the Palm House opening hours?
The Palm House is open daily from 10am to 3.30pm (last admission 3.15pm), and the Tropical Ravine from 10am to 4pm (last admission 3.45pm). Hours may change on public and bank holidays.
Is there parking at Botanic Gardens Belfast?
No. There are no parking spaces in the gardens and street parking nearby is restricted. Metro bus 8 stops at Queen's University and Metro 7 at College Park.