The Most Spectacular Sights In Belfast N. Ireland's Botanic Gardens

Summer has officially arrived in Belfast! Whether you’re looking for a place to come and soak up the sun with friends or to see some of the country’s most impressive examples of plant life, The Botanic Gardens have what you’re looking for. Originally opened in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society, they have since become a bustling hub for lovers of botany, history or simply a stroll through a park in bloom. With so much to see, this article will help you navigate your way around one of the city’s best-loved attractions.

Statue of Lord Kelvin

From the main entrance of the gardens you will be greeted by the impressive statue of Belfast-born physicist Lord Kelvin. Kelvin is famed as the creator of the Absolute Temperature Scale (later renamed the Kelvin scale) but here his likeness offers a majestic welcome to locals and tourists alike.

The Palm House

Rose Garden

In full bloom, the rose garden (added to the park in 1932) is an uplifting and impressive sight. What better place to throw down a picnic blanket and indulge in some snacks than among a variety of colorful rose species. The pleasing scent and complex circular layout are sure to entice anyone from the casual appreciator to the trained botanical eye.

Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum can be accessed by turning right on entry to the gardens. Even the innovative exterior juxtaposing the traditional with the abstract offers a taste of what’s inside. The Museum offers displays and collections not only on the discipline of botany but also zoology, geology, local history and fine art. The best thing about it? It’s free! The Museum asks only for a £3 donation and after the mind-opening experience inside, you’ll find it is worth this and more.

The Bandstand

The bandstand is often used as an ideal spot for yoga classes and musical activities alike. Hidden among the trees and at the side of the rose garden, the bandstand offers a place to reflect on the beauty of the surrounding gardens, and away from the hustle and bustle of the area surrounding the popular Palm House. It also offers the perfect photo opportunity for you and your family and friends to help you capture your day in the gardens.

Tropical Ravine

The tropical ravine is currently undergoing a restoration after falling into disrepair in recent years. Designed by Charles McKimm and built in 1889, some of the oldest seed plants around today can be found here, as well as bromeliad, cinnamon, banana, and orchid plants. Construction work on the ravine currently renders one of the entrance to the gardens from Colenso Parade not in use. Keep this in mind on your trip and enter through the main entrance on Stranmillis Road, from the McClay Library or through the Queens University Physical Education Centre.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.