cave hill country park

We took the whole family of all ages up to the top. The hike was not difficult, but the view was still very rewarding! There were parts at the top too dangerous for the little kids, but us adults took turns looking over the edge while someone else played with the kids further in.

This park has it all for the young children right up 12 years olds I'm an adult and enjoyed the playpark You have to pay a small fee to enter, It's safe for the children they can't just run out all closed in Def worth for for the day and bringing a picnic

love the views of the Cavehill and its proximity to my home.Also fantastic views over the city and lough and can see when big cruise ships are in. The grounds are always well maintained and its groundsmen's pride in their work is evident. Must continue to enforce rules re dogs being kept on leash and enforce fines on those owners who allow dog fouling that spoil a good walk. This is a lovely facility for city citizens and visitors alike, Castle is not in same league as castles elsewhere in Europe but is welcoming and well-kept and great wee pub/ coffee shop and you can have a decent meal in bistro.

Went to the Cavehill Country Park and took in the very impressive views over Belfast,as well as having a wonderful challenging walk going the the actual Cave.

A lovely escape from the city with a huge variety of flora and fauna. It's very well maintained and the Belfast Castle has great catering facilities. There are beautiful walks to suit a variety of fitness levels. The view from the top, Napoleon's Nose, is stunning and well worth the effort! This country park is approximately 2.5 miles from the centre and is easily accessed by bus or car.

Ive been walking the cave hill for years now and it simply has the best views of belfast. Its amazes me the people who live near and see the hill every day but have never been to the top. Mcarts fort aka napoleons nose is the top of the hill where they say the old kings of ireland were crowned. An old bomb crater can also be found up there on the fort.I usually walk from the hightown road car park which is probably the shortest route to the top. Very nice walk great views and some history.

This is worth doing as the views of Belfast are stunning. We parked at Belfast Castle and walked the anti-clockwise route. It is steep in places but the path is good so no need for hiking boots; sturdy shoes are adequate. It took us an hour and 35 minutes.

relaxed and good space to chat Lovely pot of coffeeSandwich was delicious,staff lovelyMaybe room a little dark

Good day out for families. Bit of a hike up to the top but the views are astounding. If you live in Belfast and have ever climbed up here, shame on you! It's a great day out so long as you are able bodied. Kids loved it.

the walk through the forest and up the mountain is one of the best experiences i had in Belfast. The scenery from the top is breath taking. Wear comfortable shoes as the ground is muddy in the forest. If you love walking, then this park is a must.

The views were stunning, make sure it's a nice day and you can really see for miles and miles! Brilliant work out, for someone who isn't in peak physical fitness, it's an achievement to get to the top! :P

Great park with loads for the kids to do! Belfast Castle nearby for refreshments. Would recommend this park

Great adventure play park for kids, It costs about £2 to get in but worth it. The kids could spend all day running around and nice walks too.

Especially on a day without rain, the walk up through the grounds of Belfast Castle (c1867) to the summit of Cave Hill is one of the best experiences to be had during a visit to Belfast. The climb from the castle through the forest and towards the summit is steep and not unduly taxing but the view from the small viewing point across Belfast Lough when clearing the tree line is well worth the effort. Behind and above the viewing point is the summit of Cave Hill (called McArt's Fort) and the five (probably) Neolithic caves set into the cliff face. The summit and the caves offer a spectacular sight and the ascent to the summit is not at all difficult by way of the path that climbs steadily to the right of the caves. The large first cave can also be accessed by a bit of scrambling! The track from the caves to the top of Cave Hill soon emerges onto open high upland that then leads to McArt's. The route to the summit from the castle should take no more than some 40-45 minutes and is best described as steady hill walking rather than anything more taxing. Once on McArt's, the view, especially on a clear day, is spectacular - to the east lies Belfast Lough and the city itself, the broad expanse of the Lagan Valley and (in the distance) the Mountains of Mourne. Out to sea, the Scottish coast can usually be seen and on days of high visibility, the Snowdonia Mountains in Wales can sometimes be identified to the east beyond the large cranes of Belfast shipyard, Scrabo Tower and Strangford Lough.McArt's Fort itself is of great interest: possibly a Bronze Age (c1500 BC) but certainly an Iron Age hill fort (c500 AD), it is defended on the landward side by a deep ditch and on its other two sides by precipitous cliffs - take special care when looking down!! McArt's is not (despite what many people think) the highest point on Cave Hill - to the west lies higher ground and it is worth walking up to that point where there is a ruined Bronze Age cairn and burial mound. The view from the mound is also impressive: to the west lies Lough Neagh and the Sperrin Mountains, and to the north is the distinctive conical volcanic plug of Slemish Mountain where St Patrick is believed to have herded sheep in the 5th century.It is also worth walking away from McArt's following the broad track to the south. Walk until the hill starts to fall away towards the 19th century quarry and then turn and look back at McArt's for another impressive view of the fort.To make the most of getting there, spend about 45-60 minutes in and around McArt's before returning to Belfast Castle by the same route taken on the ascent.The whole walk should take no more than about 2-3 hours and there is a welcome coffee shop on your return at Belfast Castle. The castle's gardens, ornamental pool and fountain are also worth a visit - try to locate and count the various "cats" that "live" in the vicinity of the pool.To get to Belfast Castle take an Antrim Road bus from the city centre, get off at Innisfayle Park, walk up the Park and then into the Castle grounds via the large ornamental stone gates. Cave Hill and McArt's are well worth a visit given their history and the spectacular views to be enjoyed from the top.

A lovely park with great views and walks but can't believe that you have to pay into the playground .