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Cave Hill Visitor Centre
For generations, Cave Hill has been synonymous with Belfast, with its imposing outline visible throughout the city. The landmark, named for the five caves located on the side of the cliffs, contains a wealth of natural, archaeological and historical features, including Belfast Castle. Its most famous feature, known locally as Napoleon's Nose, is believed to have been the inspiration for Jonathan Swift's novel, Gulliver's Travels, and is still a popular walking route today, as part of Cave Hill Country Park
You can find out more about the area and its history at Cave Hill Visitor Centre, located on the second floor of Belfast Castle.
This fascinating and intriguing museum is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 10pm, and Sundays from 9am to 5.30pm, and admission is free.
The centre is split into four rooms:
- Room 1 - Find out about the early settlers who lived on Cave Hill during the Stone Age, and discover how old the site is and how it got its name. There is also a display which looks at the construction of Belfast Castle, and the history of the nearby Bellevue Zoo and Floral Hall (now the site of Belfast Zoo).
- Room 2 - Examine the area's natural surroundings and find out about the rich geology and biodiversity which exists on Cave Hill and the nearby nature reserves at Ballyhagan and Hazelwood.
- Room 3 - A short audio-visual presentation, Watching Over Belfast, uncovers the story of Belfast Castle. You can find out about the families who lived in the castle and see how the rooms may have looked in the early 20th century when it was still a family home.
- Room 4 - This room replicates a 1920s-style bedroom. Inside the bedroom, you'll find a collection of photographs which show the change in bridal fashions from the 1940s to the present day.
