Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens at a glance

Botanic Gardens has tropical plants, giant bird feeders, a rose garden, an alpine garden, mature trees, flower beds and sculptures. The place was established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society, in response to public interest in horticulture and botany. It was originally known as the Belfast Botanic Garden.

Park events

To find out what events and activities are on in our parks, go to park events.

Public park

The site was sold to the Belfast Corporation and re-opened as a public park, known as Botanic Gardens, in 1895. The gardens contained exotic tree species and impressive plant collections from the Southern Hemisphere, many of which can still be seen in Botanic Gardens. The park is popular with residents, students and tourists. It is a venue for concerts and festivals.

Getting to Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens are in south Belfast. Enter the park at Botanic Avenue, Stranmillis Embankment and University Road. Take any Metro no. 8 and get off at Queen's University. You can also take Metro no.7 and get off at College Park, or plan your journey with Translink (link opens in new window).

Green Flag awards

Botanic Gardens has been awarded a Green Flag every year from 2011 to 2022. This award recognises the best open spaces in the UK. Botanic Gardens also received a special Green Flag Heritage Award in 2022. This accolade is presented for sites which make the most of their unique heritage features and enhance the visitor experience.

Palm House and Tropical Ravine

The Palm House and the Tropical Ravine are in Botanic Gardens.

Disposable barbecues

You cannot use a disposable barbecue in our parks.

Park opening times

Our parks open at 7.30am every day. Closing times change as daylight lengthens or shortens. Ballysillan Park and Glenbank Park close 30 minutes before our other parks.

Map of Botanic Gardens