Barnett Demesne

History of Barnett Demesne

Barnett Demesne opened to the public in 1951. It was a private estate. Today, the park, in south Belfast, retains much of the character of the original estate. Malone House is in the grounds of Barnett Demesne.

Getting to the park

Enter the park at Dub Lane, Milltown Road or Shaw's Bridge. Take Metro no. 8A-C from Belfast city centre and get off at Dub Lane, or plan your journey with Translink (link opens in new window).

Other attractions in the park

The park's main feature is Malone House, which commands stunning views over acres of magnificent parkland, Lagan Valley and the Belfast hills. Barnett Demesne is also home to an arboretum, daffodil garden and a number of woodland and wildflower meadows. More than 70 species of wildflower grow in the meadows during the summer months.

The mountain bike and jumps park at Barnett Demesne is closed for essential maintenance following Storm Darragh. Mountain bike trails and a jumps park have also been installed in the park. The park includes 12km of bike trails for all levels, a dirt jump area and associated infrastructure.

Barnett Demesne also features an ecotrail, orienteering routes and a children’s playground (near Shaw’s Bridge). Refreshments are available in the Malone Room in Malone House (link opens in new window). The park has several walking routes, several of which link with the Lagan Towpath, Clement Wilson Park and Mary Peters Athletics Track.

Barnett Demesne is also home to Belfast Activity Centre, which is located in the old stable yard and offers personal and social development opportunities for young people, as well as many pieces of public art.

Park events

To find out about events and activities in our parks, go to Park events.

Green Flag awards

Barnett Demesne has been awarded the Green Flag Award every year from 2011 to 2022. This award recognises the best open spaces in the UK.

Disposable barbecues

You cannot use a disposable barbecue in our parks.

Park opening hours

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 Barnett Demesne