Celebrate Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann with music, folklore and family fun at Belfast Zoo.
Wildlife and Irish heritage come together in a celebration inspired by Belfast's rich history, culture and folklore. Discover mythical creatures on a walking trail, enjoy traditional music and take part in engaging family activities when you visit the zoo.
Belfast Zoo admission
Tales, Traditions and Tails activities are on from Wednesday 5 August to Friday 7 August. You'll need a zoo ticket to enjoy these activities.
Mythical creature trail
Follow a woodland trail to find mythical creatures inspired by Irish folklore and local legends. These creatures are hidden around the zoo and along the walking trail to Belfast Castle. Complete the trail and enter a prize draw to win family zoo membership.
The woodland trail from Belfast Zoo goes across Cavehill to Belfast Castle. This is not an accessible route and has sections with uneven surfaces. The trail is not suitable for children under seven years old.
We are running hourly guided tours to show you the way and discover Cavehill's mythical past. Our free guided tours run between 11.30am and 3.30pm. You don't need to book.
Live traditional music
Experience the atmosphere of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann with live traditional music performances in the zoo.
Explore Belfast Zoo
We have over 100 animal species in the zoo. Visit and discover towering giraffes, playful primates, majestic big cats and colourful birds. Learn about our vital conservation work.
Continue your adventure at Belfast Castle
If you follow the mythical creature trail to Belfast Castle, you can enjoy storytelling sessions, live music and spectacular views from the castle grounds. When you've finished your adventure, take our free shuttle bus back to Belfast Zoo.
Tales, traditions and Tails at Belfast Castle
Check events and activities at Belfast Castle (link opens in new window).
Shuttle bus from Belfast Castle to Belfast Zoo
Our free shuttle bus will run on Wednesday 5 August, Thursday 6 August and Friday 7 August. The bus will go from outside Belfast Castle reception to Belfast Zoo. You must have a zoo ticket to travel on our bus.
Belfast Castle to Belfast Zoo bus times are:
- 11am
- 11.30am
- 12 noon
- 12.30pm
- 1.30pm
- 2pm
- 3pm
- 4pm
- 4.30pm
- 5pm
- 5.30pm
- 6pm, and
- 6.30pm.