Colourful Park

main gate

To the northwest of the park, when you walk past roses and hedges, you'll get to both classic Palm House and Tropical Ravine. On sunny days the park's filled with people, particularly students, because Queens Uni is nearby.

The Gardens are a regular venue for opera and rock concerts, like the annual Tennent's Vital Festival which attracts top names each summer. Other annual events include Belfast's Indian festival, Mela and Garden Gourmet, a celebration of food and flowers.

The Palm House, masterpiece of moulded glass and wrought iron, was built in 1839 by Richard Turner, who also built the Great Palm House at Kew Gardens. It was restored in 1852. It displays exotic trees and flowering plants. The Ravine, built in 1889, features a humid jungle, and here you can see giant waterlilies as well.

Open daylight hours (until dusk)

Address: Stranmillis Road/Botanic Avenue

Directions: Metro 8A-C

Free entry!