Cave Hill is one of the most celebrated landmarks of Belfast with its familiar outline visible from so many parts of Belfast. Cave Hill rises to 368 metres (1207feet) above sea level and forms part of a line of low mountains stretching for almost eleven miles between Newtownabbey and Lisburn.Cave Hill Country Park was established in 1992 and includes land on top of Cave Hill, at Hazelwood, Bellevue, Belfast Castle and Carr's Glen.

The park is a wildlife refuge for numerous animals and birds. Two areas have been set aside as Local Nature Reserves; Ballyhagan and Hazelwood. Remains of early settlements including a stone cairn, crannog, raths and ringforts create a site of archaeological interest. From the mid to the end of the 19th century quarrying took place on the southern slopes of the hill and the quarried limestone was transported to the docks by railway.

In the 1870's Belfast Castle was built by the Donegall family and passed to the Shaftesbury family before being donated to Belfast in 1934. The castle is an impressive setting for conferences, weddings, functions, etc. Other facilities include the Cellar Restaurant and Cellar Antique Shop. Complete your visit to the castle by visiting the Cave Hill Visitor Centre.

A network of paths allows you to explore the park and several routes have been waymarked – Cave Hill Trail, Estate Trail and Castle Trail. Also orienteering and ecotrails (educational trails) provide an outdoor learning experience for everyone; packs, maps etc. available for a small charge at castle reception. Cave Hill Adventurous Playground is an exciting outdoor challenge for children aged 3-14 years.

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