Botanic Gardens, Belfast

The Palm House

Work on the Palm House began in 1839 and finished in 1852. Charles Lanyon designed it and Richard Turner made the wrought-iron structure. A central dome sits between two wings: the right holds tropical plants, the left changing seasonal temperate displays. In 1852 the giant waterlily Victoria amazonica was grown here for the first time in Ireland.

The Tropical Ravine

Opened in 1889 and restored between 2014 and 2018, the Tropical Ravine is a glasshouse built around a planted ravine that you view from a walkway above. There is lift access to the exhibition on the walkway, free guided tours run on set days, and both glasshouses are free to visit.

Making a day of it

Outside, there is a rose garden, an alpine garden, sculpture and several walking routes, plus giant bird feeders that children enjoy. The Ulster Museum is on the edge of the gardens, so a morning in the galleries and an afternoon in the glasshouses works well, with cafes on Botanic Avenue nearby. The glasshouses keep shorter hours than the park, so go earlier in the day if they are your priority. On sunny days the lawns fill with students and families, so a picnic is a good shout.

Highlights

• Free entry to the Palm House and Tropical Ravine
• Palm House completed 1852, designed by Charles Lanyon
• Tropical Ravine (1889), restored 2014-2018
• Rose garden, alpine garden and sculptures
• Next to the Ulster Museum

Good to know

• No parking at the gardens; Metro 8 to Queen's University or Metro 7 to College Park.
• Free guided tours of the Tropical Ravine on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm and Saturdays at 11am.
• The Tropical Ravine is wheelchair accessible with lift access to the walkway exhibition.

Frequently asked questions