Lagan Meadows was the source of Belfast’s first piped water supply over 200 years ago. The spring at Lester’s Dam, which provided the water, still runs and gives rise to the wetlands and marsh for which Lagan Meadows is best known. But this … [Read more...]
Stormont Estate and Glen
The grounds at Stormont once formed the private estate of the Cleland family. In the early 1920s the estate was acquired as the site for the new Parliament Buildings, which opened in 1932. Today the parkland is used for events and casual … [Read more...]
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is a large park on the southern outskirts of Belfast. The estate was bequeathed to Belfast by Lady Dixon in 1959. Although renowned for horticultural features such as the Rose Garden, this property contains expansive … [Read more...]
Waterworks
The Waterworks contains two ponds, an upper and lower basin, constructed in the 1840s to serve as reservoirs. In fact they only supplied Belfast with water for twenty years or so. The ponds attract large numbers of waterfowl, and the two islands … [Read more...]
Lagan Towpath
The Lagan towpath runs alongside the River Lagan and the former canal between Stranmillis and Lisburn – a distance of almost 15 kilometres. Along the way there is much evidence of the area’s industrial past in the form of disused locks and weirs. … [Read more...]
Hazelwood Local Nature Reserve
Hazelwood is a Local Nature Reserve on the steep slopes of Cave Hill above Belfast Zoo and the Antrim Road. It contains what is probably a remnant ancient hazel woodland and is therefore of great botanical interest. A system of stone paths was … [Read more...]
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a municipal park which opened in 1906. The park is excellent for wildlife due to its proximity to tidal estuaries and the fact it contains a large area of open water. The open water section of the park is part of the Inner Belfast … [Read more...]
Cave Hill Country Park
Cave Hill Country Park is one of the most frequented regions of the Belfast Hills. Visitors can ramble across the upland heath between Hazelwood and Carr’s Glen, and enjoy spectacular views of Belfast and beyond. The park, which covers 300 … [Read more...]
Bog Meadows
Bog Meadows comprises the 16 remaining hectares of the Blackstaff River flood plains, and is therefore of historical significance. Despite its position, wedged between Falls Road housing and M1 Motorway, it is extremely valuable for wildlife and is … [Read more...]
Belfast Harbour Reserve
The lagoon was formed when an area of the south shore of Belfast Lough was enclosed and infilled with mud dredged from the Lough. Before this process was complete, rainwater formed a freshwater lagoon, which began to draw in large numbers of birds. … [Read more...]
