Go ‘click click click’ at Belfast Castle :
Situated on the slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in north Belfast, this brown castle with red piping is a photographer’s delight. While the first Belfast Castle was built by the Normans in Belfast in the late 12th century, the second castle was constructed by Sir Arthur Chichester, Baron of Belfast, on the same site in 1611, using stone and timber. However, it burnt down almost 100 years later leaving only street names to mark its location. It was rebuilt in 1862 by the third Marquis of Donegall; it was finished by 1870. It was subsequently passed down within the family until it and the surrounding estate was presented to the City of Belfast in 1934.
Today, it is popularly used for weddings, private dining, conferences, high-tea and other events, but a walk through the palatial rooms will let your imagination run wild to the days of the past. Step out onto the staircase leading down to the gardens and pose for a few pictures. The staircase was not part of the original castle plans, but was added in 1894 by the ninth Earl of Shaftesbury as a present to his mother. Don’t forget to visit the Cat Garden, the castle’s formally landscaped gardens. Tradition has it that good fortune will come to those who visit the castle, as long as the castle has a resident white cat. Try and spot the nine cats, while you’re there.
Situated on the slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in north Belfast, this brown castle with red piping is a photographer’s delight. While the first Belfast Castle was built by the Normans in Belfast in the late 12th century, the second castle was constructed by Sir Arthur Chichester, Baron of Belfast, on the same site in 1611, using stone and timber. However, it burnt down almost 100 years later leaving only street names to mark its location. It was rebuilt in 1862 by the third Marquis of Donegall; it was finished by 1870. It was subsequently passed down within the family until it and the surrounding estate was presented to the City of Belfast in 1934.
Today, it is popularly used for weddings, private dining, conferences, high-tea and other events, but a walk through the palatial rooms will let your imagination run wild to the days of the past. Step out onto the staircase leading down to the gardens and pose for a few pictures. The staircase was not part of the original castle plans, but was added in 1894 by the ninth Earl of Shaftesbury as a present to his mother. Don’t forget to visit the Cat Garden, the castle’s formally landscaped gardens. Tradition has it that good fortune will come to those who visit the castle, as long as the castle has a resident white cat. Try and spot the nine cats, while you’re there.
