Belfast Zoo is opening the Cave Hill pathway from the zoo to Belfast Castle for the first time!
To mark both Belfast Zoo and Belfast Castle celebrating 90 years this year, this special opening will give visitors the chance to hike through the hill as part of a joint family fun day.
On Sunday 2nd June 2024, visitors can enjoy a visit to the zoo, join the guided walk from the zoo to the castle, and enjoy a range of free family fun at Belfast Castle’s ‘Big Lunch’ event.
The zoo originally opened in March 1934 and was home to tigers, polar bears, baboons, kangaroos, camels, brown bears, and leopards among other species. Today the zoo remains on the scenic Cave Hill site and is home to over 110 species of animal including elephants, lions, giraffes, Andean bears, penguins, sea lions and much more.
Zoo manager, Alyn Cairns said “We are delighted to be part of this special event that brings together two of the oldest attractions in north Belfast and showcases the stunning backdrop of Cave hill and its rich historical trails. With double birthday celebrations for both the zoo and castle we thought it was the perfect time to open the pathway and herald the landscape that envelops us both.”
This is the first time a joint celebration has taken place between these two iconic visitor attractions and already there is quite a buzz about this 90th celebration event.
Cathryn McOscar, Operations Manager at Belfast Castle, said, “We wanted to celebrate our milestone anniversary with our visitors in a unique way, and by teaming up with Belfast Zoo, we can celebrate the link between both locations. We are both so privileged to have Cave Hill as the backdrop to both our attractions and with this walk our visitors can enjoy all the sights that the hills have to offer.”
The walk lasts around 30 minutes and takes in the stunning views of the lough, the ancient caves, as well as the wonderment of the rich woodland that Cave Hill has to offer. The guided tour will give visitors a chance for the first time to walk the paths as a group and really engage with the landscape that inspired Jonathan Swift’s iconic novel, Gulliver’s Travels.
The trail is recommended for 7+ years and those with a moderate level of fitness, as there are some narrow and rocky paths. The trail is not suitable for prams or people with accessibility requirements. A shuttle bus will be provided for those unable to join the guided walk, and for visitors returning to the zoo from Belfast Castle.
Standard Belfast Zoo admission prices apply. Shuttle bus and activities at Belfast Castle are free. Visit www.belfastzoo.co.uk for tour and bus times.