Belfast may be known for its rich history and bustling city center, but it’s also a great place to see wildlife. From parks and gardens to nature reserves and wetlands, Belfast has plenty of options for nature lovers looking to spot some wildlife. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to see wildlife in Belfast and what you can expect to see.
- Belfast Castle Estate
Located on the slopes of Cave Hill, the Belfast Castle Estate is a stunning park that’s home to a variety of wildlife. The park features woodland, gardens, and walking trails, making it a great place to explore. Visitors can expect to see a range of birdlife, including buzzards, peregrine falcons, and kestrels, as well as smaller birds like robins, blue tits, and wrens. The park is also home to red squirrels, which are a rare sight in many parts of the UK.
- Belfast Lough
Belfast Lough is a large, natural harbor located on the east coast of Northern Ireland. It’s home to a wide range of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of birdlife. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the lough and see some of the wildlife up close. During the summer months, it’s also possible to see basking sharks, which are the second-largest fish in the world.
- Colin Glen Forest Park
Colin Glen Forest Park is a large park located in the west of Belfast. The park features woodland, walking trails, and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a range of birdlife, including woodpeckers, jays, and tits, as well as mammals like foxes and hedgehogs. The park is also home to a herd of fallow deer, which can often be seen grazing in the fields.
- Giant’s Ring
The Giant’s Ring is a prehistoric henge located on the outskirts of Belfast. The site is home to a range of wildlife, including birds like skylarks and meadow pipits, as well as mammals like hares and rabbits. The site is also surrounded by fields and woodland, which are home to a variety of other wildlife.
- RSPB Belfast Lough Nature Reserve
The RSPB Belfast Lough Nature Reserve is a wetland area located on the shores of Belfast Lough. The reserve is home to a wide range of birdlife, including wading birds like curlews and redshanks, as well as ducks and geese. Visitors can explore the reserve on foot or by bike, and there are a number of hides where you can watch the wildlife without disturbing them.
- Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is a large park located on the outskirts of Belfast. The park features a variety of gardens, woodland, and walking trails, as well as a range of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of birdlife, including herons, kingfishers, and swans, as well as mammals like rabbits and foxes.
- Slievenacloy Nature Reserve
Slievenacloy Nature Reserve is a wild and rugged area located in the hills to the west of Belfast. The reserve is home to a range of wildlife, including birds like buzzards and kestrels, as well as mammals like hares and foxes. Visitors can explore the reserve on foot or by bike, and there are a number of trails that take you through the hills and valleys.
- Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a small park located in the east of Belfast. The park is home to a variety of birdlife, including swans, geese, and ducks, as well as smaller birds like robins and blackbirds. Visitors can also spot a range of other wildlife, including foxes and hedgehogs. The park has a large lake, which is popular with birdwatchers, and there’s also a walking and cycling trail that runs around the perimeter of the park.
- Woodvale Park
Woodvale Park is a small park located in the north of Belfast. The park features a range of gardens, walking trails, and a small lake, which is home to a variety of birdlife, including swans, ducks, and coots. The park is also home to a small population of red squirrels, which can often be seen darting through the trees.
- Black Mountain
Black Mountain is a hill located on the outskirts of Belfast. The hill is home to a range of wildlife, including birds like buzzards and kestrels, as well as mammals like hares and rabbits. Visitors can explore the hill on foot or by bike, and there are a number of trails that take you to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Belfast and the surrounding countryside.
In conclusion, Belfast may be a bustling city, but it’s also home to a variety of wildlife. From parks and gardens to nature reserves and wetlands, there are plenty of options for nature lovers looking to spot some wildlife. Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, hiking, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Belfast has something to offer everyone. So next time you’re in town, be sure to check out some of these amazing wildlife spots and see what you can discover!