Belfast Zoo is set on the beautiful slopes of Cave Hill, with views across Belfast Lough, and it covers about 55 acres of hillside. It houses more than a hundred species, many of them endangered in the wild, and combines the usual zoo attractions with a large playpark, cafés and picnic areas. The hillside layout is both its charm and its challenge: paths are steep in places, the zoo runs a one-way system, and the zoo map marks the steeper areas, so comfortable shoes and a little stamina are essential. For visitors who find the climb difficult, the Zoomobile can take people on a tour or drop them at the top of the zoo, but it must be booked in advance and is subject to availability. The zoo is run by Belfast City Council and has made considerable efforts on accessibility, with priority entry for visitors with accessibility needs, free loan of manual wheelchairs, Quiet Hours between 9am and 10am, autism-friendly support, and a free audio tour on your mobile device. Parking is free, with seventeen accessible bays near the visitor centre entrance. Because it sits next to Belfast Castle and Cave Hill Country Park, the zoo is easy to combine with a walk, which makes a full family day out. Dogs are not allowed, except registered assistance dogs.
How to visit
Belfast Zoo is on the Antrim Road, around fifteen to twenty minutes by car from the city centre, with free on-site parking. In summer, from early April to early October, it opens from 10am to 6pm with last entry at 4.30pm. In winter it opens from 10am to 4pm with last entry at 2.
30pm, and it is open daily except 25 and 26 December. Check the zoo’s opening-times page before you go, because dates change each year. Booking online in advance is recommended, and online tickets are cheaper than gate prices, with a family discount available.
What to expect
Allow three to four hours for a thorough visit, and more if you add the playpark and a café stop. The slopes are demanding, so wear sturdy shoes and be ready to rest, and note that the one-way system means you cannot easily double back. The quietest times are the Quiet Hour from 9am to 10am and the late afternoon, from 4pm in summer and 2pm in winter. Guided tours are available, and Euros are accepted at the gate. Accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility and baby-changing rooms are on site.
Making the most of it
Start at the top if you can, using the Zoomobile if needed, and work your way downhill, which is far easier on tired legs. Bring layers, since the hillside is exposed and the weather changes, and pack a picnic for the picnic areas. Combine the zoo with Belfast Castle and a short woodland walk for a relaxed family day, and consider arriving at opening time for the quietest paths.
Planning around it
Allow extra time if you are visiting with a pushchair or anyone who finds hills tiring, and consider the Zoomobile for the climb. The zoo is exposed on the hillside, so pack for the weather and bring a spare layer for children. It is worth planning meal and snack breaks around the cafés and picnic areas, and arriving at opening time gives you the best chance of seeing animals at their most active before the afternoon lull. Check the zoo’s own pages for feeding and keeper-talk times, which vary through the year.
What to expect
The experience
A hillside zoo of about 55 acres with more than a hundred species, a one-way route, a playpark and cafés.
Best time
Opening time on a dry day, or the Quiet Hour from 9am to 10am for a calmer visit.
How long
Three to four hours.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes for the steep paths, book online for cheaper tickets, and use the Zoomobile if the slopes are a problem.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children who enjoy animals and have the energy for hills.
- Families
- The playpark, cafés and picnic areas make it a full family day, though paths are steep and dogs are not allowed.
- Couples
- Better for families than couples, though the lough views from the hillside are lovely.
- Pair with
- Belfast Castle and Cave Hill Country Park next door.
- Time needed
- Three to four hours.
Good questions
How big is Belfast Zoo?+
It covers about 55 acres on the slopes of Cave Hill and houses more than a hundred species.
What are Belfast Zoo opening times?+
In summer it opens 10am to 6pm with last entry at 4.30pm, and in winter 10am to 4pm with last entry at 2.30pm. It is closed on 25 and 26 December. Confirm dates on the zoo’s site.
Is Belfast Zoo suitable for wheelchairs and prams?+
The zoo is hilly, but it lends manual wheelchairs free, offers priority entry for accessibility needs and runs a Zoomobile that must be booked in advance.
Can I take my dog to Belfast Zoo?+
No, dogs are not allowed except registered assistance dogs.
Is parking free at Belfast Zoo?+
Yes, parking is free, with seventeen accessible bays near the visitor centre entrance.
