Ring of Belfast – Part I
From Napoleon's Nose to Belfast Castle
If you want to understand Belfast, don’t start in the city centre. Start above it.
Our Ring of Belfast journey begins on Cave Hill, the dramatic basalt ridge overlooking Belfast and Belfast Lough. Named after the caves hidden within its cliffs, Cave Hill has been watching over the city for thousands of years.
The most famous feature is Napoleon’s Nose, a rock formation said to resemble the profile of Napoleon Bonaparte. According to local tradition, it even inspired Jonathan Swift while writing Gulliver’s Travels.
The climb rewards visitors with one of the finest views in Northern Ireland. From the summit, Belfast spreads out below like a map, while Belfast Lough stretches towards the Irish Sea.
At the highest point stands McArt’s Fort, an ancient hillfort dating back to the Iron Age. Although little remains today, the strategic importance of the site is immediately obvious.
Descending from the hill brings visitors to Belfast Castle, a stunning Victorian mansion completed in 1870. Surrounded by gardens and overlooking the city, it remains one of Belfast’s most elegant landmarks.
Local legend says a resident cat brings good fortune to the castle, which explains why feline motifs can be found throughout the grounds.
After exploring Cave Hill and Belfast Castle, we realised something important: Belfast is far bigger, richer and more fascinating than most visitors expect.
And we were only getting started.
