Belfast Castle

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Belfast Castle
Enlarge
Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle is set in the grounds of Cavehill Country Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland. It provides great views of the city of Belfast and Belfast Lough.

A castle has existed on the site since the 12th Century. The current castle was built in 1870 by George Chichester, 3rd Marquess of Donegall, and was designed by Charles Lanyon and his son. After Chichester's death and the family's financial demise, The Earl of Shaftesbury completed the house.

It was the Shaftesbury family who presented it to the City of Belfast in 1934. It is now owned by Belfast City Council and open to the public. The castle hosts a visitors centre, a restaurant and is a popular venue for wedding receptions.