Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo is one of the top visitor attractions and one of the oldest in Northern Ireland, with a quarter of a million visitors each year, the perfect place to bring your kids for a day out in Belfast. Located in North Belfast on the slopes of Cave Hill and a short distance from Clayton Hotel Belfast, the zoo has more than 1,000 animals and 150 species, many of which are in danger in their natural habitat. The zoo undergoes significant conservation work and international breeding programmes which ensure the survival of many species that are under threat.

The zoo in Belfast covers 55-acre ground with an upward slope so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. It is easy to spend the whole day to cover the whole area so you can bring your own food for some picnic or eat at their restaurant or tea room on-site.

Some of the animals you can see include barbary lions, red kangaroos, spider monkeys, Moloch gibbons, Rothchild’s giraffes, Asian elephants and Malayan sun bears. Also, don’t miss out these other highlights:

Bird Park contains many exotic and endangered birds.
Giraffe and Elephant Enclosure is home to large herds of Rothchild’s giraffes with the recent addition of a new calf, born just this month of April. There are other animals sharing this enclosure such as meerkats, Visayan warty pigs, cape porcupines, capybaras and giant anteaters.
Rainforest House at Belfast Zoo is a walk-through display with tropical landscaping. They feature various animals inside the house which include bats, doves and several species of pigeons.
Lake Side is home to animals like great white pelicans, Colombian spider monkeys, and Chilean flamingos. They also have picnic tables, a farm and a new play facility for the kids.

The Ideal Day for Your Family

The Zoo is the ideal Belfast Day trip for all ages, bring the whole family along, visit with a group of friends or spend the day at the zoo with your other half.

Belfast Zoo Opening Times

Summer (21 March to 30 September)
10.00am to 7.00pm – Monday to Sunday

Winter (1 October to 21 March)
10.00am to 4.00pm daily

*Times and prices may change so please check their website directly for updated information.