Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo is one of the top attractions in Northern Ireland, receiving more than 295,000 visitors a year.

The zoo is situated on a hillside in north Belfast. The zoo's 55 acre site has panoramic views over Belfast Lough and is home to more than 1,200 animals and 140 species. The majority of the animals are critically endangered in the wild.

Some of the animals you can see include:

White Tiger
Barbary Lions
Elephants
Giraffes
Bongos
Gorillas

The zoological gardens are also home to everything from Tapirs and Sea Lions to Zebras and Penguins.

Be sure to see the primate trail, Gorilla and Chimpanzee enclosures, free-flight aviary, Elephant and Giraffe house and underwater viewing of Penguins and Sea Lions.

New exhibits include the opening of the rainforest exhibit providing visitors with an immersive environment that combines tropical plants with climatic sensitive animals such as Jasmine, the two toed Sloth.

The zoo was originally situated close to the old Customs House by the River Lagan.

However in the early 1930's, construction of the new zoological gardens began to provide the animals with a more natural environment.

As the threat of war approached, all the animals were moved to the new grounds on the Antrim Road in North Belfast before it was officially finished. The wartime air-raids over Belfast proved too much of a risk to the animals safety. The zoo actually extends almost to the top of the Cave Hill.

Facilities at Belfast Zoo

The visitor facilities include:

Ark Cafe
Mountain Tea House
Refreshment Kiosk
Disabled access and Mobility scooters
Free car parking
Clothing and Glass Recycling
First Aid Treatment Room
Zoovenir shop

Mobility scooters must be pre-booked in advance - call 028 9077 6277 for details.

It will take you about 90mins - 2hrs to take in all the attractions and animals.

Things you will enjoy

Large and varied number of animals in well-sized enclosures
Smaller enclosures provide privacy for animals
Unique display of Bears in Northern Ireland
Signposted visitor route makes ascend easier

Things that you should know and consider

Footpaths are good but the geographic location accounts for some steep areas
Fairly 'hilly' terrain
Animal privacy can lead to 'no shows' in some enclosures
Souvenir shop extremely small and can get cramped

Opening Hours and Admission Prices

Adult Ł8.10 Ł6.70*
Child (aged four to 17) Ł4.30 Ł3.40*
Children under four years Free
Disabled Free
Seniors (60 years and older) Free
Family ticket (two adults and two children)Ł22 Ł18*
Individual season ticket (adult) Ł24
Individual season ticket (children) Ł12
Family season ticket Ł67.50

The zoo is open at the following times:

Summer - March 21st-September 30th, 2008

10am to 7pm
last admission is 5pm
animal house closes at 6pm

The Zoovenir Shop and Ark Cafe close at 5.30pm.

*Winter - October 1st-March 31st, 2009

10am to 4pm
last admission is 2.30pm
animal house closes at 3.30pm

Location

Belfast Zoo, Antrim Road, Belfast, BT36 7PN

The zoo is located in the Northern Quarter of Belfast, located 4 miles from the City Centre.

If you don't have access to a car, the easiest way to get to the zoo is by bus. Buses leave the City Hall, Belfast City Centre, regularly and travel along the Antrim Road.

Use Metro Service: 1 and there is a stop right outside the zoo. It is signposted Metro Stop: Bellevue.

For car hire information, checkout, Getting Around.

If you would like an accurate map reference location for Belfast Zoo, type the postcode, BT36 7PN into Google Maps

If you would driving directions to Belfast Zoo from anywhere in Northern Ireland, use Route Planner and type in the postcode BT36 7PN.

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