Covering 55 acres and home to 120 species of animals, Belfast Zoo has been welcoming visitors since 1934, making it one of the city’s oldest attractions.
One of the most popular things to do in Belfast with kids, the zoo is known worldwide for its conservation work and is an active member of several organisations around the world collaborating to protect endangered species.
Below, you’ll find everything from the opening hours for Belfast Zoo and how much a visit costs to what to see and more.
Some quick need-to-knows about Belfast Zoo
Although a visit to Belfast Zoo is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
The Zoo is located on the Antrim Road, just 15 minutes from Belfast City Centre. You can take several different buses to the zoo (they stop on the Antrim Road). The 1A, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1J, 2A, and 2B depart from Upper Queen Street in Belfast city centre and stop opposite the zoo entrance.
2. Opening hours
The Zoo is open 7 days a week as follows:
- 31 March to 30 September: Open 10am to 6pm (animal houses close at 5pm)
- 1 October to 30 March: Open 10am to 4pm (animal houses close at 3pm)
3. Admission
Kids under 4 enter Belfast Zoo for free. Children aged 4-16 are charged around £7 (cheaper if booked online), adult tickets are about £14, and a family ticket costs around £40.
4. Parking
Belfast Zoo provides 400 free parking spaces. 12 of these are designated for disabled drivers holding a Blue Badge. There’s an electric charge point in front of the Visitor Centre. The car parks are usually full by noon during summer so get there early if you can.
What you’ll see at Belfast Zoo
Photos via Tourism NI via Ireland’s Content Pool
Here’s a little taste of what you can expect to see when you explore Belfast Zoo.
1. Mammals
Out of the 120+ animal species at the Zoo, there are 39 species of mammal. These range from the well-known Shetland Pony and Red Squirrel to the Malayan Sun Bear and majestic elephants.
The Zoo is part of a Europe-wide breeding programme for Asian elephants and is also a sanctuary for old, non-breeding females, some of whom have been rescued from difficult situations.
As a species, the tiny Shetland pony has been around for over 2,000 years – a huge feat for such a small, and quite delicate-looking animal.
2. Amphibians
The Zoo’s amphibian population comes to a grand total of TWO. And they’re both frogs. The Asian Mossy Frog and the White’s tree frog from Australia.
The mossy frog has a green skin, with dark blemishes and lumps and bumps in a reddish hue and looks just like a clump of moss.
If it sits still, it is almost impossible to see it. If you see a pair of eyes and nothing else protruding from water, it’s a mossy frog!
3. Reptiles
Belfast Zoo is home to two species of geckos: the Turquoise Dwarf Gecko and the Leopard Gecko. Additionally, the zoo houses several iguanas and tortoises.
The Bearded Dragon is particularly fascinating to observe as it inflates its throat, displaying pointed scales to appear more intimidating to its opponents when excited or threatened.
4. Birds
There’s approximately 30 species at the Zoo ranging from Norfolk Grey chickens to Darwin’s Rhea. Darwin’s Rhea?
It’s a flightless bird from the ostrich family, native to parts of South America and can reach speeds of up to 60 kmh.
Another South American bird, the Southern Screamer can be heard more than 3km away and act as a guard for others as it’s not hunted itself.
Other things to do at Belfast Zoo
There’s plenty of things to see and do at Belfast Zoo, with a bit of something that should tickle most fancies.
Below, you’ll find everything to the extensive education program and food to the popular photography base camp.
1. Education
Belfast Zoo places great importance on its education program and offers curriculum-led lessons as well as virtual learning, self-guided or even outreach. The Zoo uses animals to educate their students and have 5 animals they use most often:
- Sanchez the leopard gecko
- Sasha the royal python
- African pygmy hedgehogs
- Stick insects
- White’s tree frogs
2. Food
Considering that it can take up to six hours to navigate the zoo, you will likely need to eat at some point.
The Lion’s Den Café, open seven days a week, offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
The Treetop Tearoom at the top of Cave Hill is ideal for a snack, a rest, and enjoying beautiful views. Additionally, there are numerous picnic benches available if you prefer to bring your own food.
Things to do nearby
One of the beauties of the zoo in Belfast is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best things to do in Belfast.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Belfast Zoo:
- Cave Hill (5-minute drive): Home to an adventure playground, visitor centre, Eco trail, gardens and hiking trails
- Belfast Castle (10-minute drive): A slice of old-world Belfast in a very scenic setting
- Key attractions (15-minute drive): Titanic Belfast, the Black Cab Tours and Crumlin Road Gaol are all nearby
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.