The extensive Stormont Estate is home to a lush woodland park that offers free entry and is open to the public year-round.
Home to some of the more leisurely walks in Belfast, the estate is a fine spot for a morning out.
It’s also home to the Government of Northern Ireland and several historic buildings whose history you can explore while you’re visiting.
Some quick need-to-knows about Stormont Park
Although a visit to Stormont Park is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Stormont Estate is located on the Upper Newtownards Road, the A20, approximately 5 miles east of Belfast City Centre. It’s only 15 minutes drive from Titanic Belfast and 20 minutes from Belfast Castle, Cave Hill and Belfast Zoo.
2. Opening hours
Opening hours for Stormont Park vary throughout the year but they tend to follow daylight hours. During the summer it’s open:
- Monday to Friday: 7.30 am to 9.00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9.00 am to 9.00 pm
3. Parking
There’s a public car park at the Stormont Estate. Just keep in mind that it can get busy here when the weather is fine.
4. The dog park
Dog owners rejoice! Dogs have their own part of the estate called The Bullfield where they can run and play to the hearts’ delight, and there are plenty of seats and picnic spots for owners.
About the Stormont Estate
As A holder of the prestigious Green Flag award, the Stormont Estate is recognised as one of the province’s best green spaces.
Where it all began
The current Stormont Estate dates back to the 19th century.
It’s said that the estate was built by Reverend John Cleland ‘as the result of an advantageous marriage and reputedly ill-gotten gains’.
The estate was bought by the Northern Ireland Parliament in 1921 and it is home to the Northern Ireland Government (see our guide to the difference between Ireland and Northern Ireland if this has you confused).
Stormont Castle
Stormont Castle is one of the better known castles in Northern Ireland and it’s has been sitting within the estate since its completion in 1830.
It was originally owned by the Clealand family and it was designed using a Scottish Baronial Style.
Over the years, the purpose of Stormont Castle changed; from 1921 to 1972 Stormont Castle was home to Northern Ireland’s Prime Minister.
During The Troubles, the castle was used by the UK’s M15 group. Stormont Castle was extensively renovated in 2001 after a hefty £7.5m investment.
Things to do at Stormont in Belfast
One of the beauties of Stormont Park is that it’s home to plenty to see and do, which makes it a great mini day trip from Belfast City.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do inside the park itself:
1. Walking trails
If you want to explore all the walks offered at the estate, set aside a few hours. There are 3 routes with many interesting features and buildings to stop at and enjoy.
You can pick up a map that includes a quiz and answer the questions as you go.
There’s a 4 km woodland trail, aptly named Long Woodland Walk – just follow the orange arrows. If you don’t have time for that one, you can enjoy the shorter, 2 km version or the 1.6 km fitness trail.
2. The Mo Mowlam Park
The Mo Mowlam Park was designed so that children of all abilities could play together. The playground is laid out in several themed areas.
There’s Castle area, an inclusive play area that can accommodate wheelchairs, a multi-sensory area, an adventure area and Twin cableway and a five-point swing zone; which makes me dizzy just thinking about it!
If you’re looking for things to do in Belfast with kids, you can’t go wrong with a few hours spent at Mo Mowlam Park.
3. A gym, orienteering course and more
Three orienteering courses are on permanent offer at Stormont Park. Orienteering involves finding your way around a course by visiting locations, aka control sites, in sequence, at your own pace.
You can walk, jog, or race. Before you start, spend a bit of time familiarising yourself with the map symbols. The map’s scale is 1:5,000, so 1 cm on the map is 50 metres on the trail.
The three courses are marked as A, B & C, with A being the easiest and shortest at 1.3km. B is 1.6km and takes about 40 minutes to walk while C is more difficult, is 1.8km and will take you about 50 minutes.
Things to do nearby
One of the beauties of Stormont Park is that it’s a short spin away from some of the best places to visit in Belfast.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Stormont in Belfast:
- Botanic Gardens (20-minute drive): A wonderful free attraction and one of the city’s key attractions.
- Ormeau Park and Lady Dixon Park(20-minute drive): Two of Belfast’s oldest and largest parks
- More attractions (10-minute+ drive): Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol and the Black Cab Tours
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.