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Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo opened in 1934 and is owned and operated by Belfast City Council.


Conservation

The 55 acre site is home to more than 100 species, the majority of which are facing increasing danger in their natural habitats.

Vital conservation work is carried out, both in Northern Ireland and around the world. Belfast Zoo takes part in global and collaborative breeding programmes, which help to ensure the survival of many species under threat.

Your visitor experience

The team at Belfast Zoo works hard to provide a truly great day for all of the visitors which is why Belfast Zoo is one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most popular visitor attractions.

The Zoo is energetic, passionate about education, learning and discovery. The aim is to educate visitors about our animals and nature in general, and to provide you with a memorable experience.

The aim is to:

provide the best possible care for the animals

organise campaigns and raise funds for endangered species and their natural habitats 

take part in European and international breeding programmes which help protect endangered species 

raise awareness of conservation and biodiversity

deliver high quality environmental education, training and research. 


ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchair and mobility access

Belfast Zoo is an accessible visitor attraction so visitors with wheelchairs and mobility requirements can relax and enjoy their day.

The Zoo is located on a beautiful hilltop site on the northern edge of Belfast and are situated on Cave Hill which dominates the local skyline and provides unrivalled views across Belfast Lough.

However, it is recognised that the terrain of our site can be challenging for some of our visitors. Use the information and resources below to plan and enjoy your visit.

free disabled parking spaces at the top end of our car parks*

free entry for carers (terms and conditions apply)

free wheelchair hire (subject to availability)

zoo-mobile - an accessible buggy for travel around our site (subject to availability) 

accessible toilets

* Blue badges must be properly displayed on the vehicle dashboard with the side showing the wheelchair symbol facing forward.

 

Visual and hearing impairments

- Visual impairments

The Zoo is a multi-sensory experience with an array of sounds and smells. 

- For visitors with assistance dogs 

Only registered assistance dogs are allowed into the zoo, as stated in the regulations of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria (BIAZA). These regulations state that: 

all registered assistance dogs must be up to date with all inoculations. 

dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and under strict control. 

dogs must not be allowed to fowl anywhere in the zoo grounds. Any incidents should be cleared away by their owners. 

A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.


HOW TO REACH

By car
The Zoo is well connected to the motorway and roads network and you will see Belfast Zoo signposts on your route. There is lots of free parking available.

If you're using a sat nav, please use postcode BT36 7PN.

From the north
Approach Belfast on the M2 motorway.
Leave the motorway at junction four (Glengormley/Larne) and take the third exit off the roundabout.
Follow this road through Glengormley for one mile.
The zoo is on the right, just past the motorway bridge.

From the south or west
Approach Belfast on the M1 motorway. Follow the directions for the M2 over the Westlink.
Leave the motorway at junction two (Greenisland/Whitewell/Rathcoole). The zoo is signposted from here.
Take the extreme left slip road and follow the signs for the zoo.

From Belfast city centre and Co Down
Follow directions for the M2 motorway. Stay on the M2 until you reach the second junction.
Leave the motorway at junction two (Greenisland/Whitewell/Rathcoole). The zoo is signposted from here.
Take the extreme left slip road and follow the signs for the zoo.

From Belfast International Airport
Follow the signs for Belfast/M2.
Join the M2 southbound and leave the M2 at the fourth junction (Sandyknowes Roundabout). Take the third exit and join the A6 (Antrim Road) towards Glengormley/Belfast.
Continue on the A6 for around two miles. The zoo is on your right.

By taxi
If you need a taxi, try Value Cabs (028 9080 9080) or fonaCAB (028 9033 3333). We are happy to organise a taxi for your return journey, just ask our Visitor Centre staff for assistance.

By bus
There are lots of bus routes to Belfast Zoo with a stop on the Antrim Road.
Metro services 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G and 2A (for Antrim Road or Bellevue) depart from Upper Queen Street in Belfast city centre and stop on the Antrim Road opposite the zoo entrance.
When you get off the bus, you must walk approximately 500 metres to get to the Visitor Centre.

By train
The nearest train station is Whiteabbey. It is approximately three miles from the zoo. You can order a taxi to the zoo from this station.

By foot or bike
The zoo is around five miles from Belfast and walking from the city centre takes at least 90 minutes. Cycling takes around 30 minutes.
The zoo is located on the side of Cave Hill, at the top of Antrim Road.
From Belfast city centre, follow the signs for Donegall Street and Clifton Street until you reach Carlisle Circus.
Turn right onto Antrim Road and continue along the road, past Belfast Castle. The zoo is clearly signposted from here.


ADMISSION

Admission type Prices
Adult (aged 17 and above) £14
Child (aged four to 16) £7
Child (under four years) Free
Student** / Seniors** £7
Carer*** Free
Family day ticket (Max 2 adults, 3 children) £39.50


VISITOR INFO

ADDRESS:
Antrim Road
BT36 7PN Belfast
N Ireland
United Kingdom

EXHIBITIONS

  • What did you Learn?

    exposition
  • The Zoo

    exposition
  • Belfast Zoo Audio Guide

    exposition

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