Where should you park when visiting Belfast Castle?

The practical answer

Belfast Castle provides **free on-site parking**. The main car park is directly in front of the castle, with additional overflow parking available when required.

Spaces are **first come, first served**, so a sunny weekend or a large function can make arriving earlier worthwhile. Designated **Blue Badge** and **parent-and-child** spaces are provided; Belfast City Council says Blue Badge parking does not need to be pre-booked.

Which entrance should you use?

When driving to the castle, use the **Innisfayle Park / Downview Park West entrance** from the Antrim Road side. That is more useful than simply navigating to “Cave Hill”, which can lead you toward another park entrance.

If your real aim is the main Cave Hill walking trail rather than the castle itself, the Belfast Castle parking area is still a useful starting point, but the trailhead is specifically signed from the castle drive.