Waterworks Park
A peaceful North Belfast oasis with scenic lakes, abundant wildlife, and views of Cave Hill. Perfect for walks, family fun, and Parkrun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Waterworks Park
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful North Belfast oasis with scenic lakes, abundant wildlife, and views of Cave Hill. Perfect for walks, family fun, and Parkrun.
"A real gem in North Belfast! Waterworks Park is peaceful, scenic, and full of charm."
🐦 Feed the Ducks
Bring some suitable food to feed the ducks and geese on the lakes. :duck:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park has tarmac paths, ideal for walking, jogging, or a Parkrun. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lakes and Wildlife
Central lakes
Two large lakes are home to abundant birdlife, including ducks, geese, and the famous parakeets. A delight for nature enthusiasts.
Cave Hill Views
Walking paths around the lakes
Enjoy picturesque views of Cave Hill from the scenic walking paths surrounding the park's ponds.
Playgrounds and Sports
Designated play areas
Features a well-equipped kid's play area and a caged football pitch, perfect for active family fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife & Views
Family Fun & Parkrun Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Belfast Waterworks - The Days of Mermaids, Monsters and Sea battles
🐦 Feed the Ducks
Bring some suitable food to feed the ducks and geese on the lakes. :duck:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park has tarmac paths, ideal for walking, jogging, or a Parkrun. :athletic_shoe:
Taking in some stunning views of the Waterworks (Belfast) a couple of weeks ago. Magical.
Waterworks (North Belfast)
📸 Capture the Wildlife
Great spot for birdwatching and photography, especially around the lakes. :camerawithflash:
⏰ Late Evening Strolls
Wish the park stayed open later than 9 PM for evening walks. :clock:
Tips
from all over the internet
🐦 Feed the Ducks
Bring some suitable food to feed the ducks and geese on the lakes. :duck:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park has tarmac paths, ideal for walking, jogging, or a Parkrun. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Wildlife
Great spot for birdwatching and photography, especially around the lakes. :camerawithflash:
⏰ Late Evening Strolls
Wish the park stayed open later than 9 PM for evening walks. :clock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Waterworks Park is widely praised as a peaceful and scenic gem in North Belfast, offering beautiful views of Cave Hill and abundant wildlife. Visitors love the walking paths, playgrounds, and the community feel, making it ideal for strolls, family outings, and Parkrun. Some minor drawbacks include the amount of bird excrement around the lakes.
"Took part in Parkrun here a month ago.
Nice park, lots of tarmac paths, a kid's play area and caged football pitch.
2 decent sized lakes with lots of ducks and geese, only downside was the amount of excrement."
Scott Graham
"A real gem in North Belfast! Waterworks Park is peaceful, scenic, and full of charm. The walking paths around the lakes offer stunning views of Cave Hill, and there’s so much wildlife to enjoy from swans to the now-famous parakeets. It’s great for a quiet stroll, a jog, or a family day out with playgrounds and open spaces. There’s a lovely community feel here, and it’s always well maintained. One of my favourite green spaces in the city"
Michael Conlon
"Had an hour to kill so took a walk around the ponds. Took some shots of the birds and the stream. Nice relaxing peaceful walk considering the main rd close by"
Sean Evans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waterworks Park is located in North Belfast and is accessible by public transport, including buses that run along the Antrim Road. Driving is also an option, with parking available.
Yes, it's a well-known local park. If using GPS, 'Waterworks Park, Belfast' should guide you directly.
Cycling is a great way to reach the park, and there are often cycle paths nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Waterworks Park is a public park and entry is free for all visitors.
The park is generally open from morning until evening. Some visitors have expressed a wish for it to stay open later than 9 PM.
Parkrun is a free event, but you usually need to register online beforehand to get an official time.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, jogging, birdwatching, feeding the ducks, playing in the playgrounds, and using the football pitch.
Yes, the park features numerous tarmac paths around the lakes, offering scenic and relaxing walks.
Absolutely! It has a dedicated kid's play area and plenty of open space for children to run around.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Waterworks Park, and many visitors walk their dogs there.
The park is known for its abundant wildlife, especially the birds on its two lakes, including ducks, geese, and parakeets.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Currently, there are no cafes or restaurants directly within the park. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are open spaces perfect for laying out a blanket and enjoying a meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The lakes with their wildlife, the scenic views of Cave Hill, and the charming walking paths offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Definitely! The variety of waterfowl and the famous parakeets make it a prime location for bird photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many families enjoy visiting after school or on weekends to feed the ducks and enjoy the natural surroundings. The park's accessibility and free entry make it an ideal budget-friendly outing. Remember to bring snacks and drinks as there are no on-site food facilities.
🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
The scenic routes around the lakes offer a pleasant backdrop for your runs, and the relatively flat terrain makes it accessible for various fitness levels. It's a popular spot for both casual joggers and those training for events.
🐦 Birdwatchers and Nature Lovers
The walking paths around the water provide excellent vantage points for observing wildlife. It's a peaceful place to connect with nature and enjoy the local fauna, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in ornithology or simply appreciating the natural world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lakes and Wildlife
Many visitors enjoy taking leisurely strolls around the ponds, often bringing along food to feed the waterfowl. This interaction with nature is a highlight for families and individuals seeking a tranquil experience. The presence of wildlife adds a unique charm to the park, contributing to its reputation as a local gem.
While the park is generally well-maintained, some reviews mention an abundance of bird excrement around the lakes, which is a natural consequence of a thriving bird population. Despite this, the overall experience of observing the wildlife remains a significant draw for many visitors.
Family Adventures and Recreation
The park's open spaces are perfect for picnics and casual play, making it a popular spot for Friday after-school outings for local families. The combination of playgrounds and sports facilities ensures that children have plenty of opportunities to be active and have fun in a safe environment.
Beyond the play areas, the park's walking paths and scenic surroundings also contribute to a positive family experience. It's a place where kids can explore, play, and connect with nature, all within a welcoming community setting.
Parkrun and Community Spirit
The park fosters a strong sense of community, with locals frequently visiting for walks, dog-walking, and social gatherings. This shared appreciation for the green space creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Information days, such as one held about the park's ice house, highlight the community's engagement with its history and features. This involvement underscores the park's role as more than just a recreational area, but as a cherished local landmark.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit