Playing host to the popular Summer Rose Fair/Rose Week in July each year, the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is another beautiful green space in South Belfast, featuring more than 45,000 roses in its award-winning rose gardens. The park’s original owners were the Stewarts, a farming family from Scotland. The estate changed hands several times before the Dixons took over in 1919. During World War II, as the estate hosted American troops, Lady Edith Dixon was so heavily engaged in helping the troops that for her great work she was made Dame of the British Empire. As an important philanthropist in the history of Northern Ireland, Lady Edith Dixon is particularly recognised for her contributions to making healthcare accessible across the country. Prior to her death in 1959, she donated the estate to the city of Belfast in memory of her late husband, a former High Sheriff of Belfast, according to Belfast City Council. Three years later, the site was reopened as Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. The park is cherished for its beautiful gardens, rolling meadows, wildlife and most importantly, rare roses the beauty and elegance of which have been judged annually since 1965 by the permanent panel of judges from the Rose Society of Northern Ireland.placeholder image
Playing host to the popular Summer Rose Fair/Rose Week in July each year, the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is another beautiful green space in South Belfast, featuring more than 45,000 roses in its award-winning rose gardens. The park’s original owners were the Stewarts, a farming family from Scotland. The estate changed hands several times before the Dixons took over in 1919. During World War II, as the estate hosted American troops, Lady Edith Dixon was so heavily engaged in helping the troops that for her great work she was made Dame of the British Empire. As an important philanthropist in the history of Northern Ireland, Lady Edith Dixon is particularly recognised for her contributions to making healthcare accessible across the country. Prior to her death in 1959, she donated the estate to the city of Belfast in memory of her late husband, a former High Sheriff of Belfast, according to Belfast City Council. Three years later, the site was reopened as Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. The park is cherished for its beautiful gardens, rolling meadows, wildlife and most importantly, rare roses the beauty and elegance of which have been judged annually since 1965 by the permanent panel of judges from the Rose Society of Northern Ireland.

7 beautiful parks in Belfast to go walking in

By Maia Biermann
Published 10th Oct 2022, 16:18 GMT
Updated 10th Oct 2022, 17:04 GMT

When it comes to getting out and about in the city, Belfast is blessed to have plenty of green spaces.

Perfect for getting out and about to enjoy the fresh air, wildlife and stunning landscapes.

With plenty of nature’s natural beauty on show, there are a whole range of parks to witness the picturesque views.

Here are seven of the city’s top parks that walkers, joggers and sports enthusiasts treasure most.

Nice peaceful area for an evening walk, reading a book or bringing children for playing, Drumglass Park is also popular with locals. The park is named after Henry Musgrave, a Northern Irish businessman and philanthropist who was elected an Honorary Burgess of the City of Belfast in 1917. After his death, according to Belfast City Council, Musgrave donated this land to the city to be used as a public park or children's playground. The park features a private gate lodge, dating back to circa 1882, which still has the Musgrave family monogram above one of the doorways and on the gate pillars. Initially named Drumglass Playcentre, the park was opened to the public on September 9, 1924, by Lady Turner, the Lady Mayoress of Belfast.

5. Drumglass Park – green and quiet

Nice peaceful area for an evening walk, reading a book or bringing children for playing, Drumglass Park is also popular with locals. The park is named after Henry Musgrave, a Northern Irish businessman and philanthropist who was elected an Honorary Burgess of the City of Belfast in 1917. After his death, according to Belfast City Council, Musgrave donated this land to the city to be used as a public park or children's playground. The park features a private gate lodge, dating back to circa 1882, which still has the Musgrave family monogram above one of the doorways and on the gate pillars. Initially named Drumglass Playcentre, the park was opened to the public on September 9, 1924, by Lady Turner, the Lady Mayoress of Belfast. Photo: Contributed

The first municipal park in Belfast, the Ormeau Park, attracts all generations, be it families, casual joggers, or those more seriously engaged in sports. It is also popular as a venue for concerts and band performances, with a capacity of around 15,000 people. This historical park originally belonged to the Marquess of Donegall, a title in the Peerage of Ireland held by the head of the Chichester family, who were originally from Devon, England. The Donegall family moved to the park in 1807, setting up their home in Ormeau Cottage/House. At that time, Ormeau was perhaps the biggest private residence in Belfast, comprising some 20,000 square feet, according to local historians. After the 2nd Marquess died at Ormeau House in 1844, the 3rd Marquess decided to give up his home and move to Belfast Castle with his family, resulting in the Ormeau Park being abandoned. In 1869, as the Donegall family was struggling financially, Ormeau Park was acquired by Belfast Town Council, who chose to open it to the public in 1871. As the largest and oldest of Belfast's municipal parks, the Ormeau Park features orienteering routes, eco trails, a children's playground, and electric mobility scooters. It also offers multiple playing fields with football pitches, two bowling greens,a motocross track as well as basketball, tennis and netball courts.

6. Ormeau Park – Belfast’s oldest

The first municipal park in Belfast, the Ormeau Park, attracts all generations, be it families, casual joggers, or those more seriously engaged in sports. It is also popular as a venue for concerts and band performances, with a capacity of around 15,000 people. This historical park originally belonged to the Marquess of Donegall, a title in the Peerage of Ireland held by the head of the Chichester family, who were originally from Devon, England. The Donegall family moved to the park in 1807, setting up their home in Ormeau Cottage/House. At that time, Ormeau was perhaps the biggest private residence in Belfast, comprising some 20,000 square feet, according to local historians. After the 2nd Marquess died at Ormeau House in 1844, the 3rd Marquess decided to give up his home and move to Belfast Castle with his family, resulting in the Ormeau Park being abandoned. In 1869, as the Donegall family was struggling financially, Ormeau Park was acquired by Belfast Town Council, who chose to open it to the public in 1871. As the largest and oldest of Belfast's municipal parks, the Ormeau Park features orienteering routes, eco trails, a children's playground, and electric mobility scooters. It also offers multiple playing fields with football pitches, two bowling greens,a motocross track as well as basketball, tennis and netball courts. Photo: Contributed

Located in west Belfast, Falls Park is a preferred recreation space among local dog walkers, families and young people. The Falls Park was established in 1873. Previously, the area was owned by Belfast Corporation which bought 101 acres of land on Falls Road from the Sinclair family, setting aside some land for the building of Belfast City Cemetery, but allocating the rest for a new park in 1866. The area became a public park after the Public Parks (Ireland) Act was passed in 1869. With flower beds, trees, horticultural displays and grassland areas, it’s a perfect green place with a variety of features for all ages and abilities, including a dedicated youth area that features an outdoor classroom and a play park with modern play equipment. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a morning jog across the park, as well as making use of the free outdoor gym and park playing fields which feature a bowling green alongside football, Gaelic, hurling and camogie pitches.

7. Falls Park – destination for a healthy lifestyle

Located in west Belfast, Falls Park is a preferred recreation space among local dog walkers, families and young people. The Falls Park was established in 1873. Previously, the area was owned by Belfast Corporation which bought 101 acres of land on Falls Road from the Sinclair family, setting aside some land for the building of Belfast City Cemetery, but allocating the rest for a new park in 1866. The area became a public park after the Public Parks (Ireland) Act was passed in 1869. With flower beds, trees, horticultural displays and grassland areas, it’s a perfect green place with a variety of features for all ages and abilities, including a dedicated youth area that features an outdoor classroom and a play park with modern play equipment. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a morning jog across the park, as well as making use of the free outdoor gym and park playing fields which feature a bowling green alongside football, Gaelic, hurling and camogie pitches. Photo: Contributed

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