The Palm House is a Victorian glasshouse at the entrance to Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, on College Park Avenue. Designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, its iron-and-glass structure is an attraction in its own right. Inside, two wings display tropical plants and species suited to cooler climates, with birds among the greenery. Take time to look for small busts and sculptures around the gardens, too. Entry is free, so it’s an easy stop to pair with a walk through the surrounding grounds.
A glasshouse in Botanic Gardens
The Palm House stands at the entrance to Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. The gardens were established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society and have been open as a public park since 1895.
Sir Charles Lanyon designed the Palm House, built in the mid-19th century. Its iron-and-glass construction includes a curving structure that was an early example of this type of greenhouse. The building’s design is part of the visit, alongside the plants inside.
Plants in two wings
The glasshouse has two wings, with tropical plants in one and plants suited to cooler climates in the other. Birds can also be seen among the greenery.
As you walk through the surrounding gardens, look for small sculptures and busts among the planting. The Palm House is free to enter, making it straightforward to include on a visit to Botanic Gardens.
Perguntas frequentes
Is the Palm House free to enter?
Yes. Entry is free.
Where is the Palm House in Belfast?
It is at the entrance to Botanic Gardens on College Park Avenue.
What can you see inside the Palm House?
Its two wings contain tropical plants and plants suited to cooler climates. Birds can also be found among the greenery.
