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The trip will take place on Fri 9th May 12noon – 4pm and packed lunch is included.

This walking-based excursion explores the dramatic landscape of Cave Hill, a prominent basaltic outcrop overlooking Belfast. Starting at Belfast Castle, we ascend through woodland and past archaeological sites, following the path towards the summit. Along the way, we examine the striking geological formations of the Belfast Hills, shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago, and discuss their role in the region’s industrial history, from basalt quarrying to lime production.

The hill’s distinctive profile, said to have inspired Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, provides an opportunity to discuss the intersection of natural history and folklore. We will visit the Devil’s Punchbowl and the caves that give the hill its name, considering their possible prehistoric and historic use. Views from McArt’s Fort, an Iron Age rath, allow for discussion of the site’s strategic significance in past conflicts and rebellions.

Beyond geology and history, we will reflect on Cave Hill’s role in Belfast’s cultural memory, from radical politics to its place as a green refuge in an urban environment. The return route takes us via Napoleon’s Nose, offering insights into the ecological conservation of Belfast’s upland peatland landscapes and their enduring connection to the city below.