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United Kingdom
Northern Ireland

Ballymacward Upper

Top 6 Natural Monuments around Ballymacward Upper

Natural monuments around Ballymacward Upper offer diverse natural features, though the immediate area of Ballymacward Upper is characterized by flat, dry, and cultivated land. This region, part of County Galway, Ireland, provides access to various natural attractions. While Ballymacward Upper itself does not host prominent natural monuments, the broader area covered by this guide includes significant geological and natural wonders. These sites provide opportunities for outdoor exploration and experiencing varied landscapes.

Best natural monuments around Ballymacward Upper

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Last updated: May 18, 2026

Giant's Ring Dolmen

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The structure consists of a circular earthen ring with a diameter of 180 m and an area of 28,000 square meters, surrounded by an earthen rampart 3.5 m high. At …

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Cave Hill

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Enjoy views up to the terrific Cavehill, a rocky elevation marked by basalt cliffs and caves. Look closley and see if you can spot 'Napolean's Nose', a tall cliff that resembles the profile of the great empire Napolean.

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The Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is one of the most popular green spaces in Belfast. The park covers a huge area – 130 acres (52 ha) in total. …

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Belfast Botanic Gardens

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With thousands of colourful flowers and plant species from around the world, the Botanic Gardens are a wonderful place to visit. The gardens opened in 1828 as a private park …

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Napoleon's Nose

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Napolean's Nose is a cliff-edge that is said to resemble the profile of the famous emperor Napolean. See if you can spot the similiarity as you jog by.

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Yummy
November 2, 2025, Giant's Ring Dolmen

The facility is of impressive size.

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Puffin
November 2, 2025, Giant's Ring Dolmen

The structure consists of a circular earthen ring with a diameter of 180 m and an area of 28,000 square meters, surrounded by an earthen rampart 3.5 m high. At least three of the five irregularly distributed gaps in the ring are intentional and possibly original. East of the center of the ring is a small passage grave with a westward-facing entrance.

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The park covers almost 130 hectares and offers a variety of landscapes - from wide meadows and shady woodlands to manicured rose and Japanese gardens. The International Rose Trials, which take place here every year, are particularly exciting. If you come at the right time, you can admire an impressive variety of roses, which are judged by international experts. But the park has a lot to offer away from the roses in bloom: whether you just want to take a quiet walk in the Walled Garden, explore the Japanese Garden or challenge yourself on the orienteering course - everyone will find a favorite spot here. A small café provides refreshments and the playground also has something for younger visitors. The park has many hidden corners that make it an ideal stop to recharge.

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As you get closer, the mystical aura of the place unfolds, with its mighty, almost circular earthen wall, which measures over 180 meters in diameter and dominates the view over the surrounding plateau. This ancient henge complex is one of the largest and best-preserved monuments of its kind in Ireland - hard to miss when you get close to Shaw's Bridge. In the center of the ring, a megalithic tomb awaits you, which tells its own story with its five supporting stones and a mighty capstone. You can literally feel the thousands of years that have passed here since ceremonies and gatherings probably took place at this place. It is impressive how the Giant's Ring has survived over time, while the wooden structures of the Ballynahatty settlements are long gone.

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Tom
July 25, 2024, Cave Hill

Cave Hill is a very beautiful mountain on the outskirts of Belfast

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With thousands of colourful flowers and plant species from around the world, the Botanic Gardens are a wonderful place to visit. The gardens opened in 1828 as a private park and welcomed the public from 1895. Belfast's beautiful Palm House conservatory pre-date the glasshouses of Kew Gardens. Its domed roof has allowed plants to grow especially tall, such as a 36-foot (11 m) lily.

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With thousands of colourful flowers and plant species from around the world, the Botanic Gardens are a wonderful place to visit. The gardens opened in 1828 as a private park and welcomed the public from 1895. Belfast's beautiful Palm House conservatory pre-date the glasshouses of Kew Gardens. It's domed roof has allowed plants to grow especially tall, such as a 36-foot (11 m) lily.

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After you have rested up a while on the banks of this magical place - you can carry on through to the other side, where you will find a ride able trail taking you down in to the Lagan Valley, Connecting to the tow path that will take you all the way in to the city. Prehistoric enclosure, over 200 metres in diameter, with a dolmen in the centre. The big earthwork circle, roughly 200m across, is a beautiful example of a 'henge' monument, built in about 2700BC during the Neolithic period. Similar monuments are found elsewhere in Britain and Ireland, but this is one of the finest. In the middle is a tomb made up of 5 upright stones and a large capstone, the bare frame of what was originally a chambered grave, covered with a cairn of stones and earth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there prominent natural monuments directly within Ballymacward Upper?

Ballymacward Upper itself is characterized by flat, dry, and cultivated land and does not host prominent natural monuments. However, this guide covers significant natural and geological wonders located in the broader region, primarily around Belfast, offering diverse outdoor experiences.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see in the natural monuments covered by this guide?

The natural monuments featured in this guide offer a wide range of natural features. You can explore rocky elevations, basalt cliffs, and caves at Cave Hill, or discover extensive parklands with woodlands, rose gardens, and Japanese gardens at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. The Belfast Botanic Gardens showcase thousands of plant species from around the world within its conservatories and grounds.

Are there any natural monuments suitable for families?

Yes, several natural monuments in this guide are family-friendly. Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park Rose Garden and Stone Monoliths offers diverse landscapes and a playground. The Belfast Botanic Gardens are also great for families, featuring thousands of flowers and plant species. Additionally, the Giant's Ring Megalithic Tomb is a historical site within a natural setting that can be explored by families.

What historical or cultural sites are included among the natural monuments?

While primarily natural, some sites also hold historical significance. Cave Hill features McArt's Fort, an old ringfort. The Giant's Ring Megalithic Tomb is a henge monument dating back to 2500 BC, offering a glimpse into Neolithic times.

Can I find good viewpoints among these natural monuments?

Absolutely. Cave Hill provides sensational views across Belfast, Belfast Lough, and the Irish Sea from McArt's Fort. Divis and the Black Mountain, as the highest points in the Belfast Hills, offer expansive views across the north.

What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?

Near the natural monuments covered in this guide, particularly around the Belfast area, you can find various outdoor activities. There are numerous running trails, including moderate loops like the Milas Lake loop and more challenging routes such as the Cave Hill – Black Mountain Summit loop. For hiking, options range from easy trails like Mila's Lake loop to moderate routes around Divis and the Black Mountain. You can explore more options on the Running Trails around Ballymacward Upper and Hiking around Ballymacward Upper guide pages.

Are there easy hiking trails available near the natural monuments?

Yes, for those seeking easier walks, there are several options. You can find easy hiking trails such as the Mila's Lake loop from Poleglass or the View from Black Mountain – View from Divis Mountain loop from Tornaroy. These routes are detailed in the Easy hikes around Ballymacward Upper guide.

What makes Divis and the Black Mountain a notable natural monument?

Divis and the Black Mountain are the highest points in the Belfast Hills, offering panoramic views. They are characterized by dark basalt bedrock and feature a mosaic of grassland and heathland bog, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife and containing archaeological remains.

What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in this guide?

Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning views, such as those from Cave Hill, and the diverse landscapes found in places like Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. The rich botanical collections at Belfast Botanic Gardens and the historical significance of sites like the Giant's Ring Megalithic Tomb are also highly valued.

Is there public transport available to reach these natural monuments?

While specific public transport details for each monument are not provided here, many of the featured sites, particularly those around Belfast like the Botanic Gardens and Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, are generally accessible via local public transport networks within the city. It is advisable to check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Are the natural monuments covered in this guide wheelchair accessible?

The Belfast Botanic Gardens are noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering a pleasant experience for all visitors to explore its extensive plant collections and conservatories.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Ballymacward Upper:

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