Attractions and Places To See around Divis - Top 20

Divis is renowned for its natural beauty, particularly Divis Mountain, which is the highest point in the Belfast Hills. From its summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that, on a clear day, extend as far as Donegal, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Cumbria. The area features a mosaic of grassland and heathland bog, home to diverse wildlife.

Yes, Divis and the surrounding Belfast area offer several significant historical and cultural sites. You can visit Belfast City Hall, an impressive man-made monument completed in 1906, or the Albert Memorial Clock, known as 'Belfast's Leaning Tower of Pisa'. Additionally, Divis Mountain itself holds archaeological significance, with remains like a Bronze Age homestead and a megalithic tomb known as 'Giant's Grave'. Divis Tower in West Belfast is also a stark landmark with historical importance during the Troubles.

Divis Mountain offers several well-developed walking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, including the Lough, Summit, Heath, and Ridge trails. The Summit Trail is a challenging 3-mile (4.8km) circular route through open heath and blanket bog, leading to the trigonometry pillar at the peak. For more options, you can explore the hiking routes around Divis.

Many attractions around Divis are suitable for families. Belfast City Hall and the Albert Memorial Clock are listed as family-friendly. The walking trails on Divis Mountain also offer varying difficulties, with some easier routes suitable for families. The Big Fish (Salmon of Knowledge) is a fun, large sculpture that children often enjoy.

Beyond walking, the area around Divis is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including moderate and easy loops on Divis and Black Mountain. There are also extensive cycling routes, such as the National Cycle Network Route 93, and dedicated running trails.

While the summit trails on Divis Mountain can be challenging, some areas and nearby attractions are wheelchair accessible. For example, Shaw's Bridge offers access to a towpath with a hard surface suitable for wheelchair users and strollers, allowing for a lovely walk alongside the River Lagan. Many of the urban highlights like Belfast City Hall and The Big Fish are also wheelchair accessible.

The best time to visit Divis Mountain for clear views and walking is generally during the drier and warmer months, typically late spring to early autumn (May to September). On a clear day, the panoramic views are spectacular. However, weather in Northern Ireland can be unpredictable, so it's always advisable to check the local forecast before your visit and dress in layers.

Divis and Black Mountain, managed by the National Trust, are generally dog-friendly. However, it is important to keep dogs on a lead, especially around livestock and to protect local wildlife and ground-nesting birds. Always ensure you clean up after your dog.

The duration of a walk on Divis Mountain depends on the chosen trail and your pace. The Summit Trail, a challenging circular route, is approximately 3 miles (4.8km) long. A moderate pace might take around 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete this specific trail, allowing time to enjoy the views. Other trails vary in length and difficulty.

Divis Mountain has designated parking facilities for visitors. For public transport, local bus services connect parts of Belfast to areas near Divis. It's recommended to check Translink's website for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules to plan your journey to the Divis and Black Mountain area.

Divis Tower is a significant landmark in West Belfast, representing the last remnant of the Divis Flats. It famously housed a British Army observation post during the Troubles, making it a key stop for those interested in Belfast's political history. Tours of the Falls Road often include a visit to Divis Tower, providing context on its importance during this period and offering opportunities to see nearby murals and the Peace Wall.

Divis Mountain is rich in archaeological history. Evidence of human activity dates back to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, with struck flint tools found in the area. Notable archaeological remains include a Bronze Age homestead and a megalithic tomb known as 'Giant's Grave'. The mountain also served as a strategic lookout for Gaelic clans and was utilized for military purposes during World War II.