Belfast's Botanic Gardens opened in 1928 and lie in the southern part of the city close to Queen's University, in County Antrim.

The highlight of the gardens is the beautiful Palm House, a curvilinear and cast iron glasshouse designed by Charles Lanyon that was one of the first of its kind in the world. The cool house and the stove wing were completed in 1840, and were built by Richard Turner of Dublin, who later transported the design to Kew Gardens. The elliptical dome was added later in 1852. Inside are plants that thrive in a variety of climates, from seasonal flora in the cooler wing to more exotic displays in the hotter stove wing.

The other conservatory is the Tropical Ravine House, which was completed in 1889 and was formerly known as 'The Glen'. It contains a sunken ravine filled with a remarkable collection of tropical, and some indigenous, plants, which can be observed from a raised, balcony-style perimeter walkway. Other attractions include the rose gardens, herbaceous borders and an arboretum. Also in the gardens, covering 8000 square metres, are the diverse collections of the Ulster Museum. The 28 acres of parkland are a popular place to relax on sunny days, and the gardens host music events and festivals throughout the year.

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