18 Oct Cave Hill
Cave Hill rises to almost 370 metres above sea level.
The slopes of Cave Hill were originally used as farmland but, from the 1880s, a major planting exercise was undertaken, producing the now familiar deciduous and coniferous woodland landscape.
There are three large caves. The lowest is 21 feet long, 18 feet wide and varies from 7 to 10 feet in height. Above this is another cave; 10 feet long, 7 feet wide and 6 feet in height. Above this is the third major cave, said to be divided into 2 unequal parts, each of which is more extensive than the larger of the other caves, but the ascent is notoriously dangerous and thus few venture to it.
The caves are man-made, and it is postulated that they were originally excavated for iron-mining.
Adjacent to the lowest cave is the ‘The Devil’s Cauldron’, a site where ancient celtic farmers corralled their cattle. This consists mainly of a steep hill, mainly of rocks and boulders, and is considered dangerous to amateurs.
See the Cave Hill on Belfast tours or when you are on tours of Ireland with the leading tour company “Ireland Luxury Tours”
It is obvious when you arrive on your cruise ship….just look to the right…oh sorry….STARBOARD !!
