The Giant's Ring: Belfast's Ancient Neolithic Henge

Explore the Giant's Ring, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic henge near Belfast, featuring a central dolmen and vast ceremonial earthworks steeped in ancient mystery.

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Giant's Ring

The Giant's Ring is a vast Neolithic henge monument near Belfast, Northern Ireland, dating back to around 2700 BC. This prehistoric earthwork, nearly 200 meters in diameter, encloses a central dolmen known as the Druid's Altar. Surrounded by a raised earthen bank, the site served as a ceremonial and burial place for ancient communities and remains one of Ireland's most significant archaeological landmarks.

A brief summary to Giant's Ring

Belfast, GB
+442890823207
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-9 pm
Tuesday 10 am-9 pm
Wednesday 10 am-9 pm
Thursday 10 am-9 pm
Friday 10 am-9 pm
Saturday 10 am-9 pm
Sunday 10 am-9 pm

Local tips

Wear sturdy walking shoes to comfortably explore the earthwork and surrounding trails.
Visit during daylight hours as the site is open from 10 AM to 9 PM daily.
Bring a camera to capture the impressive scale and unique features of the henge and dolmen.
Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby Lagan Meadows for a fuller nature experience.
Check for any temporary access restrictions before visiting, as maintenance work can occasionally limit entry.

Getting There

Bus

Take the Metro bus service from Belfast city center to the Ballynahatty Road area near Shaw's Bridge; the journey typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Services run regularly during the day, but check schedules for evening times. Walking from the nearest stop to the Giant's Ring is about 10 minutes on a paved path.
Car

Driving from Belfast city center to the Giant's Ring takes approximately 15 minutes via Milltown Road and Ballynahatty Road. There is a small free car park near the site. Note that parking space is limited, especially on weekends, and the access road is narrow.
Bicycle

Cyclists can reach the Giant's Ring via the Lagan Valley Regional Park cycling routes from Belfast, with a ride time of around 30 to 40 minutes depending on pace. Bike parking is available near the entrance. Terrain is mostly flat with some gentle inclines.

Giant's Ring location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Windy Conditions

Discover more about Giant's Ring

A Monument Older Than the Pyramids

The Giant's Ring stands as a monumental testament to prehistoric ingenuity, dating back approximately 5,000 years to around 2700 BC during the Neolithic period. Located near Shaw's Bridge in Belfast, this enormous circular earthwork spans roughly 180 to 200 meters in diameter, enclosing an area of nearly 2.8 hectares (about 6.9 acres). Its earthen bank rises about 3.5 to 4 meters high, forming a striking henge that predates even the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. The scale and craftsmanship of the Giant's Ring highlight its importance as a ritual and communal site for ancient farming societies in Ireland.

The Central Dolmen and Ritual Significance

At the heart of the Giant's Ring lies a dolmen, often called the Druid's Altar, composed of five upright stones supporting a massive capstone. This portal tomb was originally covered by a mound of stones and earth, now eroded, and likely served as a burial chamber. Archaeological evidence suggests that the site functioned as a ceremonial center where funerary rites and ancestor veneration took place. The enclosure’s design, including irregular gaps in the bank, indicates it was not defensive but rather a sacred space for gatherings, rituals, and possibly astronomical observations.

Historical Layers and Cultural Continuity

Beyond its Neolithic origins, the Giant's Ring has witnessed diverse uses through time. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the site was repurposed as a racetrack for horse racing, with the earthen bank acting as a natural grandstand. The surrounding stone wall, built in 1841 by Viscount Dungannon, was erected to protect the monument and preserve its legacy. The site was among the first to receive legal protection under the Ancient Monuments Protection Act and has remained under state care since the early 20th century. Its continuous use and preservation underscore its enduring cultural significance in the Belfast region.

Archaeological Discoveries and Research

Recent archaeological investigations have uncovered nearby timber structures and burial remains, including the notable discovery of the Ballynahatty woman, providing rare DNA insights into ancient Irish populations. The Giant's Ring is recognized as the largest enclosed ceremonial space in Ireland, and its construction required immense labor and coordination. Scholars theorize the site was central to a 'cult of the dead,' reflecting complex spiritual beliefs distinct from other European megalithic traditions. These findings enrich our understanding of Neolithic life and the social dynamics of prehistoric communities around Belfast.

Visiting the Giant's Ring Today

Today, the Giant's Ring is part of the Lagan Valley Regional Park, offering visitors a tranquil setting amid fields and woodlands near Belfast. Well-maintained walking trails encircle the monument, allowing exploration of the earthwork and its surroundings. The site is free to enter year-round, with nearby parking and bus access. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and imagine the ancient ceremonies that once took place here, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Preservation and Local Significance

Protected as a State Care Historic Monument and an Area of Significant Archaeological Interest, the Giant's Ring remains a cherished landmark. The stone wall and commemorative plaques reflect local efforts to safeguard this ancient heritage. Its proximity to the River Lagan crossing, historically a vital route, emphasizes the site's strategic and cultural importance. The Giant's Ring continues to inspire curiosity and respect, standing as a silent witness to thousands of years of human history on the outskirts of Belfast.

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The Giant's Ring: Belfast's Ancient Neolithic Henge

A brief summary to Giant's Ring

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Car

Bicycle

Giant's Ring location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Giant's Ring

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Giant's Ring

A Monument Older Than the Pyramids

The Central Dolmen and Ritual Significance

Historical Layers and Cultural Continuity

Archaeological Discoveries and Research

Visiting the Giant's Ring Today

Preservation and Local Significance

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Lord Kelvin Statue

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Falls Rd

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Giant's Causeway Experiences

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Unmissable attractions to see

National Trust - Minnowburn

The Belvoir Oak

Forestside Shopping Centre

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Botanic Gardens

The Palm House

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Museum of Orange Heritage - Free Admission

Rise Sculpture

Ormeau Park

Game of Thrones Tours

McCombs Coaches

Giants Causeway Tour

George Best Mural

Essential places to dine

Hendrix Restaurant| Belfast

Blank Restaurant

Shu Restaurant Belfast

Deanes at Queens

Hunting Lodge Bar & Restaurant

A Peculiar Tea

Holohan's Pantry

Villa Italia

Molly's Yard

Scalini

Darcy's Belfast

Causeway Cafe

The Teal Monkey

The Ginger Bistro

Hope Street Restaurant Belfast

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Emporio

Deja Vu

The Yard Shop - Furniture & Accessories

The Kennedy Centre

Olive & Rose Apparels

Noor Bazaar

Great Northern Mall

Alchemy and Ashes NI

Esik Creations

Norn Irish Gift Shop

Carrolls Irish Gifts Belfast - Donegall Place