On 27 June 2005, the National Trust celebrated the opening of Divis and the Black Mountain.
The opening of Belfast's famous backdrop means that the people of the city and beyond now have access to a mountain landscape that has been in private ownership for decades.
Divis at 478 metres (1,562ft) and Black Mountain at 390 metres (1,275ft) form the dramatic backdrop to the city of Belfast.
The mountains offer spectacular views across Northern Ireland. The Mourne Mountains, Strangford and Belfast Loughs, the Castlereagh and Holywood Hills and the Sperrins are all visible. So are the coasts of England, Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Visiting Divis and the Black Mountain
- Divis and the Black Mountain are open all year round.
- Access is free.
- Car parking is available opposite the entrance to the property.
- Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for walking in the area- this is a mountain environment and weather conditions can change rapidly.
Events at Divis and Black Mountain
Getting there
Bus:
Ulsterbus no 106 between Belfast & Crumlin via Hannahstown, alight Upper Springfield Road.
Car:
From M1 motorway:
- Leave M1 motorway at Junction 2 (Stockman's Lane).
- Take the A55 (Outer Ring), signed Falls.
- Go straight across first two roundabouts.
- From dual carriageway, turn left on to Upper Springfield Road.
- Continue for 2.5 miles, and a short distance past the national speed limit sign, turn right on to Divis Road.
- Car park is on the left hand side opposite entrance to mountain.
From Belfast City Centre:
- Travel up the Grosvenor Road towards the Royal Victoria Hospital.
- At traffic lights go straight across Falls Road, on to Springfield Road.
- Continue along the Springfield Road until you come to a bend at the top of the Monagh bypass.
- Immediately after the travellers' site on the right hand side, turn right on to the Upper Springfield Road.
- Continue for 2.5 miles, and just past national speed limit sign, turn right on to Divis Road.
- Car park is on left hand side opposite entrance to mountain.
Please note: access to Divis and the Black Mountain is only from Divis Road.
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Habitats and wildlife
The mountains comprise a mosaic of grassland, heath and bog. They are home to a host of wildlife and archaeological remains.
The site is significant for biodiversity with red grouse, stonechats, skylark, snipe and other upland breeding birds, while peregrine falcons and ravens feed in the area. There are several occupied badger setts and hares can often be seen.
Thirteen species of waxcap fungi have already been identified on the site; one of them is a new record for Northern Ireland.
A rich and varied archaeological landscape reveals evidence for life and death rituals on the mountains particularly in prehistory.
At least four Bronze Age burial cairns are now known along with the site of an earlier megalithic tomb. Prehistoric hut sites survive along with two curious stone walled enclosures, one of which may be early Christian period in date.
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How you can help
At Divis and the Black Mountain, our wardens are supported by volunteers, many from local communities, to help provide access to this special environment.
We need more help to ensure local people and visitors can continue to enjoy safe access to the mountains. You can have your chance to contribute to one of our most exciting projects!
If you have an interest in getting involved in any way, from path building to site surveys or historical research, please contact:
Dave Morton
Community Engagement Officer
Tel: 028 9082 5434
Email Dave Morton
Contact Divis and the Black Mountain
For further information on Divis and the Black Mountain, please contact:
Divis Warden
12 Divis Road
Belfast
Tel: 028 9082 5434
Email Divis and the Black Mountain
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