


United Kingdom Read ReviewsHotels in Stormont Castle – Mostly located within walking distance from the Stormont Castle, budget hotels near Stormont Castle offers nothing less exquisite to match the grandeur and lineage of the castle itself. Offering comfortable rooms and standard toiletries, most of the castle accommodation in Belfast has complete amenities such as restaurants, fitness centres, recreation centres and more so that guests would not need to look outside for those basic functions. Savour the serene and tranquil ambience with the majestic castle as backdrop while you go sight seeing around the district which is full of lush trees and natural beauties.
The castle opens its door to public only once a year, during Heritage Open Days in September. You may want to plan your tour to coincide with the date so that you'll be able to see for yourself the magnificent 19th century castle that now houses the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Ireland.
Stormont Castle – Stormont Castle is a baronial mansion on the Stormont Estate in east Belfast and venue for regular Northern Ireland Executive meetings. Previously serving as the official residence of Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, but most prime ministers chose to live at Stormont House, the official residence of the Speaker of the House of Commons of Northern Ireland. This is because it was left empty, as a number of speakers choose to live in their own homes. Before devolution it served as the Belfast headquarters of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Office Ministers and supporting officials. During the troubles it was also used by MI5 officers.
The castle, built in 1858 in baronial style, comes complete with turrets, battlements and conical caps. Its flamboyant exterior is said to have inspired Scotland's Balmoral Castle. If you're lucky enough to visit the castle during its open days, you'll be amazed with the architectural marvels the castle holds, a combination of medieval mason and modern construction methods. You may want to ask for permission before start taking pictures, since taking pictures inside an official government building is strictly prohibited in Ireland unless granted via proper channel.