Photos: Ardfern, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Conall from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 Michael Dibb , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo credits
Photos: Ardfern, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Conall from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 Michael Dibb , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Botanic Gardens and the Palm House
Your local guide
Declan Boyd
View profile
Highlights
- A curved glasshouse, early and difficult
- Tropical plants in Belfast's climate
- Species growing since it first opened
- Victorian engineering explained on site
- Botanic Gardens' quiet, warm corner
About this tour
This session looks at the Palm House's curved glass and iron exterior before stepping inside to see the tropical plants it shelters. You see the structure's early and difficult curved design from outside, then the warmth and greenery growing inside it. Declan explains what made this glasshouse such an achievement when it was first built.
After a short sound check outside, the session moves indoors for a longer look at the plants, with time for questions throughout. Declan answers as you go and sends a short note afterwards on the gardens' other notable features.
It suits anyone interested in Victorian engineering and botany together, and works well for plant enthusiasts. It also appeals to families looking for a calm, green session.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Belfast before heading out.
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The Palm House exterior 15 min
The camera holds on the curved glass and iron structure of the Palm House, one of the earliest glasshouses of its kind still standing. Declan explains what made its curved design so difficult to build at the time.
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Inside the glasshouse 15 min
Stepping inside, the camera takes in tropical plants thriving in the controlled warmth. Declan points out species that have been growing here since the glasshouse first opened.
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Your questions 7 min
Time to ask anything about Belfast: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 3 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Yellowman honeycomb toffee and Titanic Quarter, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in London time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 10 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Belfast, showing you The Palm House exterior and Inside the glasshouse live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Belfast live with my phone. I walk from the gardens into the glasshouse.
Times shown in London time (GMT)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Tue 27 Oct · 10 seats left From 19,00 €
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