The growth of a treasured public amenity

The Belfast Botanic Gardens had their origin in 1828, when a former nursery was purchased by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society. Its aim was 'rational enjoyment'. Members supported the collection of plants from around the world, and encouraged scientific research, but the Society was entirely self-funding, and the public had to pay for admission. Increasingly, to help with running costs, all sorts of events, including balloon ascents, concerts and sports were held in the Gardens.

Ultimately, even these efforts were not enough to keep the Society's Gardens going. The grounds were sold to Belfast Corporation for the then very large sum of £10,500, and in 1895 they opened as the Botanic Gardens Park, and have remained free to the public to this day.