Occupying 28 acres (110,000 m2) of south Belfast, the gardens are popular with office workers, students and tourists.

It continued as a private park for many years, only opening to members of the public on Sundays prior to 1895.

Lanyon altered his original plans to increase the height of the latter wing's dome, allowing for much taller plants.

Built by head gardener Charles McKimm in 1889, it features a unique design.

Concerts and music festivals are held at the Stranmillis Embankment end of the gardens.

Performers included Kings of Leon, Franz Ferdinand, The Coral, The Streets and The White Stripes.

40,000 fans attended, with thousands more lining the perimeter fence and watching from rooftops on Ridgeway Street.