Days Out NI
Pools & leisure Belfast

Shankill Leisure Centre

The only pool in Belfast with a wave machine, plus a warm baby pool and a beach-entry leisure pool.

4 photos
Open dailyCheck the swim timetable
Book onlineWalk-in or online
BelfastPools & leisure
Get directionsOfficial website
Per swimPer swim
Fun poolSwimming
Families, tod…Best for
Book onlineBooking
On siteParking

Shankill Leisure Centre — The only pool in Belfast with a wave machine, plus a warm baby pool and a beach-entry leisure pool.

  • Pools: leisure pool with wave machine and water features, a 25m length section, and a baby pool heated to 30°C.
  • What's here: leisure pool, baby pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, gym, sports hall.
  • Swim sessions: public swimming with scheduled wave times; lessons.
  • Cost: Check current prices.
  • Booking: pay and swim, book online or via the Better app.
  • Best for: families, toddlers, older swimmers who want warm water.
Plan your visit

Waves and warmth

The leisure pool is the draw. A wave machine kicks in at scheduled times each day and turns an ordinary swim into an event, and it's the only one of its kind in Belfast. The whole pool is warm, entered by a gradual beach slope rather than steps or a sharp drop, which makes it gentle for toddlers and older swimmers finding their feet.

The only wave machine pool in Belfast Warm leisure pool with water features Baby pool heated to 30°C Gentle beach-entry access Jacuzzi and sauna Gym and fitness classes
Good to know before you go:

Waves run at set times most days, often late morning and across weekend afternoons, so time your visit around them. Check the live Better wave and pool timetable before you travel.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🩱Swimwear & a towelBring a pound coin for the lockers too — some still take them.
  • 🥽Goggles & armbandsHandy for the little ones in the learner pool.
  • 💷A bit of pocket moneyFor the vending machine or café after a swim.
  • 📱The session timesPublic and family swims run to a timetable — check before you go.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Type
leisure centre with a family fun pool
Pools
leisure pool with wave machine and water features, a 25m length section, and a baby pool heated to 30°C
What's here
leisure pool, baby pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, gym, sports hall
Swim sessions
public swimming with scheduled wave times; lessons
Cost
Check current prices
Booking
pay and swim, book online or via the Better app
Best for
families, toddlers, older swimmers who want warm water
Accessibility
beach-entry access into the pool
Address
100 Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 2BD
Questions

Before you go

Can we just turn up for a swim?
public swimming with scheduled wave times; lessons
How much is it?
Check current prices
Is there a fun pool for the kids?
leisure pool with wave machine and water features, a 25m length section, and a baby pool heated to 30°C
Do I need to book?
pay and swim, book online or via the Better app
Is it accessible?
beach-entry access into the pool
Getting there

Shankill Leisure Centre is at 100 Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 2BD. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around BelfastSee what else is close by More pools & leisure across NISwims, flumes and family sessions
The story

Chasing the waves

Ask a Belfast kid where the wave pool is and they'll say Shankill, because it's the only one. When the machine switches on and the water starts to roll, an everyday swim suddenly feels like a trip to the seaside without leaving the city.

What makes it work for whole families is the warmth. This is the warmest pool in Belfast, with a gentle beach entry and a heated baby pool, so the toddlers and the grandparents are as happy as the wave-chasers.