As Northern Ireland’s only royal residence, Hillsborough Castle in pretty special.
Set in 100 acres of gorgeous gardens, this historic home is the official residence of the Queen and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Those that visit Hillsborough Castle can tour the palace, explore the gardens and drop into the award-winning cafe for a cuppa and a cake.
Some quick need-to-knows about Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Although a visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Hillsborough Castle is located on The Square in Hillsborough, 12 miles southwest of Belfast along the M1/A1. It’s a 10-minute drive from Hillsborough Forest Park, a 15-minute drive from Lady Dixon Park, a 20-minute drive from Colin Glen.
2. Parking
There is free onsite parking for visitors; just follow the signs from the A1 to the car park entrance and Weston Pavilion. There is no access from the village.
3. Toilets
Toilets can be found at Weston Pavilion, Pineapple Yard and the Gardens. They all have disabled access and baby-changing facilities.
4. Opening hours
The castle and gardens are open:
- Gardens (26 May – 29 September): Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with the last entry one hour before closing
- Castle (01 September – 29 September): Open daily from 11:00, with the last timeslot at 15:00
5. Tickets
Ticket prices for the castle and 100 acre royal gardens are:
- Members: Free
- Adult: £20.20
- Child: £10.10
History of Hillsborough Castle
Hillsborough Castle was built as a grand Georgian country house for the Hill family (Earls of Downshire) around 1760.
It was owned by successive Marquesses until 1922 when the 6th Marquis sold it to the British government. This created a home and office for the Governor of Northern Ireland following the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921.
Government House
After some renovations, the first Governor, 3rd Duke of Abercorn, took up his official residence in the castle and it was renamed Government House.
In 1972, the role of Governor was abolished and direct rule was moved to London. A new role of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland was created in place of the Governor and Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
As the representative of the Queen, the castle became his official residence. The gardens were opened to the public in 1999.
VIP Guests
Hillsborough Castle has hosted many important meetings and royal visitors. The Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed there in 1985, the Queen stayed at the castle in 2002 during her golden Jubilee Tour.
US President George W. Bush was a guest in 2003 along with British PM Tony Blair. In 2014, the Prince of Wales hosted the first investiture in Northern Ireland at the castle. The same year, management of the castle was contracted to Historic Royal Palaces.
Things to do at Hillsborough Castle
There’s plenty to see and do at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, making it a great place to escape to if you’re staying in Belfast.
Below, you’ll find info on everything from the gardens and the castle tour to the lake and much, much more.
1. Ramble through Hillsborough Castle Gardens
Hillsborough Castle Gardens are beautifully tended by a team of gardeners all year round. Enjoy the formal ornamental gardens which give way to woodland trails, meandering waterways and beautiful glens in the surrounding estate.
Established in the mid-18th century, the stunning gardens now have many mature trees, specimen plants and rare species.
A Garden Explorer Map is available and gives details of the highlights. These include the Walled Garden, tranquil Yew Tree Walk, Moss Walk, Lake and Lady Alice’s Temple. Granville Rose Garden was created in the 1940s by Lady Rose Bowes-Lyon, wife of the second governor.
2. Explore the Castle
Now managed by Historic Royal Palaces, this elegant Georgian country house has some stunning State Rooms used for official functions. These include the Throne Room, State Drawing Room, Lady Grey’s Study. State Dining Room, Red Room and Stair Hall.
You can learn more about the history and see the opulent interiors on a guided tour. Timed tickets are issued and need to be booked on arrival.
3. Stroll around the Walled Garden
Once an 18th century kitchen garden sheltered by high stone walls, the four-acre Walled Garden still produces fruit, vegetables and flowers for the castle.
Restored and presented as a productive working area, it has a dipping pond, colourful herbaceous borders in late summer and seasonal crops.
The orchard has espaliered fruit trees, some planted over 100 years ago. Irish apple varieties include Kilkenny Pearmain and Bloody Butcher.
4. Soak up the views at the lake
Hillsborough Castle has its own stream-fed lake and Mill Race that powers a hydro-electric turbine providing power for the estate. This secluded lake area is home to kingfishers, swans and their cygnets.
The lake is surrounded by mature trees including Giant Sequoias (Redwoods) in the Pinetum. They were planted in the 1870s along with other mature trees that have stood here for over 140 years.
Things to do nearby
One of the beauties of the castle is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Belfast (there’s also several things to do in Lisburn nearby, too).
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the castle.
1. Hillsborough Forest Park (7-minute drive)
Close to Hillsborough Castle and the local village is the scenic Hillsborough Forest Park. Covering 200 acres, it is a peaceful spot for bird-watching, walking and nature-spotting. Graded way-marked routes, lakeside views and a playground are complemented by Percy’s Cafe at the car park.
2. Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park (17-minute drive)
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is an award-winning 128-acre public park on the outskirts of Belfast. It has something for everyone – three walking trails, forests, a café, playground and formal gardens including the International Rose Garden.
3. Colin Glen Forest Park (30-minute drive)
Colin Glen is the leading Adventure Park in Ireland. Close to Belfast city, it has sports pitches, an indoor sports dome, archery, laser tag, the Black Bull Run (Ireland’s first Alpine Coaster) and River Rapid, Ireland’s longest Zipline. It’s also home to the official Gruffalo Trail to feed youngsters’ imagination.
4. Belfast City (20-minute drive)
Belfast City is crammed with things to do. Visit museums, the Belfast Cathedral Quarter and Titanic Experience or go shopping at historic St George’s Market. It has an excellent food scene with pubs, cafes and upscale bistros lining the streets and providing a hub of nightlife.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.