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Viewed by some as a politically neutral venue, Hillsborough has played an important role in the Peace Process in Northern Ireland since the 1980s. In 2014, Historic Royal Palaces took over the running of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and began an ambitious project to restore the house and gardens to its former glory.
- State Drawing Room
The State Drawing Room is one of the newly re-presented...
- Red Room
Discover the ornamental lawns, meandering waterways,...
- The Fort
Discover the ornamental lawns, meandering waterways,...
- The Gardens
Hillsborough Castle's glorious gardens are bursting with...
- Tickets and Prices
Historic Royal Palaces is an independent charity that cares...
- Facilities
Our Hillsborough Castle Guidebook offers beautiful photos of...
- State Drawing Room
The castle then became known as Government House, the official residence of the Governor of Northern Ireland, remaining so for over 50 years. There were 5 governors during this time, serving from 1925 until 1972. The 1st Governor: Duke of Abercorn, 1922 – 1945. The 2nd Governor: Earl of Granville, 1945 – 1952.
- History of Hillsborough Castle
- Hillsborough Castle Today
- Getting to Hillsborough Castle
Hillsborough Castle is not in fact a castle: it’s a stately home, built in 1797 for Wills Hill, 1st Marquess of Downshire. Most of what you see today dates from the 1830s and 40s, when an extensive remodelling took place. The Hills were big entertainers, hosting lavish parties for up to 3,500 guests. The family began to use the house less and less,...
In 2014, Hillsborough Castle passed into the care of Historic Royal Palaces, a UK charity which manages unoccupied royal residences. The interior of the castle is accessible by guided tour only: it’s worth booking ahead online if you want a particular time. The gardens are particularly lovely: covering over 100 acres, they meander through formal Wa...
Hillsborough is about 12 miles south of Belfast: take the M1 out of town, and turn off onto the A1 (southbound) at Junction 7. Brown signs will direct you to Hillsborough’s free car park. If you’re coming via public transport, route 238 (Belfast-Newry) runs through Hillsborough Village regularly. The nearest train station is Lisburn, 5 miles away: ...
- Sarah Roller
May 26, 2024 · The story of Hillsborough Castle begins with Wills Hill, the 1st Marquess of Downshire, who commissioned the construction of the house in 1797. Designed by the renowned architect George Dance the Younger, the castle initially featured a simple yet elegant Georgian style (Rowan, 2004). However, it was during the 1830s and 1840s that the castle ...
Hillsborough Castle is an official government residence in Northern Ireland. It is the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland , [ 2 ] and the official residence in Northern Ireland of the British monarch and other members of the British royal family when they visit the region, as well as a guest house for prominent international visitors.
Apr 3, 2024 · Hillsborough ‘castle’ is actually a stately home Why is Hillsborough called a castle when it is just a big house? Hillsborough Castle, despite the name, is an elegant stately home rather than a traditional castle. This ‘bigging up’ of stately homes is quite common on the island of Ireland. Other non-castles include Belfast Castle and ...
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Sep 3, 2024 · 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.
