Hillsborough Castle is an official government residence in Northern Ireland. It is the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and the official residence in Northern Ireland. From grand family home to charming royal residence, Hillsborough Castle has welcomed the world and witnessed pivotal chapters in British and Irish politics for over three centuries. Built in the 1770s by Wills Hill, Ireland’s largest landowner, first Marquess of Downshire and Secretary of the American Colonies, this is a splendid late Georgian ‘Big House’ with a fascinating history. Enjoy a tour of the castle, discovering elegant State Rooms, still used by the royal family, including the majestic Throne Room and graceful Drawing Room. Outside, explore 100 acres of beautiful gardens to complete a relaxing day out for the whole family.
Explore 100 acres of stunning gardens in the grounds of Northern Ireland's only royal residence. Afterwards, enjoy delicious food and drink in our award-winning café.
Opening Times:
Wednesday - Sunday: 10.00 - 16.00. Last admission 15.00
The historic Georgian castle surrounded by 100 acres of beautiful gardens in the heart of Hillsborough village.
Cared for by Historic Royal Palaces, the charity who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world.
Visit Hillsborough Castle's stunning gardens in all seasons and explore 100 acres of ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens.
Car park postcode: BT26 6HR. Please copy this postcode into your Sat Nav to direct you to the Car Park and Admissions.
For free on-site parking, please follow the brown tourist signs on the A1 south to our sign-posted car park entrance. Entrance is via the Weston Pavilion. The entrance to the site from the village will remain closed. If you are visiting the castle, you should aim to arrive on site up to 45 minutes prior to your booked time slot to allow time to make your way to the castle State Entrance.
We offer all the essential facilities to ensure your visit is safe and enjoyable.
We do everything we can to ensure disabled visitors enjoy their visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Disabled visitors are entitled to bring an accompanying adult/carer free of charge.
Disabled visitors are entitled to bring an accompanying adult/carer free of charge.
We support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, a discreet way to indicate to people that you need additional support, help or a little more time. We have Sunflower lanyards available to borrow from the Visitors Centre next to the A1 car park.
Enjoy a wide ranging seasonal menu of takeaway food and drink from our award-winning café, featuring produce grown in our very own Walled Garden.
Hillsborough Castle Café:
Located in the Weston Pavilion, Pineapple Yard
Shop for gifts and souvenirs inspired by this famous royal residence.
Our shops offer everything from souvenirs and gifts, to fine jewellery. You can also shop online and non-EU residents can buy tax-free.
We offer reduced admission for groups of 15 people or more.
Enjoy a castle tour and all-day entry to 100 acres of world-famous historic gardens.
We offer everything you need for the perfect educational visit.
Spaces are limited so book in advance.
You can include special sessions and workshops designed for pupils of all ages.
