Guide to the Hillsborough Castle

Although Hillsborough Castle is called a castle, it really is not.  It really is a Georgian mansion. Hillsborough Castle recently has played an important part in the Peace Process in Northern Ireland by hosting numerous talks.  The castle is where the Queen would stay when she is visiting Northern Ireland.  Some of the rooms of the castle are open to the public Saturdays in May and June although pre-booking is recommended due to the high demand.  After you have had your guided tour of the State Drawing Room and the Dining Rooms, enjoy a walk around the gardens.  If you are interested in flowers, within the grounds of the castle is Europe’s largest rhododendron bush.   

A tour of the mansion lasts approximately one hour with a knowledgeable guide.   Adult tickets for the house and garden tour are £5 with a family ticket costing £12,50 (2 adults and up to 4 children).  If you are interested only in the gardens, admission is £2.50 per adult and £7.50 for families.  There are concessions available for pensioners and students. 

Virtual tours of the Hillsborough Castle are available at www.nio.gov.uk.