Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
About
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is the official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland. Over the course of some forty years, it has also been the backdrop to many of the most important political negotiations which led to the establishment of peace some twenty-five years ago. Located 25 minutes from Belfast and just over an hour from Dublin, the beautiful town of Royal Hillsborough is easily accessible from all corners of the island with free car and coach parking.
Set in one hundred acres of glorious gardens, our Walled Garden produces fruit and vegetables which we use in our award-winning café and sell the surplus in our garden shop. Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is a perfect visit for those who enjoy beautiful tranquil surroundings, great food and drink, history and culture.
Our expert hosts will lead you on a forty-five minute guided tour exploring Hillsborough Castle’s State Rooms, all of which are on the ground floor and easily accessible. From grand family home to charming royal residence, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has welcomed the world and witnessed pivotal moments in history for some 250 years. Come and discover for yourself the role this home has played as a private family home, as a political residence and place of talks and negotiations and also as the home of the Royal Family.
2024 sees the continuation of our ‘Life Through a Royal Lens’ exhibition. A stunning set of photographs charts the history of photography itself in capturing images of the Royal Family from the 1850s to the present-day; from the formality of the Victorian family to modern princes and princesses rolling in the grass, the changing rhythm of life in these islands is reflected. If you haven’t been yet, now is the time to plan your visit.
Opening Hours
Please refer to website before planning your trip: as a working royal and political residence Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is subject to unanticipated closures.
Gardens
