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While the most famous official royal residences are Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Palace of Holyroodhouse (in Scotland), there is also Hillsborough Castle in Northern Island. Visitors should take the time to visit both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (they are quite different). Visiting Hillsborough Castle is one of the top things to do in Northern Ireland.
The Hillsborough Castle is the official residence of the monarch in Northern Ireland (now King Charles III) when he is present in the province - otherwise, it is the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. It does not have the same level as the official royal residence of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, or the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Hillsborough Castle - The Royal Residence Of Northern Ireland
Hillsborough Castle is situated in the village of Royal Hillsborough. Despite its name, it is not actually a true castle but rather a Georgian country house. It is what is known as a late-18th-century Irish Big House. It was common practice for the British upper classes to call their grand country houses "castles" as it added to the sense of the antiquity of their families.
It was built in the 1700s and later sold to the British government in 1922 with the partition of Ireland as southern Ireland became independent while Northern Ireland was carved out and remained in the United Kingdom. It has since played a central role in the peace-building process for 40 years and putting the Troubles in the past.
- Status: Royal Residence & Official Home Of The Secretary Of State For Northern Ireland
As well as being the official residence for King Charles III while in Northern Ireland, it is also used as an important guest house for prominent international visitors.
Today it is managed by Historic Royal Palaces and is open to the public, and is located a short drive out of Belfast - the largest city in Northern Ireland.
Hillsborough Castle's Impressive Gardens
The Hillsborough Castle's gardens are impressive. It has over 100 acres of ornamental lawns, peaceful woodlands, glens, and meandering waterways. The gardens are glorious and burst with color. With the general admission ticket, visitors can wander all through the garden.
- Size: 100 Acres
Take the time to discover the historic gardens that were developed from the 1760s onwards. Pick up a copy of their garden explorer map and see the garden's many unique features.
Notable features in the garden include the Walled Garden, Moss Walk, Yew Tree Walk, the Lake, and Lady Alice's Temple. There is also an interactive play trail for the children - the Imaginary Menagerie. It is an animal-inspired trail through the gardens celebrating the animals that make Hillsborough their home.
Tours Of Hillsborough Castle
The park also has a number of themed guided castle tours - these may only be available for a limited period for only this autumn.
- When: Seasonally & On Weekends
Hillsborough Castle offers Family Fun Tours, LGBTQ+-themed tours (about how perception has changed over the years), Art Tours, Conservation Tours, and more.
Family fun tours, for example, are aimed at families with children aged 5-11 years old. Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes early, and the tours last for 20-30 minutes. The time slot for the guided tours needs to be selected and booked online before arriving at Hillsborough Castle.
Planning A Visit To Hillsborough Castle
The Hillsborough Castle is a working royal and governmental building. There are sometimes special events being held here (even American Presidents have been entertained there), so it is important to check their website for their calendar and to know when it is open to the public.
- Duration: Most Visitors Stay Around 45 Minutes
Hillsborough Castle Opening Hours:
- Gardens: Wednesday to Sunday During October Hours Vary
- Castle: Weekends Only, Hours Vary
Tickets & Prices:
- Members: Free
- Adult: £15.25 ($17.50)
- Child: £7.60 ($9.00)
Sometimes the castle also holds special events for visitors. One example is the Scarecrow Festival held in October and November. The Scarecrow Parade presents a gathering of scarecrows made by local schools and community groups and presents a dazzling array of kings, queens, and rulers.