Hillsborough Castle

Hillsborough Castle is a late 18th-century Georgian country house in the village of Hillsborough, County Down, Northern Ireland, used for official government business and occasional royal visits. It functions as an official residence for the British government in Northern Ireland and contains formal state rooms and grounds.

Public visitors can tour selected state rooms and the surrounding gardens when the property is open; the estate is known for its walled ornamental gardens and mature parkland. The house has hosted political meetings and ceremonial events in its role as an official residence.

The castle and gardens are located in the village of Hillsborough in Northern Ireland, within easy reach of surrounding towns and the greater Belfast area.

• Visitor access: The house serves as an official government and royal residence in Northern Ireland but opens parts of the interior and gardens to the public seasonally; check for tour availability and booking requirements.

What to See #

• State Rooms: The formal interior contains state rooms used for official receptions and occasional royal visits; parts of the house are offered on guided public tours.
• Gardens and Park: Walled ornamental gardens and parkland surrounding the house include formal lawns, specimen trees and riverside walks that are open to visitors.