Impressive 18th-century mansion, built in the 1770s by Wills Hill, first Marquis of Downshire.
Formerly the home of the Governor of Northern Ireland, the mansion is now the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. See the State Drawing Room, Dining Rooms and the furniture, silver from HMS Nelson. Within the grounds is Europe’s largest rhododendron bush. Extensive rose garden, lakeside walks.
The Castle opens its gates to the public each Saturday in May, June and August. For admission charges, tour times and group bookings please contact the booking office. Group bookings available at other times by special request. A tour of the House lasts approximately one hour with the last tour beginning at 4pm.
The gardens are only open to the public during public opening times.
A virtual tour of Hillsborough Castle can be found on www.nio.gov.uk.
Prices
Guided tour of the House along with unguided access to the gardens: £6 per adult, £3.50 concesionary (adults over 60 years), £15 per family group (2 adults and up to 4 children).
Guided tour of the House and gardens: £10 per adult, £5 concessionary.
Guided tours of the gardens only: £6 per person.
Unguided access to the gardens only: £3 per adult and £9 per family group.
We do (where possible, as we are a fully functioning Government Building)permit House tours Monday to Friday from 2pm to 4pm for organised groups of 10 or more people and pre-booked using our dedicated booking line (028) 9268 9406 or by e-mailing hillsborough.castle@nio.x.gsi.gov.uk.
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