Hillsborough, County Down: The Castle, Gardens, Fort & Things to Do

Royal Hillsborough, usually just called Hillsborough, is a historic village in County Down, about twelve miles south-west of Belfast. Its main street climbs a hill lined with elegant Georgian houses, antiques shops and restaurants, with the gates of Hillsborough Castle at the top.

Why Hillsborough Is Special

Hillsborough is one of the most handsome villages in Ireland, with a wide square, a fine church and a castle whose gardens are open to visitors.

It is also a favourite for food lovers and browsers, with good restaurants, an oyster festival and antiques and interiors shops.

The History of Hillsborough

Hillsborough grew up around a fort built by the Hill family in the 17th century, from whom the village took its name. The fort still stands at the edge of the village, beside the lake of the forest park.

Hillsborough Castle, a Georgian country house, is the official residence of the royal family in Northern Ireland. It is cared for by Historic Royal Palaces, and its state rooms and gardens are open to visitors on many days of the year.

The village has been called Royal Hillsborough since 2022.

Things to Do in Hillsborough

Tour Hillsborough Castle and walk its 100 acres of gardens (check opening days). Walk round the lake in Hillsborough Forest Park and see the fort.

Browse the village's antiques and interiors shops and have lunch in one of its restaurants.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Hillsborough

See the Hillsborough Castle and Gardens listing. In the village, The Vintage Room sells antiques and interiors, and Ballinderry Antiques is a short drive west.

For gardens, Rowallane Garden at Saintfield and Dobbies Lisburn are close by, and Belfast's Botanic Gardens, Belfast are twenty minutes away.

Hillsborough Through the Seasons

Spring brings the castle gardens into flower. Summer is the season for garden visits and the lakeside walks. Autumn colours the forest park, and at Christmas the Georgian village is lit and festive.

Getting to Hillsborough

The nearest railway station is Lisburn, about four miles away, with buses to the village. Hillsborough is just off the main road between Belfast and Newry.

Hillsborough: Questions & Answers

Can you visit Hillsborough Castle?

Yes. Historic Royal Palaces opens the state rooms and gardens on many days of the year; check before you go.

How far is Hillsborough from Belfast?

About twelve miles south-west.

Our Advice

Our advice: Book a tour of the castle and gardens, walk round the lake, and stay for dinner in the village.