Hillsborough Castle
County Down, Northern Ireland
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Royal Palaces
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
301-303 Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough BT26 6TH
Telephone 0333 320 6000
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Hillsborough is a Georgian house rather than a fortress despite the name, and it's still an official royal residence, used for state visits and by the Royal Family in Northern Ireland. The gardens are extensive - walled garden, woods, a stream - and the house tour is well regarded, though photography inside isn't permitted.
Worth the trip
The walled gardens and grounds, which reviewers rate as highly as the house tour itself.
Before you go
No photography is allowed inside the house, so don't plan on it. Access for wheelchair users is well handled, with a mobility bus available for the grounds, according to reviewers who used it.
Visitors consistently praise the gardens as beautiful and the guided house tour as excellent, with staff repeatedly singled out as knowledgeable and welcoming, plus a well-regarded cafe. A couple of reviewers note that the castle interior itself isn't always open, so it's worth checking ahead, and photography isn't permitted inside.
Georgian house styled castle; royal residence, gardens
“It's not allowed to take pictures or videos inside of the castle. The staff was very knowledgeable and shared quite bit of political tidbit. The garden is very beautiful, it's quite enjoyable experience to follow the…”- Zemin Hu, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Amble car parking and I noticed discounts for people on certain benefits, check the website, if that applies to you.” - Lillian Graham
- Guided tours
- “Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, providing fascinating insights into the history of the castle and its former inhabitants.” - loopy Shaw
- Terrain & accessibility
- “This visit I was in a wheelchair pushed by my daughter and had my grandman who is on the spectrum.” - J Ashley
- Facilities
- “Cafe in the garden had tasty hot food and fresh cakes that will melt on your tongue!” - Marita
Common questions about Hillsborough Castle
Where is Hillsborough Castle?
Hillsborough Castle is in County Down, Northern Ireland, at 301-303 Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough BT26 6TH.
Do you need a ticket to visit Hillsborough Castle?
Yes - Hillsborough Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Royal Palaces. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Hillsborough Castle?
The walled gardens and grounds, which reviewers rate as highly as the house tour itself.
Is Hillsborough Castle a ruin or still intact?
Hillsborough Castle is largely intact - Georgian house styled castle; royal residence, gardens.
