Northern Ireland Office

Hillsborough Castle, the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, will open to the public for visits every Saturday during May and June 2005 from 10.30am to 4pm (except 11 June – opening 2pm-4pm)

Hillsborough Castle opens to the public for a limited time every year and has now become a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy both guided tours of the house and walks in the gardens.

The Castle is a late Georgian, two storey mansion, set in extensive gardens, with a history dating back to 1760. Located in the heart of the village of Hillsborough, the Castle was remodelled in the mid -19th Century and early 20th Century to its present form. Throughout the grounds are exotic plants, mature specimens and modern commemorative trees.

Since 1972 the Castle’s primary role has been as a residence for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Members of the Royal family are regular visitors to Hillsborough Castle, the highlights being the visits of Her Majesty the Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on the occasion of both the Silver and Golden Jubilee celebrations.

For a preview of what you can see at Hillsborough Castle take a virtual tour.

As Hillsborough Castle is an official Government Building the opening times may be subject to change at short notice.

Notes to Editors

• Hillsborough Castle and Gardens opens each Saturday in May and June from 10.30am to 4pm with the exception of 11 June – open 2pm to 4pm. Pre booking is advised.
• Tickets for Guided House Tour (including Garden Walks) 10.30am – 4pm. The House Tour lasts around 1 Hour, last tour 4pm.
• Adult tickets £5, Concessionary £3.50, Family £12.50 (2 adults and up to 4 children)
• Tickets for Garden Walks, Adult £2.50 and Family £7.50
• Information on bookings, collection of tickets and details on facilities for all visitors – please contact:
  
  Hillsborough Castle Booking Office,
  The Square,
  Hillsborough,
  County Down,
  BT26 6AG,
  Telephone: 028 9268 1309

• Visitors are asked to note that because of the natural terrain some areas of the grounds may not be accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.