The grandest house in County Down
Built in the late 18th century as a “big house,” or townhouse residence, by the ambitious Hill family, Hillsborough Castle was expanded by subsequent generations, with significant remodelling in the 1830s and 1840s. After the British government purchased the house in 1925, it served as the residence of the Governor of Northern Ireland for the next 50 years, before becoming the official home of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland — a role it still holds today — as well as King Charles III’s official residence in Northern Ireland. Throughout its history, Hillsborough Castle has hosted many distinguished visitors, from Benjamin Franklin to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Since 2014, Historic Royal Palaces has cared for the castle, and visitors can now explore its elegant State Rooms. The magnificent Throne Room, draped in splendid silk damask, is the most grand room in the house, hosting official ceremonies and weddings. The more intimate Lady Grey’s Study played a pivotal role in modern history: as the site of Northern Ireland peace talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement, it displays the signed document alongside a collection of preparatory sketches for official portraits. The richly appointed Red Room, used for political meetings since the 1970s, features paintings by Anthony van Dyck, Sir Joshua Reynolds and William Hogarth. Throughout the house, artworks from the Royal Collection, the Schorr Collection and contemporary Irish artists are curated to reflect both the castle’s history and its current role.
Outside, 100 acres of ornamental lawns, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens surround the castle. The beautiful Walled Garden dates to the 18th century and originally served as a productive kitchen garden, supplying fruit, vegetables and flowers for the house. Today, it has been restored with a dipping pond, seasonal plantings and an apple orchard. From the castle, visitors can follow the Yew Tree Walk, Moss Walk or Lime Tree Walk — three distinct scenic routes leading to Lady Alice’s Temple, a quiet place for contemplation gifted to Lady Alice Hill for her wedding. Further afield lies the Lost Garden, a once-forgotten Victorian landscape now revived with a Chinese glade, Chilean walk and Irish bog garden. Set apart in more secluded grounds, the lake and pinetum offer historic paths winding past giant sequoia trees planted in the 1870s.
The Throne Room at Hillsborough Castle. © Historic Royal Palaces. Photo by James Brittain
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