Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is the spectacular official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland. Delve into the history of this estate whilst enjoying the tranquil surroundings of 100 acres of grounds and gardens.

The Castle

Hillsborough Castle is the official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland. It has also been the location of some of the important political negotiations over the past thirty years, as part of the peace process. The castle is a grand family home which is used by members of the Royal Family when visiting Northern Ireland.

The link with the British royal family began in 1933 with the visit of Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone and granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

In March 1946, Princess Elizabeth made her first solo visit to Northern Ireland to launch Harland & Wolff's new ship HMS Eagle, staying at Hillsborough Castle with her aunt, Lady Rose Bowes-Lyon.

Since the 1970s, the castle has acted as a political retreat and hosted a number of important negotiations as part of the Peace Process. In 1985 the Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed in the State Drawing Room at Hillsborough Castle by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Irish Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald.

Many formal and informal talks at Hillsborough in 1998 led eventually to the Good Friday Agreement that established the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The Gardens

Hillsborough Castle's glorious gardens are bursting with colour and are a joy to explore. Discover ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, meandering waterways and picturesque glens at Northern Ireland's royal residence. Set in 100 acres of stunning parkland and gardens with a stunning four acre Walled Garden, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is a perfect visit for those who enjoy beautiful tranquil surroundings.

The historic gardens, which were developed from the 1760s onwards, offer intriguing contrasts between ornate formal gardens, woodland and meadows. Keep an eye out for specimen trees and rare plants as you explore the grounds.

Royal Style Exhibition 2025/2026

New for 2025 (and continuing into 2026) is our exhibition Royal Style in the Making which explores the relationship between the Royal Family and the designers who dress them. Three dresses, worn by Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and HRH Princess Margaret, plus drawings, patterns and film form this beautiful exhibition.