Delve into specialist themes at Northern Ireland's Royal Residence
Do you have a special interest or want to delve deeper into Hillsborough Castle's unique history? Join our specially themed guided castle tours, with dates throughout the year.
You may even be lucky enough to access behind-the-scenes areas in the castle not usually seen by visitors.
Our Special Interest tours last 60 minutes.
Book your tickets today to secure your exclusive slot.
When
July - November
60 minutesWhere
Tickets available soon.
Ticketing information
Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Members go free.
Separate ticket
Buy ticketsArt Tour
12 July at 11:30 and 13 July at 16:00
09 August at 11:30 and 10 August at 16:00
From Reubens to Ramsey and Lely to Lavery, Hillsborough Castle is a place to see great art. Our expert guide will lead you through Hillsborough’s treasures including unique works from the Royal Collection and other major lenders on display for the first time in Northern Ireland.
LGBTQ+ Tour
19 July at 16:00, 21 July at 11:30 & 16:00, and 26 July at 16:00
02 August at 16:00, 04 August at 11:30 & 16:00
Led by an expert guide, you will get to explore changing attitudes to sexuality and gender identity using stories from the Castle's past and the rich collection of objects and paintings on display. From royal relationships and public scandals to political activism and evolving attitudes, Hillsborough Castle's connection to LGBTQ+ lives has existed for centuries.
Politics Tour
26 July at 11:30
30 August at 11:30
Hillsborough Castle has a long history of playing host to political discussions, going all the way back to American Independence in the 1770s. Join our expert guides as we unpick the intimate and world-shaping discussions held here behind closed doors.
American History Tour
04 July at 11:30, 05 July at 11:30, 06 July at 16:00, 19 July at 11:30, 20 July at 16:00
02 August at 11:30, 03 August at 16:00, 16 August at 11:30 and 17 August at 16:00
Step into history at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, with over 250 years of shared stories between the USA, UK, and Ireland. Our guides open up the historic connection with the USA and follow in the footsteps of presidents and peacemakers who used Hillsborough Castle as a vital backdrop to their discussions.
Members go free
Join as a Historic Royal Palaces member today and visit Hillsborough Castle and Gardens time and again for free. Enjoy our season of unmissable events or simply return to see the seasons change.
Join as a memberEXPLORE WHAT'S ON
- Events
- Families
Peter Rabbit Adventure
Discover 100 acres of fun with Peter and friends this summer. Treat your family with free gardens tickets for kids.
- Until 01 September 2024
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
- Events
- Families
Hillsborough Castle Summer Fair
Celebrate the bank holiday weekend at this three-day event with fun, music, and artisanal delights.
- 24 - 26 August 2024
- In line with gardens opening hours
- Hillsborough Castle
- Event and admission combined ticket (members go free)
- Families
Summer Music In The Gardens
Spend a summer afternoon relaxing in the gardens and listening to music.
- Until 17 August
- 14:00 - 16:00
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in all admission tickets (members go free)
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Discover our range of traditional toys and games inspired by Historic Royal Palaces. Bring history to life with our fun selection of toys and games inspired by our British heritage.
From £4.00
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In our home section you will find stylish lifestyle home accessories and furnishings, including cushions, tapestries, ornaments and much more which will add those finishing touches to make your room complete.
From £5.00