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Daytime Venue Hire

Our history, your story

Regal splendour just 20 minutes from Belfast

Hillsborough Castle has been the official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland since 1922, although its origins stretch right back to the 18th century. During that time, the castle has borne witness to momentous historical change and played host to monarchs, ministers and heads of state.

Today, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens' pedigree makes it an inspiring venue for events of all sizes.

Each of our spaces have their own unique character, but all are guaranteed to add a sense of occasion and ceremony to meetings, conferences and away-days.

Enquire about events at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

View our Brochure

Please take a look at our brochure, which has all the information on our venue spaces and hire fees. To view this, simply click through and type your name where requested.

View our brochure

Marquee sites

For daytime or evening events, the castle's immaculate gardens can accommodate marquees for up to 350 people, which are ideal for conferences and award ceremonies. Why not make the most of this majestic setting by incorporating the beautiful formal gardens and terraces?

For daytime events, you and your guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the 100 acres of stunning gardens, woodland and glens should you wish to incorporate time for this into your event schedule.

Capacity

  • Up to 350 guests for conferences and award ceremonies

Availability

  • Available for daytime or evening hire
Marquee for 135 people on the South Lawn Marquee Site at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. A view of the castle's South facade visible in the background.
The Privy Council Chamber.

The Privy Council Chamber

A handsome and welcoming room, which is ideal for small meetings and presentations for up to 18 people.

Lord Downshire originally built this room in the 1840s for his billiards table, but prior to 1972 this is where the governors of Northern Ireland would meet the Privy Council, their appointed council of senior advisers and politicians.

The room comes ready prepared with a large screen for presentations, jugs of water and glasses for your table, and fresh flowers from the castle's gardens. A variety of delicious lunch and catering options are also available. Please contact us for further details.

Capacity

  • Up to 18 people for small meetings and presentations

Availability

  • Available for daytime hire

The State Rooms

Throne Room

The Throne Room is every bit as majestic as the name suggests. Tastefully decorated in white, gold and green, the room is dominated by an elaborate silk coat of arms and two chairs of state, which represent Her Majesty The Queen when she's not in residence. It is the largest and most versatile space in Hillsborough Castle.

When the Royal Family is not using the Throne Room for official functions, it can be hired during the day for conferences, awards, product launches, and receptions that require a little extra something.

Capacity

  • Up to 120 guests for receptions and conferences

Availability

  • Available for daytime and evening hire
Throne Room setup for dinners and ceremonies.
The Red Room at Hillsborough Castle with rich red walls and paintings.

The Red Room

The Red Room, so-called for its deep crimson damask wallpaper, is the most intimate of the castle's State Rooms, making it ideal for small meetings and presentations.

With a solid oak floor and several impressive portraits from the Royal Collection, the cosy yet luxurious atmosphere is completed by a grand chandelier and an impressive fireplace designed by the architect William Kent.

Capacity

  • Up to 30 guests, theatre style

Availability

  • Available for daytime and evening hire

State Dining Room

You'll be in good company in the State Dining Room, which has played host to such luminaries as Eleanor Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and innumerable ambassadors and international delegates.

With its impressive history and elegant décor, the State Dining Room is perfect for corporate entertaining, lunches, and other intimate occasions. You and your guests can take a private tour of the castle before enjoying dinner in the company of George III and Queen Charlotte, whose portraits grace the walls.

Capacity

  • Up to 40 guests, theatre style

Availability

  • Available for daytime and evening hire
State Dining Room with long table dressed. A Waterford Crystal Chandelier hangs above the long mahogany dining table. Daylight coming in from the windows casts shadows on the mahogany dining chairs and table legs. Gold-framed paintings hang on the walls and a large green rug compliments the green walls.

Approved suppliers

Whatever the nature of your event our preferred suppliers can help you deliver an unforgettable experience for your guests.

Find out more about our approved suppliers

Contact us

If you would like to hire Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for your event, please call our team on +44 (0)28 9268 1342 to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, you can fill out an enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.

Enquire about a venue

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A group of visitors are being entertained by a HRP Explainer in the Red Room in Hillsborough Castle. In the centre of the room is a long Georgian dinning table that looks like it's currently being setup for a lavish dinner party, silver cutlery and crystal are visible on the table top. A Waterford Crystal chandelier hangs above the table and the walls are green. Red and gold curtains frame the tall windows and full-length gold-framed mirrors hang between them. A large rug with a flax flower design covers the wooden floor below.

Hillsborough Castle Exclusive Evening Tours

A wonderful addition or a stand-alone experience as part of any event or itinerary.

Throne Room dressed for wedding dinner.

Hillsborough Castle Dinners and Reception

Discover an elegant dining venue on the edge of Belfast

MJM Marquee located on the South Lawn Marquee Site at Hillsborough Castle for a wedding. MJM have given permission for these assets to be used uncredited, but credit where possible.

Hillsborough Castle Large-scale Event

Magnifiecent marquee events at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.