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Hillsborough Castle Special Interest Tours

Delve into specialist themes at Northern Ireland's Royal Residence

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

Selected dates September - November

60 minutes

Ticketing information

Pre-booking is recommended. Members go free.


Separate ticket

Buy tickets
Wide shot of Lady Grey's Study featuring the Preparing the Peace art work install at Hillsborough Castle in 2023.

Art Tour

12 October at 15:00

08 November at 11:30

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.

Politics Tour

27 September at 11:30 and 28 September at 16:00

26 October at 15:00

22 November 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.

A young couple look at paintings in the Throne Room. The walls are lined with green silk damask and the paintings are hung in gold frames. Gold and grey details frame the walls and doors. A large rug covers the dark wooden floor.
State Drawing Room with carpeted floor and a variety of Persian rugs and furniture from the Royal Collection. A variety of Irish art hangs on the sunny yellow walls. Marble-like pillars frame the room.

American History Tour

21 September at 16:00

19 October at 15:00

01 November at 11:30 and 15 November at 11:30

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 member

EXPLORE WHAT'S ON

  • Families
  • Events
  • Christmas

Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

  • 23 November 2024 - 05 January 2025
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
  • Things to see

Ante Room

Discover the heart of the castle, which provides access to some of the most important spaces.

  • Open Wednesday - Sunday
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see
  • Tours and talks

The Castle

Discover elegant State Rooms still used by the royal family inside Hillsborough Castle.

  • Open Wednesday - Sunday
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
Learn more

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Shop Children's Toys

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

Shop homewares

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