Name: Hillsborough Castle Special Interest Tours
Start: 2026-05-01T00:00
End: 2026-09-30T00:00
Location: Hillsborough Castle

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of art, politics or diplomacy at Northern Ireland’s Royal Residence.

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When

May - July 2026

10:30 & 12:00 (see individual tour sections)

Ticketing information

Members go free. Pre-booking recommended.

Tickets on sale soon.

Separate ticket

Each tour is for 60 minutes.

Tours and talks

Do you have a special interest or want to delve deeper into Hillsborough Castle’s unique history? On selected dates in May and July we will revel in the culture at Hillsborough Castle by taking a closer look at specialist themes.

Whether you want to learn more about our unrivalled art collection, hear intimate stories of peace-building, or learn about surprising and world-shaping US relations to the Castle, we have a tour for you.

Art tours

14 and 17 May at 12:00

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.

A woman with blonde hair in a beige jumper looks up at a painting depicting garden foliage with a Yew tree lined path and part of Hillsborough Castle appearing in the background. The painting is hung in a white frame, on the wall of an ornately decorated room inside the castle containing lots of pieces of artwork.

Three politicians stand talking to the media, who are off camera, in front of an official building. They look serious and determined

Politics tours

13 and 16 May 12:00

Hillsborough Castle has a long history of playing host to political discussions. From discussions of American Independence in the 1770s, to peace negotiations in the 1990s and beyond, join our expert guides as we uncover the intimate and world-shaping conversations held here behind closed doors.

American history tours

15 May at 12:00

04 and 05 July at 10:30

On Tuesday 15 October 1771, a reluctant Benjamin Franklin crossed over a busy market square and was ushered in through the doors of Hillsborough Castle by a most insistent host – Wills Hill, 1st Earl of Hillsborough.

Step into history at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, with over 250 years of shared stories between the USA, UK, and Ireland. With this fateful visit as a starting point, join our guides to explore 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.

Couple exploring the State Drawing Room and foyer whilst taking in the paintings and furniture.

A guide shows a group of visitors inside a Throne Room

LGBTQ+ history tour

18 and 19 July at 12:00

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.