Hillsborough Castle Special Interest Tours

Immerse yourself in a weekend of art, politics and diplomacy at Northern Ireland’s Royal Residence

Do you have a special interest or want to delve deeper into Hillsborough Castle’s unique history? On 10 and 11 May 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.

When

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May

11:30, 12:30 & 14:30

Ticketing information

Separate ticket

Buy tickets

Each tour will last 60 minutes.

Tours and talks

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.

Art tours

10 May at 11:30
11 May at 14:30

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 tours

10 May at 14:30
11 May 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 uncover the intimate and world-shaping discussions held here behind closed doors.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair making his famous ‘hand of history’ statement in the State Entrance of Hillsborough Castle, 7 April 1998.

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

American history tour

10 May and 11 May at 12:30

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.