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

Select dates in July 2026

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

Ticketing information

Members go free. Pre-booking recommended.

Buy tickets below.

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.

American history tours

04 and 05 July at 12:00

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.

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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.

Buy LGBTQ+ tours tickets

Members go free

If you’d like to join multiple tours, why not join as a Historic Royal Palaces member today and visit Hillsborough Castle and Gardens time and again.

Enjoy our season of unmissable events or simply return to see the seasons change.

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Explore what's on

Things to see
Tours and talks

The Castle

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

Dates:
Open
Location: Hillsborough Castle
Ticket type: Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)

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Exhibition
Things to see

Royal Style in the Making

Discover the intimate bond between royal clients and fashion designers in a captivating new exhibition at Hillsborough Castle.

Dates:
Until 03 January 2027 (in line with Castle opening hours).
Location: Hillsborough Castle
Ticket type: Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)

Learn more