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The Glen

Explore this intimate corner, full of colour and intriguing details

The Glen at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is a typical Victorian garden feature, which comes to life in spring and summer.

See colourful magnolias, camelias and rhododendrons, deciduous azaleas and spectacular Embothrium from early March to late May.

Then in summer the luxuriant ferns create a shady area to sit and listen to the stream — an ideal stop on your wander through the gardens on a sunny day.

The Grotto

Look out for the statue of Ossian and accompanying bench and stones in the Grotto, which together tell the story of legendary Irish poet Ossian and the castle's links to the Romantic movement and the Gaelic Revival.

When

In line with gardens opening hours


Ticketing information


Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)

Buy Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tickets
The Glen at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, showing a stream running through a woody green area under a blue sky.
The bust of Ossian by Alexander Stoddard in the Glen at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, in front of a green hedge
The Glen and statue of Ossian at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

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  • Things to see

Walled Garden

Enter the castle grounds through this 18th-century walled garden, which has been expertly restored using traditional methods.

  • In line with gardens opening hours
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see

Granville Garden

Take a moment in this elegant rose garden created by Lady Granville, aunt to Queen Elizabeth II.

  • In line with gardens opening hours
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see

The Lake

Explore an expanse of picturesque waterways and magnificent giant sequoia trees in this secluded section of the castle grounds

  • In line with gardens opening hours
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Learn more

Browse more history and stories

Art at Hillsborough Castle

Hillsborough Castle has become a place in which to see amazing art

The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

‘The Grandest House in County Down’

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