Hillsborough Fort

Uncover the origins of the Hill family

Uncover the origins of the Hill family

When

Closed indoors

Ticketing information

Hillsborough Fort lies outside the grounds of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

The Fort remains closed indoors but the surrounding green is open. 

A Hillsborough Castle and Gardens admission ticket includes access to 100 acres of beautiful gardens. Re-entry to the grounds is permitted for ticket holders. 

Free

Buy Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tickets

Stroll through the town to discover Hillsborough Fort, the first home of the successful Hill family who gave their name to the town.

Constructed in the 17th century, the iconic fort is now nestled in picturesque parkland.

Built to protect the road leading from Carrickfergus to Dublin, the fort has been a place of power, play and pleasure for more than 400 years.

In 1837, the Fort was used to celebrate the marriage of Lord Hillsborough, eldest son of the third Marquess, Arthur Hill. Over 4,000 guests attended this astonishing event, which was reported in the Ulster Times as a ‘fête…almost without parallel in the kingdom'.

A view of Hillsborough Fort from the pathway
A photograph of Hillsborough Castle taken from the pathway, with full green trees flanking both sides of the building

Download

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens map

Explore what's on

A guide shows a group of visitors the Throne Room in the State Rooms at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Two red and gold thrones sit at one end of the room and the walls are lined with green silk damask and the walls are lined with historical artwork.
Things to see

Castle tours

Discover elegant State Rooms still used by the royal family on a tour of Hillsborough Castle.

Postponed

Hillsborough Castle

Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (members go free)

Learn more
The Main Lawn. Showing shrubs in the foreground and trees seen across the lawn.
Things to see

The Gardens

Discover the ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens that surround Hillsborough Castle.

Open

Hillsborough Castle

Included in gardens admission (members go free)

Learn more

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