Hillsborough Castle Special Interest Tours

Delve into specialist themes at Northern Ireland's Royal Residence

Do you have a special interest or want to delve deeper into Hillsborough Castle's unique history? Join our specially themed guided castle tours, with dates throughout the year.

You may even be lucky enough to access behind-the-scenes areas in the castle not usually seen by visitors.

Our Special Interest tours last 60 minutes.

Book your tickets today to secure your exclusive slot.

When

July - November

60 minutes

Where

Tickets available soon.

Ticketing information

Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Members go free.

Separate ticket

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Tours and talks

Art Tour

12 July at 11:30 and 13 July at 16:00

09 August at 11:30 and 10 August at 16:00

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.

Wide shot of Lady Grey's Study featuring the Preparing the Peace art work install at Hillsborough Castle in 2023.

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.

LGBTQ+ Tour

19 July at 16:00, 21 July at 11:30 & 16:00, and 26 July at 16:00

02 August at 16:00, 04 August at 11:30 & 16:00

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.

Politics Tour

26 July at 11:30

30 August 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 unpick the intimate and world-shaping discussions held here behind closed doors.

A young couple look at paintings in the Throne Room. The walls are lined with green silk damask and the paintings are hung in gold frames. Gold and grey details frame the walls and doors. A large rug covers the dark wooden floor.

State Drawing Room with carpeted floor and a variety of Persian rugs and furniture from the Royal Collection. A variety of Irish art hangs on the sunny yellow walls. Marble-like pillars frame the room.

American History Tour

04 July at 11:30, 05 July at 11:30, 06 July at 16:00, 19 July at 11:30, 20 July at 16:00

02 August at 11:30, 03 August at 16:00, 16 August at 11:30 and 17 August at 16:00

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.

Members go free

Join as a Historic Royal Palaces member today and visit Hillsborough Castle and Gardens time and again for free. Enjoy our season of unmissable events or simply return to see the seasons change.

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