Hillsborough Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Eva Evulienka
Photo by Eva Evulienka
Photo by Eva Evulienka
Photo by Eva Evulienka
Photo by Victoria
Located in Northern Ireland’s stunning CountyDown with some of the best Georgian architecture Ireland has to boast,Hillsborough is only 12 miles south of Belfast andis the ideal spot for a verdant rural break. With just a few thousand residents,Hillsborough promises a quiet stay, while spoilingyou with scenic walks amidst stunning settings.

Steeped in heritage, historical Hillsboroughwas founded in the mid 17th century and is now a popular spotamongst food lovers. Spoil yourself with an assortment of gastro-pubs andquirky cafes, before you walk it off exploring historical architecture and theunspoilt countryside. This quaint town really guarantees you all the best that ruralNorthern Ireland has to offer.

Hillsborough’s History

Namedafter Sir Arthur Hill who built a fort here in 1650, Hillsboroughhas retained its historical name. While the prominent family who once lived herebecame the Marquises of Downshire, they remain an integral part of thevillage’s culture, evidenced by its architectural heritage and attractions. Forinstance, the column monument to the 3rd Marquis of Downshire is a memorial somewhatreminiscent of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, but it is all the morestriking for being located in this sleepy Northern Irish village.

SeeHillsborough’s Georgian Architecture

Hillsborough’shistoric centre offers some breathtaking examples of historic, and particularlyGeorgian, architecture. St. Malachy’s Parish Church, for instance, presents a splendidspecimen of the 17th century style. Even the town’s touristinformation centre is located in an 18th century courthouse.However, the jewel in the crown is undoubtedly CastleHillsborough, a Georgian Mansion which, in fact, is still home to theBritish Royal family on their visits to Northern Ireland.Between April and September, visitors can tour its stately rooms freely andenjoy nearly 100 acres of spectacular gardens.

Placesto Eat in Hillsborough

Thegastro-pubs and inns close to Hillsborough villagecentre are known for their delectable menus and unparalleled hospitality. Seafoodfans may even wish to visit at the height of the summer, when Hillsboroughhosts an annual International Oyster Festival, attracting visitors from as faraway as Argentina, Russia and Japan. If you’re not a fan of oysters, the Festivalalso offers parachuting, boat racing – and of course, Guinness!

Makethe Most of the Hillsborough Countryside

Asany dedicated hiker knows, there’s nothing better than a country walk to buildup an appetite before a good pub lunch. For nature lovers, there are countless picturesquewalks in the area, catering for all levels of experience from the relaxedrambler to the hardened hiker. Hillsborough offerssome tough but rewarding climbs, or, if you fancy something gentler, you couldtake a calm walk around the Hillsborough Lake andPark which is rich with bird and wildlife.

VisitHillsborough Today

Ifyou’re hunting for a country getaway abundant with history, gastronomy and thebeautiful landscape of Northern Ireland’s County Down,then Hillsborough should definitely be on yourlist. Why not book a trip to today with Expedia?

Arthurs

Arthurs

4 out of 5
4-6 Main Street, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
The price is ₹15,893 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹15,893
₹19,072 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star B&B in Hillsborough. Enjoy free breakfast, daily housekeeping and a coffee shop/cafe. Popular attractions Hillsborough Fort and Hillsborough ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"A lovely boutique hotel in a great location. Splendid breakfast. Wished we were staying more than one night."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Arthurs
Homestead Hillsborough Guest Rooms

Homestead Hillsborough Guest Rooms

3.5 out of 5
128 Ballynahinch Road, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
The price is ₹8,731 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
₹8,731
₹10,478 total
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star country house in Hillsborough. Enjoy free parking and housekeeping. Popular attractions Hillsborough Fort and Hillsborough Castle are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Wonderful place to stay
"Amazing apartments. Very clean and spacious. A peaceful location. Slightly outside of Belfast. The owner was very friendly and helpful. When we visit Northern Ireland again, we will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Homestead Hillsborough Guest Rooms
room2 Belfast Hometel

room2 Belfast Hometel

4 out of 5
32-36 Queen Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The price is ₹11,157 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹11,157
₹13,388 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (787 reviews)
"room2 Belfast is in a great location, central to dining, shopping, history, and even amazing ice cream (Mackies). The premises are clean, fresh, vibrant, and tastefully furnished. All this was complemented by friendly, attentive staff in what amounted to a perfect stay in Belfast."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

room2 Belfast Hometel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Hillsborough

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful little town with lots of history and excellent architecture

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