Things to do in Hillsborough

Activities, attractions and tours

Quiet place of worship.
Quiet place of worship.
The place full of history. Artillery fort built in 1650.
Charming royal residence in Northern Ireland.
Charming royal residence in Northern Ireland.
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Top places to visit

1. Titanic Belfast

Inside, the stunning exhibition chronicles the history of the Titanic from its inception and launch to its 1912 sinking, all set against the story of Belfast of the time. The intertwining themes are brought to dazzling life by photographic galleries, multimedia projections, special effects and stunning virtual experiences.
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Titanic Belfast featuring modern architecture and signage

2. Waterfront Hall

Planning for the Waterfront Hall, on Lanyon Place on the riverfront, began in 1989 and construction finished in 1997, the same year it opened its doors.
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BA7NM1 Waterfront Hall Belfast Northern Ireland

3. Belfast Castle

History lovers mustn’t miss out on a visit to Belfast Castle, the much-loved structure that can be seen throughout Belfast and which offers wonderful views over the city and surrounding area. Explore the castle’s spacious grounds, hike up Cave Hill or have a bite to eat in the castle’s cellar.
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Belfast Castle which includes heritage architecture, a park and a castle

4. Belfast City Hall

Plans for Belfast City Hall were first drawn up in 1888 after it was officially given the status of city by Queen Victoria. For a time, Belfast was Ireland’s largest city, overtaking Dublin, because of its industrial expansion with factories producing rope and linen, as well as the Harland and Wolff shipyard.
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Belfast City Hall featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle

5. Belfast Botanic Gardens

The Belfast Botanic Gardens is among the most colorful and lively sites in the city. The River Lagan runs through the eastern side of this large park, which also contains a museum and a sports complex. Marvel at the tropical specimens you might not expect to find in the cool climate of Northern Ireland.
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Belfast Botanic Gardens which includes flowers and a garden

What to do in Hillsborough

Popular places to visit

Hillsborough Castle

Grand Hillsborough Castle is the official residence for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and is where members of the British Royal Family customarily reside when in the country. In 1920, this 18th century Georgian manor was sold by the sixth Marquess of Downshire to the British government (it is not actually a castle and the name Hillsborough derives from the Hill family that built it, and the surrounding village). Since then, it has played host to numerous British and foreign dignitaries, including former President George W Bush.

Hillsborough Castle

Hillsborough Fort

You can learn about the history of Hillsborough with a stop at Hillsborough Fort. Check out the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.

Hillsborough Fort

St Malachy's Parish Church

St Malachy's Parish Church is just one of the places to see in Hillsborough, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Check out the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.

St Malachy's Parish Church
fountain in the park Belfast

Lisburn

Frequently asked questions

Is Hillsborough worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and festivals, discovering awesome things to do in Hillsborough is easy. Remember to add Hillsborough Castle to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Hillsborough?
Colin Glen Forest Park and Hillsborough Castle are two excellent places to start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Hillsborough while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hillsborough?
You can't go home without checking out Hillsborough Castle, ranked the top tourist attraction in Hillsborough.
Is three days enough to stay in Hillsborough?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city attractions, including Hillsborough Castle, Lisburn Leisure Park and Temple Golf and Country Club. The average stay in Hillsborough is two days. If you have the time to extend your break, Belfast isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Hillsborough with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Hillsborough with kids.

What to do in Hillsborough for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Hillsborough, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to The Club Spa or Irish Linen Centre and Museum.
Are there free things to do in Hillsborough?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Hillsborough. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. St Malachy's Parish Church is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their travel adventures.