Lisburn & Castlereagh offers visitors a range of an incredible attractions that tell a journey through history, innovation, and tradition. From castles and forts to aviation and linen, this is a place you can truely immerse yourself in culture.
Plan Your Heritage Adventure
This blog offers a glimpse into the rich heritage and culture waiting for you in Lisburn & Castlereagh. Whether you’re a history lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious, each site invites you to connect with the stories around them.
Visitor Tips:
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Check opening hours in advance, as some sites may have seasonal schedules.
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Why not Combine your visits with local cafés, resturants or pubs to enjoy some local hospitality.
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Bring a camera!
🏛️ Ballance House
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Ballance House focuses on the history of relationships that exist between the province of Ulster and New Zealand. A beautifully preserved 19th-century historic home that offers a glimpse into Lisburn’s past. With period furnishings and charming gardens, this heritage site tells the story of local life centuries ago and often hosts community events and exhibitions.
🏰 Hillsborough Fort
A short walk from Royal Hillsborough village leads you to Hillsborough Fort, this ancient ringfort dates back to early medieval times, providing a fascinating window into early settlement and defensive life. Surrounded by woodland trails, it’s a peaceful spot perfect for a stroll.
👑 Hillsborough Castle
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No visit is complete without exploring Hillsborough Castle, the official royal residence in Northern Ireland. Wander through the elegant rooms steeped in history, and don’t miss the spectacular gardens, beautifully maintained and bursting with seasonal colour. The castle also hosts exhibitions and special events, making each visit unique.
🌿 Harry Ferguson Memorial Garden
Harry Ferguson Memorial Garden, dedicated to the farming pioneer whose inventions transformed agriculture worldwide. The garden’s peaceful setting is perfect for a quiet break and offers insight into Ferguson’s remarkable legacy.
✈️ Ulster Aviation Society
For aviation enthusiasts, the Ulster Aviation Society near Maze offers a fascinating collection of historic aircraft and memorabilia. Discover the stories behind the planes and the people who flew them, making this a highlight for all.
🧵 Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum
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Immerse yourself in Lisburn’s famous linen legacy at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum. Exhibits showcase the evolution of linen production revealing how this fabric shaped the region’s identity. It’s a fascinating stop for anyone interested in industrial history and craftsmanship.
Lisburn Historic Trail
The Town Trail focuses on the historic quarter, the tour takes in Lisburn’s famous monuments, Lisburn Cathedral and graveyard, Castle House, Castle Gardens including the Wallace fountain and Sir Richard Wallace’s crest featured in stone work on Castle Street. (Trails take 45-90 minutes).
