Official tourism website for Lisburn and Castlereagh
En

Flight

Hillsborough Forest, Royal Hillsborough, Down, BT26 6DP
A close up image of Harry Ferguson inside the sculpture

Book Tickets Online

About

This sculpture has been made in memory of Harry Ferguson, the first Irishman to build and fly his own aeroplane. The inaugural flight took place on the 31st December 1909, lasting for 130 yards and landing near-by to Hillsborough Forest. Standing approximately 18ft tall, the model is a half scale replica of the original aeroplane and was originally situated on the A1 Dual Carriage-way just outside Royal Hillsborough. The sculpture was moved into Hillsborough Forest to become part of the new Digital Sculpture Trail, where visitors can view it more easily. Harry Ferguson became famous and went on to develop various cars and tractors, including the first Formula One four wheel drive car and the three point linkage system used on tractors to this day.

THE ARTIST: John Sherlock. Earning international recognition within just a few short years for his bronze busts of figures such as John Hume and Seamus Heaney and large-scale commissions in Ireland, Britain, France and the USA, John Sherlock was a celebrated sculptor. Had he embarked on a career as a sculptor in his twenties rather than almost 50 years later, his name would likely now feature in lists of Ireland’s most celebrated artists.
 

Add Flight to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel028 9244 7622

Map & Directions

What's Nearby

  1. Vaulted Nest is informed by the architecture of Hillsborough Parish Church in particular…

    0 miles away
  2. The reflection sculpture is an extension of the world-renowned Bigfoot family, positioned…

    0 miles away
  3. In the shape of a sphere, this nature inspired sculpture reflects being 'reborn', as it…

    0 miles away
  1. "Power Up" an overhead lampshade with lights powered by pedals at the base. A fun…

    0 miles away
  2. Inspired by art, fantasy, folklore, magic and active imagination. Part physical and part…

    0 miles away
  3. The inspiration for Beacon of Light comes from a series of photographs taken by the…

    0 miles away
  4. I Spy, Peep, the super-fast Hare is on the look-out for Rusty the Fox!

    0 miles away
  5. Ssssh - Rusty the Fox is tired after chasing Peep the Hare. Walk through the body of the…

    0 miles away
  6. A sculpture with windows into the nature of science. 

    0 miles away
  7. A popular choice among bird-watchers, dog walkers, photographers and nature-lovers, the…

    0.24 miles away
  8. Take a step back in history and view this 17th century artillery fort, set in beautiful…

    0.33 miles away
  9. Explore Northern Ireland's royal residence, where worlds and minds meet. Relax in 100…

    0.8 miles away
  10. A unique array of historic aircraft and exhibits celebrating Northern Ireland’s aviation…

    2.77 miles away
  11. We understand how important your time is and have designed our treatments and boutique…

    2.89 miles away
  12. The Harry Ferguson Memorial Garden is set opposite the Ferguson Homestead and exhibits a…

    3.42 miles away
  13. Happy Days is the ideal space for little ones to play, and older ones to relax!

    3.63 miles away
Previous Next

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

View Maps and Visitor Guides
View what Lisburn And Castlereagh has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
E-newsletter sign up
Sign up for the Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh newsletter for inspiration and travel tips.
Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss