Official tourism website for Lisburn and Castlereagh
En

American History Tours- Hillsborough Castle

Hillsborough Castle, Royal Hillsborough, Down, BT26 6GT
Image shows Benjamin Franklin Bust in Hillsborough Castle, Royal Hillsborough.

About

Do you have a special interest or want to delve deeper into Hillsborough Castle’s unique history? On selected dates in May and July we will revel in the culture at Hillsborough Castle by taking a closer look at specialist themes.

Whether you want to learn more about our unrivalled art collection, hear intimate stories of peace-building, or learn about surprising and world-shaping US relations to the Castle, we have a tour for you.​​​​​​

 

American history tours

15 May at 12:00

04 and 05 July at 10:30

On Tuesday 15 October 1771, a reluctant Benjamin Franklin crossed over a busy market square and was ushered in through the doors of Hillsborough Castle by a most insistent host – Wills Hill, 1st Earl of Hillsborough.

Step into history at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, with over 250 years of shared stories between the USA, UK, and Ireland. With this fateful visit as a starting point, join our guides to explore 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.  Tour lasts 60minutes.

Facilities

Event Facilities

  • Booking Required

Book Tickets Online

Add American History Tours- Hillsborough Castle to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel03333206000

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Season (15 May 2026)
Season (4 July 2026 - 5 July 2026)

* 15th May at 12noon
4th & 5th July at 10:30am
Tours last- 60minutes

What's Nearby

  1. Come and explore Northern Ireland's royal residence, where worlds and minds meet. Relax…

    0.14 miles away
  2. Owned by Historic Royal Palaces, Hillsborough Fort was constructed in the 17th Century,…

    0.48 miles away
  3. The looped walk around the forest lake is a popular choice among bird-watchers, dog…

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

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

    0.72 miles away
  3. A sculpture with windows into the nature of science. 

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

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

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

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

    0.72 miles away
  8. This sculpture has been made in memory of Harry Ferguson, the first Irishman to build and…

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

    0.72 miles away
  10. Vaulted Nest is informed by the architecture of Hillsborough Parish Church in particular…

    0.72 miles away
  11. Charitable society of Volunteers preserving and exhibiting Northern Ireland's aviation…

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

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

    3.23 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