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Hillsborough Through Time: Fort, Courthouse and a Transatlantic Story
Step back into Hillsborough's past on a fascinating guided walking tour exploring the town's 17th-century fort and 18th-century courthouse, and the story of how they shaped the surrounding historic streetscape we see today.
As part of this year's European Heritage Open Days theme "Heritage at Risk", discover why buildings like these matter now more than ever. Learn how time, change, and neglect can threaten historic places — and how understanding their history, design, and purpose is key to protecting them for future generations.
This tour also connects to USA NI 250, highlighting Hillsborough's place in a wider transatlantic story. In 1771, Benjamin Franklin stayed at nearby Hillsborough Castle for six days, and would have seen the fort during his visit — linking this small Ulster town to the wider history of America.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour will bring to life the architecture, stories, and significance of these remarkable buildings, revealing layers of history hidden in plain sight.
Meeting Point: Front of Hillsborough Fort. Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Join us to explore, understand, and help champion the protection of heritage at risk — right in the heart of Hillsborough.
