Hillsborough Village

Hillsborough is one of the City's famous showpiece villages. This beautiful Georgian village is an explosion of colour during the spring / summer months, regularly featuring in "Ulster in Bloom" and "Best Kept Village" awards.

Explore its many speciality shops, before sampling the food at one of the village's award winning pub restaurants.

The Courthouse, which is based in the Square in Hillsborough, is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in Ireland. The central arcade block was built by Wills Hill in 1760 and in 1810 the North wing was added and housed a courthouse. In the same year the South wing was added and was used as an open market hall. The South wing is still used today for the very popular country markets. The North wing is now home to a major exhibition on the history and development of the country's legal system. With the help of displays, visitors can learn about 1,000 years of Irish Legal History. Visitors can also view the interior of the courtroom where the fittings date from 1823. Hillsborough Tourist Information Centre and shop is also located in this building and both are open all year round Monday to Saturday.

St Malachy's Church has a 3 storey tower, capped by pinnacles set at the corners and rising from the centre is the soaring spire. The church was elarged and restored by Wills Hill in 1772and has been described as one of the best 18th century churches in Ireland. Close to the church is a memorial to Sir Hamilton Harty.

The village also plays host to the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival each September.

Hillsborough Castle, an impressive 18th century mansion house was built in the 1770's by Wills Hill, first Marquis of Downshire. The mansion is now the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Other special guests include members of the Royal Family on their visits to Northern Ireland, former US president Clinton and President Bush. It is also where Royal Garden Parties are regularly staged. It can be viewed through the wonderful wrought iron gates in The Square. Guided tours for groups are available on request.

Across from the Castle, Hillsborough Fort, built on the site of the old Magennes stronghold, provides a fabulous centrepiece for the Forest Park, The fort was completed around 1650 by Colonel Arthur Hill and used as an artillery fortification. In later years it was used by the Hill family for entertainment purposes.

A free self guided walking trail of Hillsborough Village is available from the Tourist Information Centre in Hillsborugh. Tel. 02892 689 717 or email tic.hillsborough@lisburn.gov.uk