Altamont Gardens

About

Hillsborough Castle is an 18th century Georgian country house that was built for the Hill family, the Marquesses of Downshire. ln 1922, the family sold the estate to the British government, which solved their need for a residence for the newly established office of the Governor of Northern Ireland. Since the 1970s, the house has been home to the Secretary of State of Northern Ireland, and also serves as the home of the British Royal family when they visit. On a guided tour, guests are brought through the house’s elegantly decorated rooms, including the Throne Room and State Drawing Room. Each is uniquely decorated, adorned with paintings, furnishings, and personal objects accrued by the Royal Family over the years. Surrounding the house are 100 acres of gardens, offering everything from shady woodland trails to manicured formal gardens. It’s recommended to purchase your tickets in advance at www.hrp.org.uk