Things to Do in Lisburn & Castlereagh

Lisburn & Castlereagh benefits from the perfect combination of rural and urban landscapes, providing visitors with a wealth of activities, attractions and adventure.

We have everything from historic villages to modern art galleries, forests and parks to bustling city centre shopping, not to mention heaps of fun for all ages at some of Northern Ireland’s most well-known family attractions.

So whether you’re visiting with family, friends, as a couple or on your own, spend some time planning your visit here with our “Plan Your Trip” feature below, and discover some of our hidden gems and firm-favourites!

Get Outdoors

With its abundance of parks and open spaces, Lisburn & Castlereagh will always be a place where you can find a quiet moment to get away from it all, whether that’s amongst the trees and lakeside viewpoints at Hillsborough Forest, along the banks of the Lagan Canal at the Lagan Valley Regional Park or in the wide open parkland of Moira Demesne. Walking and cycling are common pastimes here with such accessible routes for both. If a guided cycle route is your thing, give Berwick Hall Cottage a try, stay in this beautifully restored 18^th Century barn just outside Moira village, where the owner will be delighted to take you on a local cycling tour of the area.

Culture, Heritage & History

Almost everywhere you go in the region you’ll find some link to the past, like the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum, where the fabric of Lisburn’s past comes to life, or the magnificent Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, a working Royal residence open for public tours. You’ll discover even more of Hillsborough’s impressive history on a guided walking tour of the village, or learn about Lisburn’s rich heritage through a self-guided tour of the Historical Quarter.

Arts

With a somewhat renewed appreciation for the arts in all its forms, we have a tantalising selection of galleries, exhibitions and venues which we’re sure you’ll find engaging and inspirational. From local exhibitions at R-Space Gallery in Lisburn, to a specially curated selection from The Royal Galleries on display at Hillsborough Castle, or some of the top live local music, comedy and performing arts at ISLAND Arts Centre, there is something to please every taste.

Historic Villages

Wherever you are in the Lisburn & Castlereagh area, you’re never more than a few minutes from a village or town with some serious historical significance! Its part of the area’s charm and character, with our most famous example being Hillsborough village - home to Ireland’s only Royal residence, and a history dating back hundreds of years. You can sit by the open fire in a traditional pub here which first opened its doors back in 1752 whilst enjoying a pint of ale from Hilden Brewery – Ireland’s oldest independent brewery.

Family Fun

Just one of the many reasons people visit Lisburn & Castlereagh is to experience our famous family fun! One thing we can guarantee is that kids will be spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment here, with attractions such as We Are Vertigo, Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes, Let’s Go Hydro, Dundonald International Ice Bowl, Lagan Valley Leisureplex, Streamvale Open Farm and High Rise, to name just a few!