About
Join us for Hillsborough Castle’s May Day Weekend 2024, the perfect way to celebrate the long weekend.
There’s something for everyone in the stunning setting of Hillsborough Castle’s 100-acre royal gardens. From a brass band to a royal gun salute, and family crafts to lawn games.
Don’t miss out on the fun. Pre-book now, members go free.
ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Throughout the long weekend, children can get stuck into crafts specially designed to keep little fingers busy. Then hunt through the garden explorer cart and see what interesting creepy crawlies and plants you can find in the spacious gardens. Don’t forget to go on an adventure through the interactive Imaginary Menagerie Play Trail! Everyone can enjoy a range of classic lawn games – just don’t get too competitive!
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
On Saturday 04 May, join the free Compost and Seed workshop at 11.00 or 14.00 run by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. This lasts approximately two hours and is for those aged 16 or over. Make eco-friendly paper pots and seed bombs, learn about compost, pick up some seasonal gardening tips and take a guided tour of the walled garden. In addition to this, take home a complementary bag of compost.
Numbers are limited so book your place on arrival at the Admissions Desk in the visitor centre.
There will also be a special royal tree gardens tour, celebrating Hillsborough Castle being Northern Ireland’s official royal residence. To join the free tour (included in your ticket), meet at the entrance to the Walled Garden on Sat 04 May at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00, or Mon 06 May at 11:00.
Don’t miss also enjoying Spring Spectacular only until 09 May, where over half a million bulbs have been planted across the gardens including rare and local varieties.
Upgrade your ticket to include Castle entry, and see inside Northern Ireland’s royal residence. You’ll also get to explore Life Through a Royal Lens. Featuring photos from Annie Leibovitz, Rankin and Cecil Beaton, this fascinating exhibition investigates the Royal Family’s enduring relationship with the camera.
JOIN US ON MONDAY 06 MAY
Monday 06 May will also give you the rare chance to see a gun salute, to mark one year since the coronation of HM The King Charles III. The gun salute takes place at 12:00 on the South Terrace so make sure to arrive early to make your way through the gardens.
After the gun salute, be enchanted by melodies from talented brass band Downshire Brass on the West Lawn at 14.30. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn, or indulge in a moreish treat from our delicious cafe.
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY
Enjoy more unmissable events for all the family with membership. Be spooked at Halloween, go on a special hunt at Easter, or just stroll through the ever-evolving gardens. Save with membership and enjoy unlimited visits to the magnificent palace and gardens all year round.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Activities accessible for visitors with disabilities
