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NI Science Festival 2025

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Main Street, Royal Hillsborough, Co Down, BT26 6AG
NI Science Festival 2025

About

Immerse yourself in an interstellar world of scientific exploration at this year's NI Science Festival. Discover how you, the universe and everything in between behaves. Enjoy a wide range of talks, tours and workshops, from the science of compost to behind-the-scenes conservation and so much more at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Don't miss out on these special, one-of-a-kind events. 
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A Beginner's Guide to the Science of Compost
Friday 14th & Friday 21st Feb, 11:00am & 1.30pm

Join Hillsborough Castle’s gardeners for an outdoor, hands-on composting workshop! Learn soil science basics, explore the compost yard, and discover how to achieve the perfect carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Includes a guided Walled Garden tour and advice on composting techniques. Dress appropriately for weather; a polytunnel is available if needed. Age 18+
Prices: Adult £20.20 / Concession £16.10 (price includes admission to Hillsborough Castle's gardens). Members go free.

Woodland Wonders - Taking Science Outside
Sat 15 Feb, 10:30am & 1:30pm

Get outdoors and make a mini beast hotel - Let's create a hidey hole for creatures galore. What can you find in the garden, from compost to leaves, bark and sticks to build a small home for minibeasts that live in your garden. Check back on your minibeast hotel and identify which minibeasts have moved in. Families with children age 4+
Workshops are free on a first-come-first served basis, as part of the general admission price to Hillsborough Castle. Members go free. All supplies provided. 

Behind the Scenes Conservation Tour of Hillsborough Castle
Thu 20 & Fri 21 Feb, 1.30pm

Discover how we conserve and preserve furniture, paintings, silverware and clocks for display in the State Rooms of Hillsborough Castle. Led by Castle and Collections Manager David Orr, you will see the techniques used to care for our collections, visit behind the scenes rooms not on the regular tours and meet one of our highly skilled specialists. Age 10+
Prices: Adult £20.20 / Concession £16.10 (price includes admission to Hillsborough Castle's gardens). Members go free.

Outdoor Shadows - Taking Science Outside
Sat 22 Feb, 10:30am & 1:30pm

Learn about light, shadows, day and night and everything in-between. How does light travel? What shadows are and how shadows change. Families with children age 4+
Workshops are free on a first-come-first served basis, as part of the general admission price to Hillsborough Castle. Members go free. All supplies provided. 

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Guide dogs permitted
  • Ramp / Level Access
  • Toilets for disabled visitors

Catering

  • Restaurant on Premises

Establishment Features

  • Indoor Event
  • Outdoor Event
  • Wifi

Event Facilities

  • Booking Required

Parking & Transport

  • Frequent bus services
  • On site parking
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Village Location

Book Tickets Online

Add NI Science Festival 2025 to your Itinerary

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Call direct on:

Tel03333206000

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Season (12 Feb 2025 - 23 Feb 2025)

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