Hillsborough,
County Down |
|
Hillsborough is a picturesque, historic village located ten miles
south of Belfast in County Down.
The village
is named after Colonel Arthur Hill, who built Hillsborough Fort
in 1650. The fort is surrounded by a 500-acre forest park, with
footpaths and a large lake, and is located near St Malachy's Parish
church, a Gothic building dating from the 18th century. The village's
charming streets are filled with Georgian houses and craft and
antique shops; Hillsborough is also the venue for an International
Oyster Festival held annually in September. A Georgian courthouse
in the centre of the village has information about walking tours.
Lying just
off the main square is Hillsborough Castle, an 18th century mansion
that has been an official royal residence since the 1920's, and
is also the home of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Fronted by majestic wrought-iron gates, the mansion is used both
by members of the British Royal family and by visiting international
dignitaries. It was the venue for talks leading to the signing
of the Good Friday Agreement, as well as for meetings between
Tony Blair and Presidents Clinton and Bush. At certain times of
the year you can take a guided tour of the grand rooms and walk
around the attractive grounds.
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