Roamly Destination Guide
Things to do in Hillsborough
A 5-day itinerary built from real traveler reviews — not ads.
Your 5-day Hillsborough itinerary
1
Day 1
- 08:00 Breakfast at The Coffee Trailer (Hillsborough Forest) — grab a coffee and a pastry before your day; it's a local favorite. Expect to spend around £5.
- 09:15 Hillsborough Forest Park — walk the peaceful trail around the pond and explore Hillsborough Fort; one reviewer spent two hours and didn’t see everything.
- 11:30 Visit Hillsborough Castle — explore the beautiful gardens and learn about the history; entry is around £10.
- 13:15 Lunch at The Plough (Hillsborough) — try the fish and chips, a local staple; expect to pay about £15 per person.
- 14:30 Stroll through Hillsborough Village — take in the quaint atmosphere and check out the shops.
- 16:15 Visit Hillsborough Courthouse — see this historic building and take photos; it’s free.
- 18:30 Dinner at The Hillside (Hillsborough) — order the steak with peppercorn sauce; it’s highly recommended by locals at about £20.
- 20:00 Evening walk around Hillsborough Lake — enjoy a sunset view and relax after a busy day.
2
Day 2
- 08:00 Breakfast at The Old Courthouse (Hillsborough) — their full Irish breakfast is a fantastic way to start your day, costing around £10.
- 09:15 Windsor Park — a short drive from Hillsborough, enjoy the scenery and maybe catch a local game; entry is free.
- 11:30 Visit Ulster Folk and Transport Museum — learn about local history and transportation; tickets are approximately £12.
- 13:15 Lunch at The Saddle Inn (Lisburn) — locals recommend the homemade burger for about £12.
- 14:30 Afternoon at Lagan Valley Regional Park — hike or cycle along the trails; it's a great way to enjoy nature for free.
- 17:00 Return to Hillsborough for a rest at your hotel.
- 19:30 Dinner at The Fiddler's Inn (Hillsborough) — order the lamb shank; it's a favorite among patrons for £18.
3
Day 3
- 08:00 Breakfast at Sully's Cafe (Hillsborough) — try the pancakes, which are a crowd-pleaser; budget around £7.
- 09:15 Explore Hillsborough Fort — delve into the history of this impressive structure; it's free to enter.
- 11:30 Visit The Hillsborough Village Centre — browse local artisan shops and potentially find unique souvenirs.
- 13:15 Lunch at The Village Bistro (Hillsborough) — order the homemade soup and sandwich combo for about £10.
- 15:00 Tour St. Malachy’s Church — admire the architecture and beautiful stained glass; entry is free.
- 17:30 Relax at Hillsborough Park — a peaceful spot to unwind.
- 19:30 Dinner at The Olive Tree (Hillsborough) — try the seafood pasta, a highly recommended dish, costing around £18.
4
Day 4
- 08:00 Breakfast at Café Maud (Hillsborough) — their breakfast bagel is a hit with locals, costing about £6.
- 09:15 Go hiking at Craigavon Lakes — enjoy the scenery on well-marked trails; it’s free.
- 12:00 Lunch at The Black Bull (Hillsborough) — locals suggest the traditional Irish stew for about £12.
- 13:15 Visit The Irish Linen Centre and Museum in Lisburn — learn about the linen industry; admission is around £5.
- 15:30 Relax at Lagan Valley Park — enjoy a leisurely walk or a bike ride.
- 17:30 Return to your hotel for a break.
- 19:30 Dinner at The Crown Bar (Belfast) — known for its unique decor, try the beef and Guinness pie for about £16.
5
Day 5
- 08:00 Breakfast at Brewed Awakening (Hillsborough) — their coffee and pastries are perfect for a light breakfast, costing around £5.
- 09:15 Visit Dromore Cathedral — a historical site that is free to visit and worth seeing.
- 11:30 Explore The Hillsborough Market (if it’s a Saturday) — find local produce and crafts; bring cash.
- 13:15 Lunch at The Coach House (Hillsborough) — enjoy their signature chicken salad for around £12.
- 14:30 Last-minute shopping in Hillsborough Village — pick up any souvenirs you missed.
- 16:30 Take a final walk around Hillsborough Lake — relax and reflect on your trip.
- 18:30 Farewell dinner at The Hillside (Hillsborough) — revisit the steak with peppercorn sauce; it’s worth it at about £20.
- 20:30 Pack and prepare for your departure.
Top things to do in Hillsborough
- ✦Hillsborough Forest Park
- ✦Hillsborough Castle
- ✦Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
- ✦Lagan Valley Regional Park
- ✦Dromore Cathedral
Where to eat in Hillsborough
- ●The Plough
- ●The Hillside
- ●The Fiddler's Inn
- ●The Black Bull
- ●The Olive Tree
Local tips most visitors miss
- ◆Hillsborough Market
- ◆Local Art Galleries
- ◆Lakeside Walks
What travelers say about Hillsborough
Real reviews from people who've been — unsponsored.
Hillsborough Forest
We stumbled on this park while staying in Hillsborough and loved it. We wish we would have stayed in Hillsborough longer because it was such a quaint little town. The park was the cornerstone of …
— Jacob
Aurthur's Hillsborough
We took a tour around Ireland, starting in Dublin and driving north. We just planned to stop here in a quick overnight stop. I wish we should have stayed longer! The hotel was incredible. It …
— Jacob
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