IVY COTTAGE NI

The Georgian village of Hillsborough is home to visiting Royalty, Ambassadors and the British Prime Minister during official visits to the North of Ireland.

Hillsborough hosts an Oyster Festival on the first weekend of September each year which attracts thousands of visitors from as far away as Japan, Russia, the United States of America and Argentina. The festivities include boat racing, parachuting, garden fêtes, oyster eating and Guinness drinking – all in the name of fun, revelry and charity. But its charming, historic streets are wonderful to wander through at any time of the year.

There are many interesting walks and local pubs offering delicacies to enjoy; and is home to a public forest park and lake that form the picturesque setting for the original fort residence of Lord Hillsborough.

Hillsborough boasts many famous Bistro Pubs and Restaurants, namelyThe Plough , The Hillside and The Marquis of Downshire. There is also a varied selection of gift shops and fashion boutiques.