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HILLSBOROUGH
The official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland,
Hillsborough is also the Queen’s official residence when she is in
Northern Ireland. An elegant 17th century town, its fine Georgian
architecture is worth a detour.
The Hillsborough Tourist Information Centre (call 92689717 for
information or send an e-mail to hillsborough@nitic.net) is located on
The Square and has the following opening times:
9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday year-round |
2
to 6pm Sundays in July and August
Hillsborough Castle (call 92682244 for information) is a fine 18th
century building. Although it is not open to the public during official
visits, it is the main attraction in town. St Malachy’s Parish Church
is probably one of the most beautiful churches in Northern Ireland.
Besides stands Hillsborough Fort (call 92683285 for information) which
was originally built as an artillery fort and later converted into a
Gothic-style tower house.
BANBRIDGE Another fine town, Banbridge once was a major centre for the
linen trade.
The Gateway Tourist Information Centre (call 40623322 for information
or send an e-mail to tic@banbridge.gov.uk) is located on Newry Road and
has the following opening times:
9am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and 2 to 6pm on Sundays in
July and August
10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 2 to 6pm on Sundays in
June and September 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday from
October to May
Sights to be mentioned in the area are the unusual Downshire Bridge,
the Crozier Monument and the Brontë Homeland Drive, named after the
father of the famous writer sisters.
ROWALLANE GARDEN It is a spectacular garden (call 97510131 for
information) filled with amazing and varied plants, trees and flowers.
From the displays of rhododendrons and azaleas to the blue Himalayan
poppies and Australian laurels, the garden is a delight for the
visitor’s eyes. LEGANNANNY DOLMEN Dating back to the Stone Age, it is
probably the most famous monument of its time in Northern Ireland. The
tripod dolmen is located on the western slopes of Slieve Croob. |
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