History of Hillsborough County Down

Welcome to Hillsborough, County Down, Northern Ireland

History of the Village

Hillsborough (originally Cromghlinn in Gaelic which was anglicised to Cromlyn) in is a beautiful and historic village in County Down, and situated some 12 miles from the Capital City of Belfast and about two miles from the renowned Sprucefield Shopping Centre. The historic centre of the village contains significant amounts of Georgian architecture. The village was originally a compact settlement hosting a regular market. But in recent years has seen widespread development particul;arly in the provision of private housing and as such Hillsborough has become part of the commuter belt of Belfast. In recent years townhouses and apartments have been built closer to the centre of the village. The associated settlements of Culcavy and Aghnatrisk to the north-west are also growing. A prominent feature of the east and south approaches to Hillsborough is a 5-mile wall which encloses the "Park Dam", an artificial lake, and the forest surrounding it. In 2007 Hillsborough won 3rd place in the Ulster in Bloom large village competition.

Not only does it have the world-renowned Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, but the village of Hillsborough and surrounding district has so much more to offer. The historic village of Hillsborough is a wonderful place to relax and unwind. It is blessed with some wonderful countryside and beautiful natural landscapes. The Forest Park has several walks ranging from short and sweet to the lengthier, for the more adventurous. Even a stroll around the streets to appreciate the beauty of this Georgian village is a rare treat. The Forest Park not only offers nature walks but also adjoins the historic Hillsborough Fort. Hillsborough Castle offers tours (please contact the tourist information office on 028 9268 9717 for details) through its wonderful gardens and the castle itself. Stroll through the Court House and imagine yourself in bygone times. The village also offers some very welcoming pubs with award-winning food and great craic and entertainment for all. There are a number of local guest houses; again details from Hillsborough Tourist Information. Eating out in the village has never been better with quality dining at affordable prices. The Plough Inn, The Hillside and The Marquis of Downshire for up-to-the minute menus; there is also a local Indian and Chinese restaurant to tickle your taste buds. Coffee shops are dotted up and down the village for your pleasure. When visiting the area, remember, shopping in Lisburn offers almost every big name, with stores in the city centre and also more on offer just a short trip from Hillsborough at Sprucefield, offering up-to the minute style and fashion and a range of wonderful local crafts and antiques. Local attractions also include the tranquil Lagan Tow Path where one can enjoy cycle rides. Local golf courses offer a warm welcome and there are wonderful facilities for anglers of every kind, with excellent equestrian centres catering for all ages and abilities. In all, Hillsborough and district can offer great entertainment and it aims to please. Whether it be a pint and a light lunch in the local or a relaxing stroll, please be assured the people of Hillsborough offer you all a warm welcome.

Rumour has it that Hillsborough is said to be the birthplace of the United States - due to a disastrous meeting that took place between Benjamin Franklin and Lord Hillsborough (then the acting Secretary of State for the Colonies) in the early 1770s. They are reported to have hated each other at first sight and, on leaving 3 days into a week long visit, Franklin returned home to convince the dissident colonists he represented that there was no alternative but to initiate immediate revolution. The Declaration of Independence in July 1776 followed shortly after Franklin's return

	Hillsborough (originally Cromghlinn in Gaelic which was anglicised to Cromlyn) in is a beautiful and historic village in County Down, and situated some 12 miles from the Capital City of Belfast and about two miles from the renowned Sprucefield Shopping Centre. The historic centre of the village contains significant amounts of Georgian architecture. The village was originally a compact settlement hosting a regular market. But in recent years has seen widespread development particul;arly in the provision of private housing and as such Hillsborough has become part of the commuter belt of Belfast. In recent years townhouses and apartments have been built closer to the centre of the village. The associated settlements of Culcavy and Aghnatrisk to the north-west are also growing. A prominent feature of the east and south approaches to Hillsborough is a 5-mile wall which encloses the "Park Dam", an artificial lake, and the forest surrounding it. In 2007 Hillsborough won 3rd place in the Ulster in Bloom large village competition.
In 1573 Sir Moyses Hill an officer in the army of Queen Elizabeth I arrived in Hillsborough. It was then known as Cromlyn. In 1611 Sir Moyses gained possesion of the village. It gained the name Hillsborough after Colonel Arthur Hill who built the Fort in 1650. Viscount Wills Hill became the first Marquis of Downshire in 1789. The influence of the Hill family can still be seen throughout the village today in some of the beautiful Georgian buildings for which Hillsborough is known throughout the world. Indeed an imposing statue of the 4th Marquis of Downhire still stands facing the gates of the historic Parish Church of St. Malachy.
	Not only does it have the world-renowned Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, but the village of Hillsborough and surrounding district has so much more to offer. The historic village of Hillsborough is a wonderful place to relax and unwind. It is blessed with some wonderful countryside and beautiful natural landscapes. The Forest Park has several walks ranging from short and sweet to the lengthier, for the more adventurous. Even a stroll around the streets to appreciate the beauty of this Georgian village is a rare treat. The Forest Park not only offers nature walks but also adjoins the historic Hillsborough Fort. Hillsborough Castle offers tours (please contact the tourist information office on 028 9268 9717 for details) through its wonderful gardens and the castle itself. Stroll through the Court House and imagine yourself in bygone times. The village also offers some very welcoming pubs with award-winning food and great craic and entertainment for all. There are a number of local guest houses; again details from Hillsborough Tourist Information. Eating out in the village has never been better with quality dining at affordable prices. The Plough Inn, The Hillside and The Marquis of Downshire for up-to-the minute menus; there is also a local Indian and Chinese restaurant to tickle your taste buds. Coffee shops are dotted up and down the village for your pleasure. When visiting the area, remember, shopping in Lisburn offers almost every big name, with stores in the city centre and also more on offer just a short trip from Hillsborough at Sprucefield, offering up-to the minute style and fashion and a range of wonderful local crafts and antiques. Local attractions also include the tranquil Lagan Tow Path where one can enjoy cycle rides. Local golf courses offer a warm welcome and there are wonderful facilities for anglers of every kind, with excellent equestrian centres catering for all ages and abilities. In all, Hillsborough and district can offer great entertainment and it aims to please. Whether it be a pint and a light lunch in the local or a relaxing stroll, please be assured the people of Hillsborough offer you all a warm welcome.
Rumour has it that Hillsborough is said to be the birthplace of the United States - due to a disastrous meeting that took place between Benjamin Franklin and Lord Hillsborough (then the acting Secretary of State for the Colonies) in the early 1770s. They are reported to have hated each other at first sight and, on leaving 3 days into a week long visit, Franklin returned home to convince the dissident colonists he represented that there was no alternative but to initiate immediate revolution. The Declaration of Independence in July 1776 followed shortly after Franklin's return