homes historical down

It was built as a manorial residence of the Bishops of Down, and is attributed to John Sely who became bishop in 1413, but was deprived of his See in 1441 for having lived in the castle with a married woman. If the date be correct, this would make Kilclief the oldest known tower-house in Ireland.

It was garrisoned for the Crown by Nicholas Fitzsymon and ten warders in 1601-2. The entrance to the four storey tower was on the east side, protected by two flanking towers which are joine...

No. 1 Trevor Hill, a five bay granite house, is the oldest (1775) in a row of handsome late Georgian houses built for the gentry and their clerby. They include a nine mansion occupied by the Bank of Ireland for the past century, designed in about 1826, possibly by Francis Johnston....

Mount Stewart offers to the visitor one of the most complete gardens in the care of the National Trust. The garden, designed by Edith, Lady of Londonderry from 1921, includes almost every style of gardening and supports an incomparable plant collection.

Frances and Charles, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, became celebrated figures, leading a glittering social life and travelling extensively. They collected works of art and furniture on their travels and brought them back to Mount Stewa...

The Market House forms the large centerpiece of the town square in from of Hillsborough Castle. It was first built around 1760 as a two-storey structure with an archway running through the centre from east to west. In 1810 the present north and south side wings were added, one to provide a courtroom and the other a market hall, and at the same time a new granite plinth, various decorations as well as a new clock and bell, were provided....

Hillsborough Castle is an 18th century historic house, built in the 1770's by Wills Hill, first Marquis of Downshire. It is now the official home of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
The castle is open to visitors on Saturdays during the months of May & June. You can also take a stroll around the magnificent gardens....