Northern Ireland

Hillsborough Castle's role in Good Friday Agreement to be marked by series of events

The south terrace, looking north from the lawn at Hillsborough Castle
The south terrace, looking north from the lawn at Hillsborough Castle The south terrace, looking north from the lawn at Hillsborough Castle
By Suzanne McGonagle

HILLSBOROUGH Castle's historic role in peace negotiations is to be recognised in a series of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Politicians and diplomats who played key roles in the agreement as well as other significant negotiations that paved the way for political progress in Northern Ireland will return to the venue in Co Down.

But there is also an opportunity for visitors to tour the castle where the historic discussions took place and hear recollections from participants in a series of public talks and events from April 20 to 23.

The castle will run a programme of events for schools, including a ‘Question Time’ panel with Alastair Campbell, former press secretary to former Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

The 'Peace by Piece: Reflecting on the Good Friday Agreement 25 years on' event will reflect on what was signed and the role of young people in the future of Northern Ireland.

Pupils will be invited to explore the gardens as a place of respite, through wellbeing in nature workshops and outdoor activities designed to encourage co-operation, team-working and cohesion.

A collection of preparatory portraits and works of art that depict various figures who played an important role in the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement will also be on show.

The castle is also set to host artist Colin Davidson and writer Glenn Patterson for an evening of conversation entitled 'Preparing the Piece'.

This public talk will explore the artistic journey, showing how Davidson creates his iconic portraits, whilst giving a nod to the intricate process of creating something of extreme value, requiring patience and diplomacy.

Read More

  • University to host conference to mark 25th anniversary of Good Friday Agreement
  • Casual Gardener: Hillsborough's spring spectacular

A number of special political history tours will take place exploring Hillsborough’s history and role as a venue for political meetings.

Drawing on recent interviews conducted with politicians, diplomats and those who were present at the talks, guests will get an insight behind the scenes and an understanding of the crucial role Hillsborough Castle and its gardens played as a setting for the negotiations.

Tulips in the Walled Garden at Hillsborough Castle
Tulips in the Walled Garden at Hillsborough Castle Tulips in the Walled Garden at Hillsborough Castle

Laura McCorry, head of Hillsborough Castle, said: "In this important anniversary year, we are focusing on Hillsborough Castle’s historic place in the politics of Northern Ireland as a place that inspires worlds and minds to meet.

"Diplomatic credentials are no longer required to gain access to this fascinating place of political history and we’re looking forward to welcoming people from across the island of Ireland to our public events in April.

"We’re delighted to announce that we will also be offering free political history sessions to 25 schools until November 2023. We will cover the cost of transport as well as the session itself in the hope that schools across Northern Ireland will join us to mark this significant milestone."

Set in over 100 acres of grounds, the Walled Garden takes inspiration from a historic garden which once produced fruit, vegetables and flowers for residents of Hillsborough Castle. Picture by Historic Royal Palaces
Set in over 100 acres of grounds, the Walled Garden takes inspiration from a historic garden which once produced fruit, vegetables and flowers for residents of Hillsborough Castle. Picture by Historic Royal Palaces Set in over 100 acres of grounds, the Walled Garden takes inspiration from a historic garden which once produced fruit, vegetables and flowers for residents of Hillsborough Castle. Picture by Historic Royal Palaces

For information, please visit hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle/25th-anniversary-of-the-good-friday-agreement/.