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Northern Ireland Office Denies It Runs Hillsborough Castle

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 10:16 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Northern Ireland Office says it does not manage Hillsborough Castle’s daily operations.
In March 2017, the Northern Ireland Office granted Historic Royal Palaces a 25-year lease to run the castle and gardens.
NIO ministers keep the right to use Hillsborough Castle while Historic Royal Palaces manages collections and art displays.
Historic Royal Palaces handles day-to-day operations, including garden upkeep.

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Story summary

Northern Ireland Office says it does not manage Hillsborough Castle’s daily operations.
In March 2017, the Northern Ireland Office granted Historic Royal Palaces a 25-year lease to run the castle and gardens.
NIO ministers keep the right to use Hillsborough Castle while Historic Royal Palaces manages collections and art displays.
Historic Royal Palaces handles day-to-day operations, including garden upkeep.