Return to Co. Down list

Go to Prehistoric Alignments & Dials

Go to Ancient Monastic Dials

Go to Medieval Dials

Go to Modern (1600+) Dials

Go to Sundial Info.and Books

Hillsborough Castle

There is an armillary sphere in the rose garden of Hillsborough Castle (not really a Castle more a Georgian Mansion). It sits on a very elaborate 1350mm high beautifully carved sandstone column. This in turn sits on an octagonal three step sandstone base. Made from painted galvanised iron and obviously a replacement for an older sphere as it is held in place by a cast iron base in the form of a pair of human hands. The house was built by Lord Hillsborough sometime after 1758 with major alterations and additions made in the mid 1800s and again in the early 1900s. The gardens were restored about 1920 so the dial probably dates from that time. THE ABOVE GALVANISED ARMILLARY WAS REPLACED IN 2012 WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL SPHERE, AND A NEW COLUMN - PHOTO BELOW.

This official Government Building is home to the Secretary of State and used for entertaining visiting Royalty and State Dignitaries. Access is restricted but it is open to the public most Saturdays during May and June. Hillsborough is off the A1 5k south of Lisburn. Lat 54° 28' North  Long 6° 05' West Irish Grid    J  324100   358700