Hillsborough, Co. Down

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16km (10 m) south of Belfast, this very picturesque Georgian town boasts a steep main street, with antique and craft shops. 

Across the town square the mansion house of Hillsborough Castle is visible, through a pair of impressive wrought iron gates.  A prominent feature of the east and south approaches to Hillsborough is a five mile wall surrounding a lake and its adjoining forest. 

At the gates of Hillsborough Castle is the Hillsborough heritage centre and visitors can find out more about the town at the Hillsborough Tourist centre (0044 28 92 689 717).  The castle itself is a fine artillery fort, 270 square foot, built around 1650. 

Hillsborough plays host to a heritage festival every year (0044 28 92 682 477), with battle re-enactments and an old time fair. 

The 40 acre lake at Hillsborough offers anglers excellent brown and rainbow trout, with fishing spots set in the forest around the lake.