Hillsborough Castle and the Birth of America - 250th Anniversary

Travel Talk with Ed Finn

Saturday, 4 July 2026 - 10 minutes

This week on Travel Talk, Ed Finn marks America's 250th anniversary with a fascinating journey to Hillsborough Castle, exploring its extraordinary and often-overlooked role in the story of American independence.

Ed is joined by David Orr to uncover the remarkable connection between the castle and Benjamin Franklin, who visited Hillsborough in 1771. They discuss Franklin's complex relationship with Wills Hill, 1st Marquess of Downshire, the political tensions that helped shape the road to independence, and why the castle today is home to an original period printing of the United States Declaration of Independence.

It's a captivating conversation revealing how one of Ireland's most beautiful historic estates became unexpectedly linked to the birth of the United States as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

To Visit the Benjamin Franklin Exhibition and the printed copy of the US Declaration of Independence - Hillsborough Castle

Belfast is also hosted the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann - August 2nd-9th - Visits to Belfast and Hillsborough Castle