Textiles, The Castle and Gardens

Hey everyone! Welcome to my seventh in a series of travel blogs about the adventures I have gone on, as poet in residence at Belfast Grand Central Station and places you can travel to as well from the station.

As poet-in-residence at Belfast Grand Central Station, I spend a lot of time thinking about journeys—how we move through places, how stories unfold between stops, and how creativity travels with us. A few weeks ago, one of those journeys took me to Hillsborough Castle, where I joined a textile workshop with a group of amazing women. And even though Hillsborough is just a short hop from Belfast, I realised I’d never properly explored the town centre before. It’s beautiful—full of charm, history, and quiet surprises. 

I travelled there two different ways. The first time, I took the train to Lisburn and from Wallace Avenue, I caught the Line 538 bus to Hillsborough War Memorial. It’s a short, scenic ride—about 15 minutes. The second and third time, I got the Newry Bus from Grand Central Station and got off at the Hillsborough Monument, the bus drops you right at the bottom of the main street, in front of a lovely church. The newer buses have screens showing each stop, which is so helpful when you’re heading somewhere unfamiliar. I could see exactly when to press the ‘Stop’ button and let the driver know I was hopping off. 

I had a bit of time before the textile workshop, so I wandered up towards the church, along rows of trees that felt like something out of a painting. Later, those same grassy areas would be filled with school kids playing rugby, but in the morning light, it was peaceful and still. 

I walked around the church and its quiet graveyard, then popped into Arthur’s of Hillsborough for a cup of tea. Sitting outside in the sun, watching people shop and chat, felt like the perfect way to ease into the day. After tea, I headed to The Stables within Hillsborough Castle & Gardens for the textile class. As we stitched and shared stories, I couldn’t help but think of the women who once worked in Belfast’s linen mills—part of the city’s rich industrial heritage. Belfast Grand Central Station itself nods to that legacy, with its fluted roof designed to resemble folded linen—an architectural tribute to the fabric that shaped so much of our history. Sitting there with thread in hand, I found myself thinking about weaving in a different way—how, as a poet, I weave words. Each line, each image, is a thread in the poem I’m currently working on for the station—gathered from journeys, conversations, and quiet moments like this one.  

From the windows, I saw the gardens stretch out—green, blooming, and full of life. There’s an exhibition on at the moment too, showcasing royal dresses and the stories behind how they were made. Definitely worth a visit. 

Before I left, I was told about a few local gems—The Hillsborough Forest and The Plough Inn. I didn’t make it to the forest this time, but on my way back to the bus, I had 25 minutes to spare and found myself in the cosiest little country pub imaginable. A blazing fire, friendly staff, dog-friendly vibes, and even a Translink award on the wall! I sat, chatting with locals about the workshop and my journey back to Belfast. 

As I walked down the hill towards the bus stop, I passed the church again—now full of energy, with kids playing rugby on the grass. The Belfast Express came over the hill, past the castle and the Hill Side Inn, and carried me back to Grand Central Station. Another journey, another story, and more threads to weave into the poem I’m working on for the station itself.

Hillsborough felt like a patchwork of stories, and if you’d like to make the trip, the Journey Planner will help you find your way.