An annual beacon of summertime for Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, the popular Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market will return to the village this summer with dates announced for Saturday 30th May, Saturday 27th June and Saturday 25th July 2026. The popular artisan market will set up in the picturesque setting of The Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort from 10am to-4pm and is free to attend.
Entering its 10th year in 2026, the Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market proudly showcases a diverse offering of artisan traders, food and drink producers and specialist street food vendors alongside a growing collection of stalls with local artists, artisan designers and makers with handcrafted homewares, jewellery and skincare on offer.
This hub for those wishing to shop and support local artisan businesses continues to grow in popularity, with guests drawn from across the Council area and further afield. Marketgoers can expect a wide array of options including local produce, street food, arts and crafts, home décor, gifting ideas and more.
Speaking about this year’s series of Royal Hillsborough Farmers Markets, Chair of the Regeneration and Growth Committee, Councillor Claire Kemp said, "We are delighted that the Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market has become firmly established as part of the rhythm of summer.
"This year marks ten years since the Council launched a pilot market to test demand and feasibility, and it has gone from strength to strength ever since.
"That success is a testament to the outstanding quality of local food, drink and artisan crafts on offer, as well as the growing reputation of Royal Hillsborough as a visitor destination within the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.”
Artisan producers and street food traders confirmed for May’s Royal Hillsborough Farmers market include ‘old favourites’ alongside some new faces including The Pie Shop, The Daily Apron, The Flavoursmyth, Loki’s Coffee with Nomad street food and Fruitonic juice bar joining the market for the first time.
Seasonal flavours will take centre stage this month with specialist strawberry producer O’Malley Berry Co in attendance, whilst Potter’s Hill Plants, who expertly grow their plants in the village, will offer up high-quality herbaceous garden perennials.
A select gathering of art, craft and beauty makers will round out this month’s offering including Amber Jordan Design, Simply N Jewellery, Plumpy Balms, Bough and Burr and Ayeen Art.
Royal Hillsborough continues to establish itself on the map of Northern Ireland food and heritage destinations. Visitors and locals alike are charmed by the village’s history and charm with a range of local shops, restaurants, cafes, and of course Hillsborough Castle in close proximity, making market days the perfect day out in this jewel of County Down.
Guests to the Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market are encouraged to make the most of their visit by taking in Royal Hillsborough’s historical buildings, beautifully kept public spaces, independent shops, eateries and attractions. There will be something to delight everyone, including for four-legged friends.
For more information on traders and a full programme of events visit visitlisburncastlereagh.com or follow Visit Lisburn Castlereagh on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.