The Marquess of Downshire was recorded in Griiffith's Valuation in 1862 as the landlord of Ballymaconaghy, one of the townlands in which Hillsborough Drive is located. This was Arthur Hill, 4th Marquess of Downshire. His residence was Hillsborough Castle.
"Resolved — That on the application of the Dixon Estates Ltd., a new street on their property, situate off Woodstock Road, be named Hillsborough Street". (18th March 1913).
Submitted application, dated 19th inst., from Messrs. The Dixon Estates Ltd., to change the name of Hillsborough Street to Hillsborough Avenue.
Resolved — That Messrs. The Dixon Estates Ltd. be informed that the description "Avenue" cannot be applied to any street less than 50 feet in width, and that as Hillsborough Street is only 35 feet in width the Committee are prepared to agree to the name being changed to Hillsborough Drive. (27th February 1923).