Frederick Temple Blackwood was born in 1826, the son of the 4th baron of Dufferin and Clanboye. The family mostly lived in Candeboy Castle in Belfast, Ireland. In 1841 he succeeded to the family title, and in 1850 he was created Baron Clandeboye, also becoming a Liberal member of the House of Lords.

After marrying Hariot Rowan-Hamilton of County Down in 1862, he changed the family name to Hamilton-Blackwood. Their son Archibald was born in 1863, Terence in 1866, and Ian in 1870.

In 1860-1861 Lord Dufferin was special commissioner to Syria. He thereafter held various posts as Under Secretary for India and for War; in 1868-1872 he was chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster.

In 1871 Dufferin was created Viscount Clandeboye and Earl of Dufferin, and in 1872 he changed the family name again to Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood. That same year he was appointed Governor-General of Canada, which position he held until 1878. From 1879-1881 he was ambassador to St. Petersburg, and from 1881-1884 he was ambassador to Constantinople. From 1884-1888 he was viceroy of India.

In 1888 Dufferin was created the first earl of Ava and Marquess of Dufferin and Ava. He was made ambassador to Rome that same year, which position he held until 1896. Throughout most of his life he was styled as Dufferin.