Sir Hans Sloane Centre
Killyleagh

Most recent updates...

Sir Hans Sloane Centre
KILLYLEAGH

Most recent updates...

How the Centre will benefit the community as
well as tourists

Education
The Centre includes interactive displays relating to Sir Hans Sloane’s science work and its modern day context.
Employment
The Centre will bring jobs in its set up and ongoing administration, plus increased demand in local businesses.
Tourism
Tourists, visitors and locals come to learn about Sir Hans Sloane, Edward Hincks and more.
Prosperity
Raising the prosperity of the area will provide greater education and employment opportunities for the local youth.
How the Centre will benefit the community as well as tourists
Education
The Centre will include interactive displays relating to Sir Hans Sloane’s science work and its modern day context.
Employment
The Centre will bring jobs in its set up and ongoing administration, plus increased demand in local businesses.
Tourism
Tourists, visitors and locals come to the village to learn about Sir Hans Sloane, Edward Hincks and more.
Prosperity
Raising the prosperity of the area will provide greater education and employment opportunities for the local youth.

annual visitor numbers to local attractions

80,000
St Patrick Centre
65,000
Down Cathedral
46,000
Down County Museum
13,350
Game of Thrones
5000
Chocolate Festival
annual visitor numbers to local attractions
80,000
St Patrick Centre
65,000
Down Cathedral
46,000
Down County Museum
13,500
Game of Thrones
5,000
Chocolate Festival

The aims of the Sir Hans Sloane Centre

The aims of the Sir Hans Sloane Centre
  • To generate an infrastructure that will bring renewed prosperity, opportunity and ambition for the village community.
  • To create employment in the running of the centre and support neighbouring businesses.
  • To increase the number of visitors to the village and enrich their experience.
  • To boost recreational pursuit opportunity to help improve the wellbeing of the whole village population and to increase visitor time and spend in Killyleagh.
  • To celebrate and make known the life and work of Sir Hans Sloane.
  • To share his great contribution to London and to science with the people of his birthplace and boyhood home.
  • To promote education in local history, science and the environment for school children in the area and visitors.

What'S inside the Centre

On the ground floor the Sir Hans Sloane Centre consist's of a small museum, a science education area, a gift shop, rest area and coffee dock.  There is also a small office for private hire.

On the first floor there is an office available to hire, a gallery area which is used for exhibitions and a large room currently used for art classes.  In time, this will consist of four work area pods, available for hire, as we develop the Centre as a Digital Hub and Innovation Centre.  Adjacent to the work pods will be a video conference suite by day which will double as a local cinema for evening use.

The lives of Sir Hans Sloane and the Rev Edward Hincks have had, and still have, a great impact on life in Ireland, the United Kingdom and indeed the world. The Centre is a place to share knowledge, educate, provide new experiences and offer opportunities for employment as well as raise the expectations of the young people in the area and so help to build a better future for everyone.

Killyleagh and the surrounding Lecale area already attract many Irish, British and international visitors, especially those who have carefully planned their visits in advance. This footfall to our local area could be increased in line with the growing number of tourists to Northern Ireland, many of whom are already coming to such places as the Titanic Centre, the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones tours, by visits to Downpatrick with its St Patrick’s legacy. And music and fine food are also to be enjoyed in this attractive part of county Down.

The Sir Hans Sloane Centre aims to become a focal point in the area and will entice visitors to spend time there; spend money there and help promote future sustainable development in the village.
Killyleagh highlights
Killyleagh highlights

Killyleagh Castle

Built in 1180 by John de Courcy, Killyleagh Castle remains the private home of Hamilton family.

Visitors are often heard comparing it to Hogwarts or a castle from Disney.
Photo credit: Mark Stronge
Killyleagh Castle
Built in 1180 by John de Courcy, Killyleagh Castle remains the private home of Hamilton family.

Visitors are often heard comparing it to Hogwarts or a castle from Disney.
Photo credit: Mark Stronge
Nigh Kayakers, Killyleagh

The Harbour

From 2017, Killyleagh harbour has been featured nationally by BBC One in their idents – the footage you see in between TV shows. 
The Harbour
From 2017, Killyleagh harbour has been featured nationally by BBC One in their idents – the footage you see in between TV shows. 
Nigh Kayakers, Killyleagh

Hans Sloane Square

The statue in the centre of the square is a replica of one erected in Sir Hans Sloane's honour in the Chelsea Physic Garden in London. It was unveiled by Baron Killyleagh himself – HRH Prince Andrew.
Hans Sloane Square
The statue in the centre of the square is a replica of one erected in Sir Hans Sloane's honour in the Chelsea Physic Garden in London. It was unveiled by Baron Killyleagh himself – Prince Andrew
the Duke of York.

Kingfisher Craft Gallery

Owned and run by one of our Trustees, Lorraine Lawson, Kingfisher specialises in arts and crafts from Northern Ireland.
Kingfisher Craft Gallery
Owned and run by one of our Trustees, Lorraine Lawson, Kingfisher specialises in arts and crafts from Northern Ireland.

Edward Hincks

Edward Hincks, rector of Killyleagh Parish Church for the last 41 years of his life, was the world’s greatest expert in the translation of Middle Eastern hieroglyphics.
Edward Hincks
Edward Hincks, rector of Killyleagh Parish Church for the last 41 years of his life, was the world’s greatest expert in the translation of Middle Eastern hieroglyphics.
James Joyce plate at the Dufferin Arms

Dufferin Arms

James Joyce Pub Award: "This establishment remains an outstanding example of the tradition which Joyce immortalized in his works and is an authentic Irish pub which retains a genuineness of atmosphere, friendliness and presence of good company."
Dufferin Arms
James Joyce Pub Award: "This establishment remains an outstanding example of the tradition which Joyce immortalized in his works and is an authentic Irish pub which retains a genuineness of atmosphere, friendliness and presence of good company."
James Joyce plate at the Dufferin Arms

Delamont Country Park

Within walking distance of Killyleagh is the Delamont Country Park with stunning views over Strangford Lough and over to the Mournes.
Delamont Country Park
Delamont Country Park
Within walking distance of Killyleagh is the Delamont Country Park with stunning views over Strangford Lough and down to the Mournes.
Delamont Country Park
X