Sir Hans Sloane Centre

KILLYLEAGH

How the Centre benefits the local community and tourists

Education

The Centre supports STEM education with STEM enrichment activities for all ages.

Tourism

The Centre provides access to the rich cultural heritage of Killyleagh and County Down.

Employment

The Centre plays host to small businesses and draws a new tourist footfall, bringing additional economic activity.

Prosperity

A community of communities have a home here, with significant social impact, educationally and economically for the area. 

The aims of the Sir Hans Sloane Centre

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.

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 has become a focal point in the area and will continue to entice visitors to spend time there; spend money there and help promote future sustainable development in the village.

Most recent updates…

Walk with Duane Fitzsimons along the Lecale Way.

Walk with Duane Fitzsimons along the Lecale Way.

Walk with Duane Fitzsimons along the Lecale Way to explore places of Myths and Legends and stories from the landscape. Enjoy a cross-country trail followed by a soup and sandwich… READ MORE
By 19 May 2026
Cèilidh / Céilí – An Evening of Dancing to Scottish and Irish Music

Cèilidh / Céilí – An Evening of Dancing to Scottish and Irish Music

Dancing to Bangor band: Not Safe with a Razor! Where? Killyleagh FootballClub (Comber Road) – Bar available.                          … READ MORE
By 19 May 2026
An Evening with the Harp: Ursula Burns.

An Evening with the Harp: Ursula Burns.

A room filled with Harp music, melody, tradition and innovation with the beautiful and witty Ursula Burns. Irish musician Ursula Burns has developed a hybrid style of harping that incorporates… READ MORE
By 19 May 2026
Are Science and Religion Reconcilable?

Are Science and Religion Reconcilable?

FREE Public Lecture Where? Sir Hans Sloane Centre When? 7pm 25th June 2026 How? email booking@sirhanssloanecentre.co.uk, call in to the Centre or message us on Facebook. Part of our Shared… READ MORE
By 12 May 2026
RESTOCK OF OUR FABULOUS TWEED CUSHIONS

RESTOCK OF OUR FABULOUS TWEED CUSHIONS

These won’t last long. 3 already sold as I was putting them in the shop! I love the new Killyleagh Heron one and the Mournes have been added to the… READ MORE
By 28 April 2026
MEET the BEEKEEPERS 

MEET the BEEKEEPERS 

Saturday 23rd May at Sir Hans Sloane Centre Session 1 is from 10 to 11am Session 2 is from 11:30am to 12:30pm WHAT TO EXPECT > see live bees and… READ MORE
By 22 April 2026

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

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. 

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.

Nigh Kayakers, Killyleagh

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.

Nigh Kayakers, Killyleagh
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.

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
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