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…

An Evening with Caleb Hardy

An Evening with Caleb Hardy

After an extremely popular session at our Christmas Music by Candlelight Event, Caleb is returning to the Hans Sloane Centre to introduce and sing his own songs. If free, please… READ MORE
By 7 February 2025
Nature Week: Save Killyleagh’s Natural Environment 14th -17th April

Nature Week: Save Killyleagh’s Natural Environment 14th -17th April

Bob Brown’s excellent November talk on Hans Sloane and his contribution to Botany and plant records worldwide prompted a fascinating discussion about “what would Hans Sloane do if he were… READ MORE
By 7 February 2025
LANGUAGE CLASSES will recommence in March.

LANGUAGE CLASSES will recommence in March.

1/ Italian Conversation for Beginners When ? Mondays from 2.30 to 3.30pm ( 10, 17, 24, 31 March & 14, 28 April) 2/ French Conversation for Beginners. When ? Wednesdays… READ MORE
By 7 February 2025
BOOK CLUB

BOOK CLUB

When? starts at 7.30pm on Thursday 20th March 2025 Cost? FREE How? DM, email info@sirhanssloanecentre.co.uk, or call in to the Centre. We are delighted to be starting a monthly Book… READ MORE
By 7 February 2025
February 2025 Newsletter

February 2025 Newsletter

https://sirhanssloanecentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Newsletter-February-2025-final.pdf READ MORE
By 7 February 2025
New Opening Hours for Jan and Feb 2025.

New Opening Hours for Jan and Feb 2025.

Please note that we have new opening hours until 3rd March 2025. If we are closed and you would like access for any reason (maybe you have visitors or would… READ MORE
By 18 January 2025

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
Nigh Kayakers, Killyleagh

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.

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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