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…

Creating Mandalas

Creating Mandalas

Creating Mandalas with Lise Curran Unlock your creativity Taster Workshop Wednesday 19th August 10.30am – 12.30pm Venue: Sir Hans Sloane Centre, Killyleagh To book contact Lise on 07542 937730 email:… READ MORE
By 6 August 2026
DROP OFF ART CLASS

DROP OFF ART CLASS

Term Time Classes REgular term Time Classes beginning September with discounted block booking. Ages 5-9 | 9.45 – 11.ooam Ages 10-14 | 11.15 – 12.30 Contact Amy on Whatsapp 07512695940… READ MORE
By 6 August 2026
Retro Vinyl Night

Retro Vinyl Night

KILLYLEAGH SUMMER FESTIVAL at the Sir Hans Sloan Centre Retro Vinyl Night Bring your own vinyl along and select a favourite track and discuss amongst music buffs. August 20th 7-9pm… READ MORE
By 6 August 2026
Mapping the Mournes

Mapping the Mournes

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞!Join us for Mapping the Mournes, a new programme celebrating Irish, Ulster Scots and the languages of the mountains. Walks in the… READ MORE
By 6 August 2026
Shinty / Hurling Match

Shinty / Hurling Match

FREE event. First ever Shinty match in NI and its here in Killyleagh. There will be a Hurling match too. Come as a spectator or give it a try. Family… READ MORE
By 17 June 2026
Celtic (Irish and Scottish) Art & Craft Exhibition

Celtic (Irish and Scottish) Art & Craft Exhibition

We are delighted to announce the opening of our Celtic (Irish and Scottish) Art & Craft Exhibition which is part of our Shared & Together: Where Ulster-Scots meets Irish Programme… READ MORE
By 17 June 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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