Discover Killinchy: Landscape and History

Killinchy is located near the western shore of Strangford Lough. The lough is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; Killinchy itself sits on a hill overlooking the water. This makes the area a destination that combines landscape, local history and activities on the lough. These themes can be clearly distinguished: nature watching, water sports and historical connections each highlight a different side of the area.

Strangford Lough and activities on the water

Eco Boat Tours of Strangford Lough focuses on the lough’s wildlife and works with Sam, a marine biologist from Coastal Catchups. If you are interested in this nature-focused theme, check the tour programme in advance, as it may change. This lets you consider the boat tours as a distinct option alongside the more active water-based activities.

The Strangford Lough Activity Centre regularly runs paddleboarding courses for beginners and experienced participants on the lough. The centre is located on Sketrick Island in Killinchy. The courses cater to different experience levels; dates may change, so it is worth checking the current course schedule before your trip.

Another option for courses on the water is the SLYC Sailing & Powerboat School in Whiterock Bay, Killinchy. It offers sailing and powerboat courses. Course schedules may change here too, so check the dates for your travel period. The activities differ across these options: paddleboarding at the Activity Centre, sailing or powerboat courses at SLYC, and a focus on wildlife with Eco Boat Tours.

Church history and transatlantic connections

The present-day Killinchy Parish Church opened for worship in 1830. The church houses the Livingston Centre, a local heritage centre devoted to the Livingston family’s transatlantic history. The church and centre thus connect a specific place in Killinchy with the history of a family and its links across the Atlantic.

Reverend John Livingston was Killinchy’s first Protestant rector in 1630. He was also involved in building the Eagle Wing, the first recorded attempted sea voyage between Ulster and America. These two historical connections associate Livingston both with the area’s church history and with an early attempted crossing between the continents. The Livingston Centre presents the family’s transatlantic history; the Eagle Wing is one of the related historical topics.

Another historic site is Sketrick Castle on Sketrick Island. The island lies off the western coast of Strangford Lough and is accessible by a causeway. The Strangford Lough Activity Centre is also located on the island. If you are interested in this area, you can include the castle and the centre as two distinct points of interest on the same island in your plans.

Local life, crafts and getting there

There is a pump track in Killinchy Community Park. It provides another local activity option alongside the courses on the water. Killinchy Clocks is also part of the local scene: this family-run woodworking business makes pendulum clocks, all of whose components are made entirely of wood. The original craftsperson, Joseph Thompson, designed and made the clocks in a workshop on Ardview Road in Killinchy. This offers a distinct insight into the area’s craft tradition; it should not be taken to mean that you can visit the workshop.

Balloo House is a restaurant and country pub in Killinchy. As its restaurant operations may change, check current details before visiting.

Balloo and nearby Killinchy are best reached by road and by Translink public transport; public transport is by bus only. Check connections before your trip, as transport services may change. When choosing your destination, you can first consider whether you are more interested in the landscape around Strangford Lough, water-based activities, or local and church history.

Discover more destinations: Greyabbey, Comber, Newtownards, Portaferry

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