Join Clive on a walking tour of Killyleagh to explore the rich history of one of County Down’s best small towns.
Killyleagh was settled in the 12th century by Norman knight John de Courcy, who built the left hand tower of the castle in 1180, as part of a series of fortifications around Strangford Lough offering protection from the Vikings. Killyleagh castle is the oldest continually inhabited castle in Ireland and has been the home of the Hamiltons since the early 17th century.
The tour starts at the Sir Hans Sloane Centre on High Street, passes the castle the heads down to the shore of the lough, where Sir Hans Sloane roamed as a boy. His collections formed the foundations of the British Museum and Natural History Museum in London and we can thank him for bringing drinking chocolate to Europe.
Discover the home of Reverend Edward Hincks, the world famous Egyptologist, on Church Hill, and learn about Sir Henry Blackwood’s exploits with Lord Nelson at Trafalgar. Return to the present and enjoy some good food and great coffee, or join the craic and music in the pub.
We know you’ll want to come back to this wonderful village, but don’t tell everyone, as Killyleagh is one of County Down’s best kept secrets.
May – September
Regular tours are on the first Saturday of the month between May and September. Use the simple Booking Form below to book a place.
Private tours
For groups of at least four people, you can contact Clive to arrange a tour on a date and time that suits you at any time of the year. Use the main contact form at the bottom of the page to enquire about a private tour.
Price (payable on the day)
Adults: £6
Under 16s: £2
Phone: 028 4482 8428
Email: clive.scoular@gmail.com