Killinchy brings together church history and seafaring with the landscape of Strangford Lough. The village sits on a hill overlooking the lough and close to its western shore. Strangford Lough is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This gives you two practical themes to consider when planning your trip: the history surrounding Reverend John Livingston and activities on the water. A pump track in the community park and local woodcraft add to these highlights.

Landscape and activities on Strangford Lough

Killinchy Community Park includes a pump track. There are various courses available on the water: Strangford Lough Activity Centre regularly runs paddleboarding courses for beginners and advanced participants on Strangford Lough. At Whiterock Bay, Killinchy, SLYC Sailing & Powerboat School offers sailing and powerboating courses. You can choose according to the activity you want: paddleboarding, sailing or powerboating. Course dates and programmes may change; check the latest dates when planning your trip.

Sketrick Castle is on Sketrick Island on the western shore of the lough. The island is accessible by a causeway; Strangford Lough Activity Centre is also on Sketrick Island in Killinchy. Eco Boat Tours of Strangford Lough focuses on the lough’s wildlife. The company works with Sam, a marine biologist from Coastal Catchups. Tour content may change, so check which focus is offered for specific dates.

Church, Livingston and seafaring history

Today’s Killinchy Parish Church opened for worship in 1830. The church houses the Livingston Centre, a local heritage centre that presents the transatlantic history of the Livingston family. Reverend John Livingston was Killinchy’s first Protestant rector in 1630. The two dates represent different aspects of the village’s history: 1630 for Livingston’s role in Killinchy, and 1830 for the opening of today’s church for worship.

The Eagle Wing is also connected with Livingston’s story: he was involved in building the ship. The Eagle Wing made the first recorded attempted sea voyage between Ulster and America. Its history therefore extends from a local church role to a transatlantic venture. The Livingston Centre in Killinchy Parish Church presents the family’s history; the Eagle Wing adds its connection with seafaring.

Woodcraft and practical planning

Killinchy Clocks is a family-run woodworking business that makes pendulum clocks with every component made entirely from wood. The original craftsman, Joseph Thompson, designed and made the clocks in a workshop on Ardview Road in Killinchy. This adds a specific local craft to the village’s church and seafaring history.

Balloo and nearby Killinchy are best reached by road or on public transport operated by Translink; public transport is bus-only. Transport services may change, so check the latest connections before travelling. Balloo House is a restaurant and country pub in Killinchy. If you plan to eat there, check in advance whether it will be open when you visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Newtownards, Portaferry, Greyabbey, Comber.

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