Local Area Interests

Delamont Country Park - located a mile outside Killyleagh and within walking distance, on stunning beautiful Strangford Lough, Delamont offers you the chance to 'get away from it all' in tranquil, rural surroundings. Home of the longest miniature railway in Ireland and the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. Waymarked walks, boat trips, woodland, open pasture, refreshments, outdoor adventure playground and events.

Killyleagh Castle - was described by Harold Nicholson over a century ago as "…pricking castellated ears above the smoke of its own village and towering like a chateau of the Loire above the tides of Strangford Lough." It could be said that nothing much has changed. The village of Killyleagh grew up around a fortified tower, built in the 12th century by the Norman knight, John de Courcy, conqueror of Ulster. Today, it is the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland.

Killyleagh harbor and bay – the picturesque Netwalk now boasts its own “Canoe trail” on Strangford Lough, clearly signposted with launch sites.

Shore Road/Net Walk (turn left out of the house)  – a picturesque walk or drive round the edge of the Lough as you leave the town – look out for the heron at low tide.

Yacht Club – a short walk along the Shore Road – host to the annual Strangford Lough Regatta on alternate years – each of the small villages has its own yacht club and plays a part in the regatta races in July each year. Visiting boats are welcome.

Strangford Lough Canoe Trail – follow the trail round the islands in the Lough – set off from the bottom of Shore Street or Delamont Country Park. (www.Canoeni.com and www.cani.com) 

Viking Festival - Magnus Barelegs Viking Festival 2008 - 19th - 21st September 2008 – arts and crafts workshops, boat race, parade and a range of other festivities.

Drama in the Castle grounds – summer drama in the Castle grounds.

Killyleagh Castle