Balloo and Killinchy

An area worth visiting for fine cuisine and something 'crafty', Killinchy and Balloo is a townland and small village in our borough, within County Down, Northern Ireland. The nearby settlement of Balloo is treated as part of Killinchy. The village sits on a hill overlooking Strangford Lough.

Village attractions

For fine cuisine, quaint places to stay and boutique little shops, this village is a hidden gem.

Sketrick Castle is located near Killinchy and is estimated to date back to the 15th century. It was intact until the end of the 19th century when a storm demolished much of it.

Killinchy Clocks, a family run woodworking company is based in the village. The company make pendulum clocks and all the components entirely from wood.

The Livingston Centre based in Killinchy Parish Church tells the transatlantic story of the Livingston family, from the Reverend John Livingston’s attempt to cross the Atlantic in 1636 aboard the Eagle Wing, to the influential roles played by his descendants in America.  Local history also features and views from the Centre over Strangford Lough are spectacular. 

The Crafty Fox - a one-stop shop for craft supplies and bespoke handcrafted gifts - is another 'must visit' in the area.  It also runs a range of courses for those that like to do it themselves.

A Foodie Haven

Killinchy is home to renowned eateries, Balloo House, The Poacher's Pocket and Daft Eddy's.

Balloo House is an award-winning restaurant and beautiful country pub with a rich history.  It was originally a coaching house bought by the McConnell family in 1893. Refurbished, it now boasts stunning stone floors and a working Aga, creating a cosy feel. 

The hugely successful Poacher’s Pocket restaurant in Killinchy oozes modern country charm. This Michelin recommended restaurant provides great tasting food and in perfect portions.

Daft Eddy's bar and restaurant is owned and operated by brother and sister team Aaron Stronge and Tamara MacLeod and has been in the family for over 25 years, having previously been run by their mother and father.The restaurant, bar and coffee shop offer lough-side views, indoor and outdoor dining and a warm welcome to all.

Find out more about Food and Drink in the Borough.

Adventures aplenty

Explore this stunning area, it's surrounds and the waters of the Lough with the help of local activity providers such as Strangford Lough Activity Centre, located on Sketrick Island in Killinchy (look out for Sketrick Castle). Nearby, enjoy baking traditional Irish breads, or have a go at Paddle and Pizza making amongst just some of the experiences on offer with Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen.

Killinchy is a stunning part of the world, packed with rich history and heritage, perfect for nature lovers, foodie's and adventurers who love the water.

Visitor Information Centres

Our Visitor Information Centres in Bangor and Newtownards have a knowledgeable team who would be delighted to help offer tips and suggestions for how to make the most of your time in the city and the wider borough.

Each of our centres has a gift shop - pick up a memento of your trip from a range of items including souvenirs, locally crafted jewellery, ornaments, books of local interest and so much more.

Bangor Visitor Information Centre | Ards Visitor Information Centre

Click for detailed Maps and Guides

Getting to Balloo and Killinchy

Balloo and nearby Killinchy are located two miles inland from the western shores of Strangford Lough, not far from another picturesque village, Whiterock; the villages are situated 5 miles south of Comber on the A22 road to/from Downpatrick.

Best accessed by road and by using Translink public transport (bus only).

See Sat Nav details and Distance Guide at the bottom of the page.

Plan your trip

Sat Nav details

Balloo | Latitude: 54.4707 Longitude: -5.6880

Killinchy | Latitude 54.2820 and Longitude -5.4036

Driving distances (approx, depending on route):
Belfast - Killinchy | 40 - 45 minutes
Bangor - Killinchy | 30 - 35 minutes
Comber - Killinchy | 15 minutes
Portaferry - Killinchy | 60 minutes, via the Strangford Lough Ferry