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.
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
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 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.
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
Tracey's cottage is located only 30 minutes from Belfast in a Marine Nature Reserve on Strangford Lough. Join her to make Soda and Wheaten Breads and to enjoy a feast of homemade treats around the Farmhouse Kitchen table. A hands on experience.
