Hans Sloan, 17th century founder of the British Museum and Kew Gardens was born in a house close by and received his early education in the castle. The Baron of Killyleagh, HRH Prince Andrew, recently opened Sloan Square in Killyleagh.

Lady Helen Dufferin wrote the famous poem "The Lament of the Irish Emigrant" in the castle, It is still possible to visit Mary's Stile in the shadows of the Castle today.

Today, the village has an unhurried pace, reflected perfectly by the character of the Dufferin Arms Coaching Inn, beside the Castle, which still dominates the 17th century streets with their rows of neat, slate-roofed houses running down hill to the little harbour.

Our plan is to hold the workshops in the great hall of the castle, providing an atmosphere that promotes innovative and free thought. Smaller sessions will be run in the gatehouse, while the coaching inn has conference facilities for 50+ people.

Accommodation either in the gatehouse or turrets of the castle or in the coaching house 50 yards away. For more history of the castle please follow the link below.