Historic site
Castleboy
An important medieval site with a fascinating connection to the religious orders of the Middle Ages and the history of the Ards.
Explore our heritage
The stories of Cloughey.
From ancient sites and castles to lighthouse keepers, lifeboat crews and everyday village life, our heritage is the story of the people and places that shaped this part of the Ards Peninsula.
Our growing archive
People. Places. Sea. Community.
Cloughey's story reaches far beyond a single building or period. Cloughey Heritage Group is bringing together photographs, documents, memories and research so that these stories can be preserved and shared for future generations.
This section will continue to grow as our research develops and more material is added to the CHG archive.
Built heritage
Kirkistown Castle
The distinctive tower house at Kirkistown has stood through centuries of change and remains one of the area's most recognisable historic landmarks.
Maritime heritage
South Rock
The lighthouse, the lightships that followed it and the dangerous waters offshore form one of the most remarkable chapters in Cloughey's maritime story.
Service & courage
Cloughey Lifeboat
Generations of local lifeboat crews served the waters around Cloughey. Their boats, rescues and the community behind them are an important part of our history.
Shipwreck & community
The Wild Deer
When the emigrant ship Wild Deer struck North Rock in 1883, Cloughey suddenly had to shelter and feed hundreds of survivors. The Old Meeting House became part of the village-wide rescue response, with pews turned into makeshift sleeping berths.
Read the Meeting House story →Village life
Cloughey through the years
Old photographs and postcards preserve a changing village — its shore, streets, homes, visitors and the everyday lives of the people who made Cloughey their home.
Our heritage home
The Old Meeting House
With its foundation stone laid in 1842 and the building opened for worship in 1843, the Old Meeting House is itself part of Cloughey's story and is at the centre of CHG's plans for preserving and sharing local heritage.
Discover the project →Help preserve the story
Do you have a piece of Cloughey's history?
Family photographs, old postcards, documents and memories can all add something to our understanding of the area. CHG welcomes material and stories that may help preserve the history of Cloughey and the surrounding community.