The original village of Cloughey (or Cloghy as it is shown on old maps )was at the South end of the beach. Here there was a row of Coastguard cottages and a lifeboat station. A mile to the North was Kirtistown Castle, one of the stone castles along the County Down coast built by the Normans in the 12th century. In the 1920's & 30's Cloughey became a popular holiday location and many of the houses along the Main Road and Quarter Road (close to the golf course and the beach ) were built as holiday homes in this period. The golf course was a draw for the weekend and holiday visitors.

​

In the Second World War 1935-45, several airfields were developed on the Ards Peninsula used mainly by the American Air Force for training. One of these airfields was at Kirkistown and after the war it was converted to use as a motor racing track.

Modern day Cloughey is well known for the water quality on it's beautiful beach. The beach is cleaned by residents at regular intervals during the summer and the Warren is a site of special scientific interest and has a great display of wild flowers and orchids in the early summer.

We have two golf courses Kirkistown and Ardminnan also there is a state of the art Tennis facility comprising of two courts which can double up for five a side pitches. Also a outdoor and indoor bowling facility at the Pavilion and a football pitch nearby just off the main road. Wind surfing along with other water sports go on when wind and tides are suitable.

As well as Kirkistown castle we are very close to two major National Trust properties Castle Ward and Mount Stewart and Kearney village a short distance south not forgetting the magnificent Strangford Lough. All in all there is plenty to do around Cloughey making it a popular holiday destination for the many local caravan sites both touring and static vans.

​

In 2002 the Cloughey and District Community Association was formed and they have been tireless working to improve the village. They have been very active between planting trees and flowers to running events for the children which involves a lot of dedication from those involved. Their work has greatly improved the area and is ongoing. For those interested in the history of the area there are a few links below.

​

​

Maritime aspects of local history

Cloughey Lifeboat Station - for a detailed account of the history of Cloughey Lifeboat click here - Lifeboat story

Cloughey Coastguard Station ( Manse Road Cloughey ). For the story of Irish Coastguard Stations go to  www.coastguardsofyesteryear.org   where among other things there are photos of most of the surving stations including Cloughey ( or Cloghy as it is spelt there ). To see the photos of the Cloughey coastguard station and cottages click  here...

​

Marine disasters on North and South Rocks click on link below - Extract from "Shipwrecks on the Ulster Coast"

Marine disasters on North and South Rocks off Cloughey -

Loss of the Wild Deer - in 1883, this ship with 300 emigrants bound foe New Zealand foundered on North Rock off Cloughey. To read the story of how the passengers and crew were rescued clink on the above link.( Lifeboat Story )

​

Development of Kirkistown Castle Golf Course - The course is mainly flat but contains 2 mounds -one is the remains of a Norman motte & bailey fort and the other is topped by a stone windmill stump. In the low lying terrain of the surrounding countryside, the windmill stump and the Castle are prominent landmarks. More information and photographs can be found on the Kirkistown Castle Golf Club website......

Kirkistown Castle Golf Club website .

​

​

​