Sir Hans Sloane Centre

About

Visit the Discovery Centre to learn more about how the lives of Sir Hans Sloane (established the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Chelsea Physic Garden, and we can also thank him for bringing drinking chocolate to Europe!), and the Rev Edward Hincks (rector of Killyleagh parish, one of the world’s most knowledgeable experts in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs,) have had, and still have, a great impact on life in Ireland, the United Kingdom and indeed the world.

Displays also include other local contributors to history and science including Jocelyn Bell Burnell (discovered Pulsars – one of the most significant discoveries of the 20th century), Earnest Walton (built the first linear accelerator, proving Einstein's E = mc2), John Desmond Bernal (designed floating prefabricated harbours for D-Day landings),  ​​​Mary Ward (made significant contributions to Microscopy.​​​​​​), and Henry Blackwood (with Admiral Horatio Nelson when he died at the Battle of Trafalgar).

The Centre consist's of a small museum, numerous displays, a science education area, a children's reading corner, a small gift shop, rest area, and botanical garden. Numerous activities are offered including science activities, foreign language and creative writing classes, and art exhibitions.