ABOUT
A quiet haven between the Mourne mountains and the sea
Hanna’s Close, Aughnahoory Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4AH, Northern Ireland
ABOUT
A quiet haven between the Mourne mountains and the sea
Hanna’s Close, Aughnahoory Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4AH, Northern Ireland
History of the Close
The Hanna’s originally came from Sorbie, Galloway, Scotland, around 1642 because the conditions where they lived were so difficult. During the 1600’s there was great religious persecution of the Protestants in Scotland and they fled to Ireland in search of a better life. They were granted the lease of some acres of land in Aughnahoory, which would have had to be cleared of trees, bushes and stones, before they could start to build.
They built their cottages on the bank above the river flood plain, because in the 1600’s the river was larger and flooded in winter. The houses were built close together for protection. Aughnahoory may not have been a very safe place as there were bandits around who plundered property.
In 1834 there were four Hanna families living in Aughnahoory but it is difficult to ascertain which of these were Close Hannas. In 1860 there were eight families of Hannas living in the Close. The land around the Close and on either side of Cassie’s Loanen was divided then, probably on the basis of good, and not so good land.
A noticeable feature of the Close is that the cottages only have a front door facing into the centre of the Close and only small windows facing the surrounding countryside, this was designed to protect them against attacks.
George Hanna, who also had a shop in Kilkeel, where he made and repaired shoes, appears to have owned the larger portion, and it is on his land that six of the houses were built, the other three seem to have been built on William Hanna’s land, but still in the Close area. George also had his own ford over the river and a lane leading up from it to his “street”. The rest of Hannas used a communal ford and lane which crossed the Commons. This was an area of a little over 1 acre along the river where each family had the right to graze a goat or a donkey. There was also two small lint holes in the Commons where the flax could be “retted” or steeped.
To the north of the Close was a well, known as the “boiling” well; it never dried up and the water from it was used for cooking purposes, especially butter making. The other well was to the south of the Close and it is still in existence.
Preserving Hanna’s Close for future generations
The Charity was set up as a not for profit making venture run by local Volunteers. Its sole aim’s are to help sustain this local landmark for generations to come and to fundraise and help with other local community initiatives. Our Charitable association, through seasonal events, donates a share of its profit to many local charities and are very proud to do so.
We have a volunteer group called ‘The Friends of Hanna’s Close’ who are passionate about the history of the local area. This group carries out various schemes throughout the year to help with the preservation of the cottages and surrounding parklands. We have an allotment garden at the rear of our cottages and local special needs groups as well as schools carry out educational horticultural programmes on site.
We are much more than just self catering cottages, if you stay at Hanna’s Close you’re helping us to preserve our historical built environment. Cottage rental is our main source of income to help maintain and preserve the 17th century cottages. We have over 40 volunteers working at Hanna’s Close and we are continuously looking to promote our site for events and as a community space open to all.
“If you book a cottage with us you are helping to preserve a historical landmark for future generations to come.”
Hanna's Close works closely with the following groups:
Local Activities
Fun-filled holiday for all the family!
Our cottages are beneath the majestic Mourne Mountains allowing you to walk from the door and be top of the world a few hours later.
Hanna’s Close has seven traditional cottages from one to three bedrooms, all teeming with traditional features. From stone walls to feature fire
places, holidaying in history is an immediate reality. Five cottages are located in the Close. The Carthouse, The Barn and The Stables are one bedroom cottages. Two Bedroom Cottages include William John’s and George’s. Not in the Close, but a short distance
away is Murphy’s (two bedroom) and Callaghan’s (three bedroom)
Hanna's Close, 87 Aughnahoory Road,
Kilkeel, County Down,
BT34 4AH, Northern Ireland
Telephone: (028) 4176 5999
UK: + 44 28 4176 5999 intl
Email: office@hannasclose.com
Hanna's Close run by 'River Valley Development Association’
a registered charity NIO 29953
Hanna's Close, 87 Aughnahoory Road,
Kilkeel, County Down,
BT34 4AH, Northern Ireland
Telephone: (028) 4176 5999
UK: + 44 28 4176 5999 intl
Email: office@hannasclose.com