Killinakin

Today’s townland is Killinakin, on the edge of Strangford Lough, to the east of the village of Killinchy.

Whiterock Road from Killinakin RoadKillinakin includes the coastal village of Whiterock and Strangford Lough Yacht Club.

Whiterock from SketrickBut it doesn’t cover the whole of Whiterock Bay.  About halfway round the bay is a stream called the Ganaway Burn, which divides Killinakin from the townland of Ballydorn to the north.

Sunrise Strangford Lough Yacht ClubWhen I took the next photo of Whiterock Bay, I wasn’t thinking of townlands at all, but trying to capture the wildlife.  Yes, the small fuzzy blobs on the seaweed are seals.

whiterock with sealsTo get the best views over the lough, follow the Whiterock Road as it climbs away from the shore, and turn right into Killinakin Road.

IslandsAccording to the PLACENAMESNI website, The name probably comes from the Irish Coill Fhlannagáin meaning “Flanagan’s wood”.

Killinakin Road signThe local pronunciation of Killinakin emphasizes the second syllable; which is perhaps what you would guess from the spelling on this headstone for the Boyd family in Raffrey churchyard.

Headstone for Boyd of Killinakin in Raffrey


more information

Which other townlands border Killinakin?  To the north, the Ganaway Burn is the border with Ballydorn.  To the east, Strangford Lough.  To the south, Ballymorran.  To the west, Craigarusky and Killinchy.

Which civil parish is Killinakin in?  Killinchy

Which county is Killinakin in?  County Down

Finally, click here for the PLACENAMESNI website to read more about the history of the name Killinakin.  

 

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