The 19th century farmhouse that stands here today holds a vast collection of objects, artefacts, diaries, books, photographs to name a few, that the family collected through the generations.
Sentry Hill has been home to the McKinney family since the early 18th Century up until the 1990s. The 19th century farmhouse that stands here today holds a vast collection of objects, artefacts, diaries, books, photographs to name a few, that the family collected through the generations. As a growing farm, given its proximity to Belfast during industrialisation, the stories of how the McKinneys made their wealth are rich and well documented, from farm accounts, to endeavours abroad and to everyday cultural life.
On the 14th of September we open the doors to Sentry Hill for a chance for you to step back in time to our harvest fair. You’ll be able to see what farming life was like, how it developed and how the McKinney family changed with the times. You’ll be able to see the McKinney’s collection of old farming tools and machinery on display, hear stories about those who stayed at home and those that went abroad to seek better opportunities during the house tours and you’ll be able to enter into a time capsule with our photography exhibition documenting the McKinney’s day to day lives on the farm and further afield alongside other fair activities, food and refreshment.
An important part of farming on the island, even today, is folklore and storytelling. This family held its fair share of these superstitions, from the fairy tree at the top of the hill, to protecting the children from fairy changelings. Delve into the stories from Irish folklore that the McKinneys alongside many farmers paid much heed to. Folklore craft activities will also be available for all the family to enjoy, such as learning about harvest knots and how to make your own as well as a folklore storytelling by the fire. There is fun for all the family to be had at Sentry Hill!