The Heritage Walks Festival is a range of walks providing a great opportunity to connect with local heritage and environment in the Downpatrick area between Monday 12 and Saturday 17 June.
Saint Patrick and the Pagan Hills
Duane Fitzsimons will guide you on a walk through the byways of Saint Patrick’s Country exploring a landscape of ancient monuments and saintly connections.
Explore the Quoile
Explore the history of the Quoile river and pondage, from its site as the earliest settlements in Downpatrick, through its heyday as a bustling port and centre of industry with guide Mairead Sweeney
Tobar Mhuire
Join the Crossgar ladies walking group on a short walk through the beautiful grounds of Tobar Mhuire monastery, enjoying the views of the spectacular Mourne mountains.
Explore Downpatrick’s Archaeology and Early Settlements
Dr Colm Donnelly of Queen’s University Belfast will lead this walk exploring some of the most important archaeological and historical sites in Downpatrick.
Saint Patrick’s Way, Camino and Canoe Adventure
Enjoy a fully guided camino walk with the added bonus of canoeing the Quoile Pondage to Inch Abbey, taking in the stunning views of wildlife and ancient monuments. Includes a visit to Saul Church, the Saint Patrick Centre and Saint Patrick’s Grave at Down Cathedral.
Meelmore Lodge (Over 50’s walk)
Join Kilbroney Ramblers in this walk around Meelmore Lodge. Kilbroney Ramblers is aimed primarily at the 50+ age group and you will have the opportunity to choose from two graded walks.
Incorrigibles and Unfortunates: Gaols in Downpatrick
Explore Downpatrick’s four seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth century gaol sites and the stories of their prisoners. The walk will finish at the Gallows Hill, the traditional execution site in Downpatrick where many ‘incorrigibles and unfortunates’ ended their days.
Saint Patrick Coastal Camino
Travel by coach to Ballyhornan Beach for a spectacular coastal walk along sandy trails and cliff tops en-route to Saint Patrick’s Well by the sea. Includes a walk to the historic Ardtole church, the harming medieval port of Ardglass and lunch at the oldest golf club in the world.
Valhalla - The Walk of the Vikings
Dress up and follow in the footsteps of Viking raiders to the Medieval Settlement at Ballydugan. Starting at the Saint Patrick Centre Vikings will march to their settlement in Ballydugan where a straw man will be set on fire.
Event Programme
For full event information check out the event programme below.
