Saint Patrick's Way: The Pilgrim Walk is a 132-kilometre (82-mile) trail connecting Armagh and Downpatrick, two locations in Northern Ireland closely associated with Saint Patrick. The route is suitable for leisure walking and pilgrimages, typically taking between 6 to 10 days to complete, depending on one's pace.
Along the Pilgrim Walk, walkers can obtain a Pilgrim's Passport from local Visitor Information Centres, collecting stamps at ten locations as souvenirs of your journey. Upon completion, presenting the stamped passport at The Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick earns a Certificate of Achievement.
A significant portion of Saint Patrick's Way traverses the Mourne Mountains, offering walkers a rich tapestry of historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural landmarks.
Key sections within the Mourne Mountains include:
Newry to Rostrevor (15 km): This segment leads through picturesque landscapes towards Warrenpoint and Rostrevor. Walkers are treated to views of Carlingford Lough and the majestic Mourne Mountains. Rostrevor is a charming village known for its 18th and 19th-century architecture and attractions like the CS Lewis-inspired Narnia Trail in Kilbroney Park, the tree-trail and the world-class mountain biking trails in Rostrevor Forest.
Rostrevor to Newcastle (38 km): This stretch takes walkers through the Mourne Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The trail follows parts of the Ulster Way and Mourne Way, offering spectacular terrain and views. The summit of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest mountain peak, features historical sites such as a hermitage and an oratory linked to Saint Donard, a disciple of Saint Patrick which later gave name to the mountain.
Newcastle to Tyrella (18 km): Departing Newcastle, the path passes landmarks like the Slieve Donard Hotel and the Royal County Down Golf Club. Walkers then enter Murlough National Nature Reserve, an ancient sand dune ecosystem, before reaching the villages of Dundrum and Clough. The mudflats along this route are vital habitats for wading birds, offering excellent bird-watching opportunities.
Key sections within Strangford Lough include:
Tyrella to Downpatrick (16 km): This final section is in the Strangford Lough and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is rich in early Christian heritage. Highlights include Saul Church, believed to be the site of Saint Patrick's first ecclesiastical establishment in Ireland, and Struell Wells, a site of pre-Christian significance where pilgrims have visited for centuries. The journey culminates at Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, Saint Patrick's final resting place and a centre of Christian worship since the 5th century.
Throughout these sections, walkers are immersed in the natural beauty and historical depth of the Mourne Mountains and Strangford Lough, experiencing firsthand the landscapes and landmarks that have shaped the region's rich cultural heritage.
Official Pilgrim Certificate for Walking Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim Walk
You can receive your Certificate of Achievement for completing St Patrick's Way: The Pilgrim Walk at The Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick.
To qualify, you need to present your Pilgrim Passport with stamps collected from the designated locations along the route.
Where to Get Your Certificate:
📍 The Saint Patrick Centre
Address: Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland, BT30 6LZ
☎ Contact: +44 (0) 28 4461 9000
🌐 Website: www.saintpatrickcentre.com
