walks down

The Linen Homelands, a Northern Ireland Tourism marketing consortium, operates in an area that has been at the traditional heart of the Linen Industry....

The scenic beauty and the variety of the landscape make Northern Ireland a great place to explore on foot. The wide scatter of villages and small towns across the country means that forest trails, clifftop paths, mountain hikes and pleasant strolls in country parks are literally on everybody's doorstep. The best known trail - certainly the longest at 560 miles! - is the Ulster Way . This famous circular path, now largely waymarked, runs all round Northern Ireland and has other trails comi...

The scenic beauty and the variety of the landscape make Northern Ireland a great place to explore on foot. The wide scatter of villages and small towns across the country means that forest trails, clifftop paths, mountain hikes and pleasant strolls in country parks are literally on everybody's doorstep. The best known trail - certainly the longest at 560 miles! - is the Ulster Way . This famous circular path, now largely waymarked, runs all round Northern Ireland and has other trails comi...

St. Patrick's Way: This area is steeped in history and was the home of the early Christian church in Ireland founded by St. Patrick when he landed at the mouth of the River Slaney near Raholp. It comprises a loose network of public footpaths and roadway, allowing the walker to choose the distance and type of walk that suits their capabilities and preferences. The lanes and roads are bounded by interesting lichen covered stone walls. Thankfully some traditional pillars and gates still can...

To walk for pleasure is to discover the nooks and crannies of a town, the unparalleled views from a mountain peak or the wildlife bay wooded park or forest trail. For long distance walks sample a section of the world famous Ulster Way, Northern Ireland's 500 mile footpath which threads its way right through the Coast of Down, or simply stroll along one of the regions many marked walks identified in the numerous Country and Forest Parks. Enjoy the scenic pleasures and many points of interest i...

The scenic beauty and the variety of the landscape make Northern Ireland a great place to explore on foot. The wide scatter of villages and small towns across the country means that forest trails, clifftop paths, mountain hikes and pleasant strolls in country parks are literally on everybody's doorstep. The best known trail - certainly the longest at 560 miles ! - is the Ulster Way . This famous circular path, now largely waymarked, runs all round Northern Ireland and has other trails com...

The Quoile River - Jane's Shore
Taking a walk along this route today, it is difficult to imagine that before 1957 the Quoile was tidal. An important transport and trading route, the estuary was used by many ships coming in and out of port with cargoes of coal, timber and slate.
The nearby Quoile Visitor centre contains a wealth of information on the Quoile Pondage, which was declared a National Nature reserve in 1970....

The entrance is through the fantasy Barbican Gate.
The Long Haul Trail starts from the carpark and is marked by red arrows. Have a look at the map display to orient yourself. A pleasant amble along the lovely Shimna river and over Parnell's Bridge where you meet up with the Ulster Way. The next 3-1/2 miles (6 km) are on the Ulster Way, up and down, a delight of a walk. As you drop down from Curraghard, the final viewpoint, with splendid views of Newcastle and Dundrum Bay, watch for the U...