walks downpatrick

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...

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....

Drumee: This network of paths formed part of an intricate transport system connecting the settlement of Castlewellan, Annsborough, Maghera, Dundrum, Bryansford and Newcastle. These laneways offered the shortest, easiest routes for the horse and cart; for example, transporting coal from Dundrum to Castlewellan; so avoiding the steep hill at Ardnabannon. Nowadays these routes offer peaceful country walks away from the busy main roads....

For outstanding views of Castlewellan, the surrounding countryside and the Irsh Sea, this network of walks has much to offer. Follow grassy tracks lined with stone ditches that take you through beautiful farmland....

A stroll alongside water offers a tranquil outdoor experience to the walker. The varied seasons are expressed in the ever changing surface of the lough. A rich diversity of plants in the hedges and stone banks ensures a variety of birds and insect life are found. During the Summer months the lane is home to damselflies and dragonflies....

Down District is a place of outstanding natural beauty, with a rich history, extending from the shores of Strangford Lough to the Mourne Mountains. There are several walks in the Lecale area which take in public footpaths and roads. Most of the paths are walkable without difficulty. However, good waterproof footwear is advisable as some stretches can get quite muddy. The countryside and coast of Co. Down is one of the most important breeding grounds for birds in Ireland with an abundanc...

Down District is a place of outstanding natural beauty, with a rich history, extending from the shores of Strangford Lough to the Mourne Mountains. There are several walks in the Lecale area which take in public footpaths and roads. Most of the paths are walkable without difficulty. However, good waterproof footwear is advisable as some stretches can get quite muddy. The countryside and coast of Co. Down is one of the most important breeding grounds for birds in Ireland with an abundanc...

Down District is a place of outstanding natural beauty, with a rich history, extending from the shores of Strangford Lough to the Mourne Mountains. There are several walks in the Lecale area which take in public footpaths and roads. Most of the paths are walkable without difficulty. However, good waterproof footwear is advisable as some stretches can get quite muddy. The countryside and coast of Co. Down is one of the most important breeding grounds for birds in Ireland with an abundanc...