82-mile walking trail joining Downpatrick and Armagh unveiled

82-mile walking trail joining Downpatrick and Armagh unveiled

11 March 2015

A NEW pilgrim walking trail linking key Patrician and Christian heritage sites from Downpatrick to Armagh has been launched.

 Supported by Tourism NI in conjunction with Down, Armagh, Banbridge and Newry and Mourne district councils, the trail offers an 82-mile pilgrim walk highlighting the life, landscape and legacy of St Patrick.

 Seasoned pilgrim walker, Alan Graham, who has completed classic trails in the Alps and has frequently walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain, 

approached Tourism NI with a vision for a Pilgrim walk based on the 

theme of Saint Patrick.  His dream was turned into a reality as he set off from Navan Fort to experience the route for himself.

 Laura McCorry, Tourism NI’s Director of Product Development said: “Tourism NI has been working closely with Alan and the local councils to capitalise on one of our unique assets, Saint Patrick, and develop an authentic trail which will bring a new pilgrim offer to Northern Ireland.

 “The St Patrick’s Way Pilgrim Walk will showcase the scenic beauty of the area and its reputation as an attractive tourist destination, whilst ensuring that pilgrims and visitors alike get the best from their activity,” she said.

 A Pilgrim’s Passport which includes a map of the trail is available at Navan Fort and local visitor information centres to guide walkers along the signposted route. 

 Martyn Todd, former board member of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Westminster candidate for the Aliiance Party, said he was delighted to see this project come to fruition.

“I would like to congratulate Alan Graham  and Stephen Bill  of NITB for their vision and perseverance over many years in working to making this vision a reality,” he said. 

“As a keen long distance walker, having walked 270 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago de Compostella last year, I know the huge tourism potential of authentic heritage and pilgrim routes.  

“Over 250,000 people finished the Camino last year and the St Patrick’s Trail has the potential to bring many overseas visitors to experience the beautiful scenery and Christian heritage of South Down,” he said.