Mournes celebration for Trocaire

Mournes celebration for Trocaire

17 July 2013

PEOPLE across the district are being invited to head for the Mournes next Sunday to help Trocaire celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Trocaire, the overseas development agency, wants local people in to follow in the footsteps of ancient Irish pilgrims to the top of Slieve Donard on Sunday, July 28.

To mark the organisation’s 40th anniversary, the charity will retrace an ancient pilgrimage route to the top of the highest peak in Northern Ireland to raise funds for, and awareness of, its work with the world’s poor.

Trocaire’s Gemma McCourt said people from across Co. Down have provided “amazing support” which has been life-changing for millions of the world’s poorest people.

She said the charity hopes many people will join in the Walk for a Just World to the spectacular peak of Slieve Donard.

There will be two pilgrimage routes for different levels of hikers. The traditional pilgrimage route travels from the Bloody Bridge just outside Newcastle, up Slieve Donard and then descends to Donard Park.

The distance over land will be approximately 8km, rising to a height of 850 metres with a duration of approximately six hours. A booking fee of £20 per person applies to this route.

The more gentle Pilgrim’s Trail route, which is suitable for families, starts at Donard Park and winds to the foot of Slieve Donard taking in scenic forest track and trail.

The distance over land will be approximately 5km with a maximum height of 250 metres and a duration of approximately two hours. The booking fee for this route is £10 per person.

All funds raised will support Trocaire’s work with poor communities in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. To register for either of the routes and set up your personal sponsorship page visit trocaire.org/pilgrimage or call 0800 912 1200.