Portaferry walking trail links up with historic graveyard

26 July 2017

A NEW community trail has been launched to formalise public access to Slans Graveyard and its panoramic views of the Cloughey countryside and coastline near Portaferry.

The 180 metre trail begins from the Ardminnan Road with access over an existing stone stile and continues up the side of a field to Slans Graveyard, where walkers can explore the historic site and learn of its fascinating history through a new interpretation panel.

Dating back to the first millennium, at one time Slans was the main graveyard for the Cloughey and Kirkistown area and the burial place for many sailors who lost their lives in the waters around the notorious North and South Rocks off Cloughey.

With the goodwill of private landowners, Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI) delivered the project in partnership with Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership, Ards and North Down Borough Council, Cloughey and District Community Association, Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership and the Department for Communities Heritage Environment Division.

Jenny Ingram, Ards and North Down Borough Council Countryside Recreation Officer, said she was delighted at the new access to this locally important heritage feature.

“It is an absolute pleasure to officially launch this trail providing access to even more of our beautiful countryside and local heritage,” she said. “There is no denying the spectacular, uninterrupted views and the council is delighted to have played an important role in opening up this hidden gem for locals to enjoy and reconnect with the site’s historic past.”

Jenny Gingles, chairwoman of Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership, said: “We are delighted to see Slans Graveyard opened up for locals and visitors to the Cloughey area to enjoy. We are committed to improving health through partnerships and this project is a perfect example of how collaboration can lead to a positive outcome for the community and ultimately create opportunities for people to live healthier lifestyles.

“We hope this will be the first step in a bigger vision of joint projects between Ards and North Down

Borough Council and ORNI to provide even more community trails to get people outside and active, enhancing both physical and mental health.”

The new community trail is one of nine priority projects identified in the ‘Ards Peninsula Community Trails Project’ commissioned by the Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership and delivered by ORNI.

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