Page 251 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 24: The Land of St Patrick 249

Mon–Sat; Jul & Aug: also Sun pm) on Slieve Donard Hotel, a spa hotel set
Market Street, traces his footsteps in between sea and mountains.
the area. He is said to be buried in Newcastle has a pleasant beach,
the graveyard of Down Cathedral, on but for more privacy drive 5 km
English St (turn left out of the St (3 miles) south of town, where
Patrick Centre and walk up the steps the Mourne coastal footpath gives
by the building), where a memorial access to secluded coastline. There
marks the spot. However, Armagh is a car park, picnic table and walks.
also claims to be his burial place. ª Continue south along the A2 to the
ª From Downpatrick, take the A25 to pretty town of Kilkeel and then turn
Clough and join the A2 for Newcastle. right onto the B27 to Hilltown. This
leads up into the Mourne Mountains.
Above Kilkeel Harbour, a major fishing port Above right Gothic arches of Cistercian Grey Abbey, founded in 1193 The Powers of St Patrick
Inspired by a vision, St Patrick came 9 Mountains of Mourne
to Ireland to convert the pagan Co Down
population to Christianity. Legend The Mourne Mountains lie in an Above Gothic flying buttresses at the ruined
credits him with many supernatural area of outstanding natural beauty. abbey in the pretty village of Greyabbey
deeds, including ridding the There are many popular walking
country of snakes.
trails (see far left) including those up
Slieve Donard and its slightly smaller
neighbour Slieve Commedagh,
with views as far as the Isle of Man EAT AND DRINK
on a clear day. The highlight of
this area is the Silent Valley (after NEWCASTLE
6.5 km/4 miles on the B27, turn right Sea Salt Delicatessen & Bistro
onto Head Road for the Visitor inexpensive
Tasty lunches daily and a varied
Centre), a reservoir flanked by the tapas-style menu Fri–Sat eve.
Mourne Wall, a 35-km (22-mile) 51 Central Promenade, BT33 0HH; 028
dry-stone wall linking 15 mountain 4372 5027; www.seasaltnewcastle.com
peaks. To experience its magical Hugh McCanns Café Bar Deli
silence take the 5-km (3-mile) walk moderate
around the reservoir. Return along Live entertainment, a varied menu and
Head Road to the B27 and turn right a great setting near the promenade.
to reach the Spelga Dam. 119 Central Promenade, BT33 0EU; 028
4372 2487; www.hughmccanns.com
The Silent Valley Visitor Centre (open
Above Portaferry, departure point for the ferry daily; 08457 440 088; www.niwater.com) AROUND NEWCASTLE
across the “Narrows” to Strangford has an exhibition about the area and a The Buck’s Head Inn moderate
café with stunning views. As the valley In an 18th-century building, this is a
8 Newcastle is closed to traffic, a shuttle bus service friendly spot with imaginatively cooked
seafood and other local produce.
Co Down runs between Ben Crom and the car 77 Main St, Dundrum, BT33 0LU
This seaside resort has a magnificent park (runs pm only; Jul–Aug: daily; rest (6 km/4 miles) north of Newcastle
setting, with the Mourne Mountains, of year: weekends). on the A24); 028 4375 1868
dominated by Slieve Donard (852 m/ It is possible to continue to pretty Mourne Seafood Bar moderate
2,796 ft), the highest mountain in Rostrevor, staying on the B27 to Delicious, fresh, locally caught seafood
Northern Ireland, rising behind the Hilltown and turning left onto the with unusual as well as well-known
town and Dundrum Bay. It is known B25. Rostrevor is known for its mild species appearing on the menu.
for its two golf courses, including the micro-climate and has parks and 10 Main Street, Dundrum, BT33 0LU
(6 km/4 miles) north of Newcastle on
links course at the Royal County picnic areas with views across to the A24); 028 4375 1377;
Down Golf Club, and the splendid Carlingford on the Cooley Peninsula. www.mourneseafood.com
DAY TRIP OPTIONS wildlife. Or head to Tollymore Forest Family fun
Newcastle makes a good base Park for a scenic hike at the foothills of A great option on rainy days is the
to explore the various attractions the Mountains of Mourne 9. There Exploris Aquarium (open daily) in
in this area. Here are two day trips, are several hiking trails (the longest is Portaferry, near Strangford Lough
with an option for rainy weather. 13 km/8 miles), through forests and 5. There is a marine discovery lab
along the River Shimna. and a seal rescue centre.
Sea and mountains
Take a canoe trip on Strangford The park can be found 3 km/2 miles Retrace the drive on the A2/A25 to
Lough 5 to spot the abundant south of Newcastle. Strangford and Portaferry.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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