Northern Ireland

New St Patrick pilgrim walk launched in Co Down

Irish language activist Linda Ervine yesterday launched a new St Patrick pilgrim walk in Downpatrick. She is pictured with pilgrim guides Martina Purdy left and Elaine Kelly. Picture: Hugh Russell
Irish language activist Linda Ervine yesterday launched a new St Patrick pilgrim walk in Downpatrick. She is pictured with pilgrim guides Martina Purdy left and Elaine Kelly. Picture: Hugh Russell Irish language activist Linda Ervine yesterday launched a new St Patrick pilgrim walk in Downpatrick. She is pictured with pilgrim guides Martina Purdy left and Elaine Kelly. Picture: Hugh Russell

A new bilingual camino-style pilgrim walk around sites associated with St Patrick in Co Down got under way for the first time yesterday.

The walk is the latest offering from the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, where former Adortation Sisters Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly are involved in leading several ‘St Patrick’s Way’ walking experiences.

The new 10-mile tour is conducted in both Irish and English and led by Jean O’Neill.

READ MORE: Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly to lead Camino-style pilgrim walk in Co DownOpens in new window ]

The inaugural walk was launched yesterday by Irish language activist Linda Ervine at Saul Church of Ireland.

As well as Saul - where St Patrick established his first church - the tour takes in the saint’s national monument at Slieve Patrick, overlooking Strangford Lough, and Struell Wells, a place of pilgrimage for centuries because of its holy wells.

St Patrick’s Catholic Church and the saint’s grave at Down Cathedral are further stopping points.

Further information about the St Patrick’s Way guided tour is available by calling 028 4461 9000 or online at www.saintpatrickcentre.com

Pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly at yesterday's launch of a new St Patrick pilgrim walk in Co Down. Picture: Hugh Russell
Pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly at yesterday's launch of a new St Patrick pilgrim walk in Co Down. Picture: Hugh Russell Pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly at yesterday's launch of a new St Patrick pilgrim walk in Co Down. Picture: Hugh Russell