Northern Ireland

Comedian Tim McGarry to 'leave safety of north Belfast for wilds of Co Down' to launch new pilgrim walk

The new six mile St Patrick’s Way Coastal Route is run by the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick
The new six mile St Patrick’s Way Coastal Route is run by the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick The new six mile St Patrick’s Way Coastal Route is run by the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick

COMEDIAN Tim McGarry said he is to "leave the safety of north Belfast for the wilds of Co Down" to launch a new pilgrim walk.

The Belfast comic - best known for BBC’s Blame Game and Give My Head Peace - is to officially unveil and walk the new six mile St Patrick’s Way Coastal Route on June 14.

The walk, which is run by the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, starts from Ballyhornan Beach and takes in St Patrick’s Well, Ardtole and Ardlgass.

"I’m so happy to be out of lockdown that I’ve agreed to leave the safety of north Belfast for the wilds of Co Down," he joked.

"I have seen the images of sunny cliff-tops and beautiful beaches and I have my sun cream in my bag."

Dr Tim Campbell, director of Saint Patrick Centre, said: "The team has been working hard to get the route ready and having walked it myself I can tell it is stunning with panoramic views, grottoes and beaches.

"It finishes with lunch in the oldest golf club in the world at Ardglass and Tim will be glad to know there is a bus back to the centre."

Pilgrim guide Martina Purdy, a former BBC political correspondent, said: "We hope it won’t be a case of 'give my feet peace'.

"I’m a big fan of Tim McGarry’s from my BBC days, especially when he drove the black taxi on Hearts and Minds.

"He is the second comedian to walk with us in the way - Jake O’Kane braved the Mournes last summer and gave us a great review in his Irish News column."