Quality Walk

Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrims Walk

Saint Patrick's Way: The Pilgrims Walk is an 82 mile signed walking trail connecting key Christian Heritage sites between Armagh and Downpatrick. The trail is suitable for walkers and pilgrimages.

County

Armagh

Distance

82 miles

OS Map

19, 21, 29

Nearest Town

Armagh

Route Shape

Linear

Route Type

Forest, Hill, Mountain, Parkland & Grassland, Riverside, Urban, Woodland

Terrain

Various Terrain & mountain paths

Grid Reference (Start)

H845446

Grid Reference (End)

J484445

Point of Interest

Saint Patrick’s final resting place, St Patrick's Cathedral Armagh, Navan Centre & Fort

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Mournes

Route Description

This 82 mile signed walking trail connects key sites relating to Saint Patrick and Christian Heritage, taking you through some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenic landmarks.

Saint Patrick's Way is suitable for leisure walking and pilgrimages. The walk begins at the Navan Centre outside Armagh City and will lead you through Armagh and Down's rural, industrial and linen heritage, via canal towpath to the historic city of Newry. The walk then takes a scenic route through the stunning Mourne Mountains, through beautiful forest to the seaside town of Newcastle. From here, the Walk travels through the untamed landscape of Murlough Bay Nature Reserve, by Dundrum Castle, Tyrella Beach and finally to Downpatrick.

A special Pilgrim’s Passport aims to enhance the walking experience as well as acting as a recorded souvenir of the journey. The passport is available from The Navan Centre & Fort and local Visitor Information Centres or can be downloaded online. Stamp your passport at the 10 specified locations along the route and present your stamped passport at The Saint Patrick’s Centre, Downpatrick to receive your certificate of achievement.

The Pilgrim's Walk takes between 6-10 days, depending on your pace. While the walk is signposted and divided into manageable sections, as detailed in the guide, it is recommended that you accompany this information with Ordance Survey Maps.

Every day is different- The route covers varied topography, from rolling hills to canal towpaths. Every day offers different views and terrain, with a combination of off- and on-road trails. With plenty to do and see along the way, there are many cafes, restaurants and picnic sites for refuelling.

Route Sections:

(A) Navan to Armagh & City Tour (5k / 1 day)
(B) Armagh to Scarva (20km / 1 day)
(C) Scarva to Newry (30km / 1 day)
(D) Newry to Rostrevor (15km / 1 day)
(E) Rostrevor to Newcastle (38km / 2-3 days)
(F) Newcastle to Tyrella (18km / 1 day)
(G) Tyrella to Downpatrick (16km/ 1 day)

Please note that when downloading the guide there is a distance error on page 15 in the Armagh to Scarva section of the route. The distance is approx 30km. The relevant Ordnance Survey maps will assist you in your walk as the guide is an initial reference point. More information can be found on the Visit Armagh website.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed. Dogs must be kept on a lead

Facilities

Car park and cafes available in towns along the route.

Publication

St Patrick's Way: The Pilgrim's Guide (Download) and St Patrick's Way Pilgrim's Passport (Available from Visitor Information Centres)

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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