Tobar Mhuire Heritage Trail

Starting in the car park behind the walled garden the trail is travelled in an anticlockwise direction following the waymarkers.  The trail begins through a wooded area  to the rear of St Colmcilles high School. (At weekends car parking and trail access are available from the main car park, accessed off the Downpatrick Road).

Upon reaching the driveway, cross over and look out for a foundation which was the military outlook post when British and American troops occupied the grounds in WWII.  Follow the path through an area of dense rhododendron with the option of taking the shorter route directly to ‘Mary’s Well’ (a holy well) translated into Irish means ‘Tobar Mhuire’.  From here continue along the path, crossing the main driveway to either proceed up the hill or take a short detour left for a view of the original Crossgar House.  Please note: this section of the trail is linear and visitors will need to retrace their steps to continue the trail up the hill. 

The trail then winds its way up the hill to the seated viewpoint area affording visitors a spectacular view of the Mournes (on a clear day!).  The trail then proceeds through the wooded area where there is plenty of opportunities to explore and play, after which the trail descends down the hill and back to the car park.

Visitors are also welcome to visit the Walled Garden to enjoy the newly restored pond and look upon the impressive glasshouse - permission via Retreat Centre.