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    Resilience in the face of the unknown
    Duane Fitzsimons
    • Apr 26
    • 4 min

    Resilience in the face of the unknown

    As we look back at the past two years with hindsight I often cast my mind to the resilience of Ardglass in the days before there was a...
    80 views0 comments
    Midnight Mass
    Duane Fitzsimons
    • Dec 17, 2021
    • 2 min

    Midnight Mass

    Midnight Mass is a traditional Mass widely observed on Christmas Eve. It is a time of celebration in the Christian calendar when the...
    175 views0 comments
    Patrick and the pagans
    Duane Fitzsimons
    • Sep 6, 2021
    • 2 min

    Patrick and the pagans

    In the Fifth Century a stranger who returned to Ireland did would go on to change the outlook of this island forever. Having been blown...
    78 views0 comments
    The sugar ship sighting
    Duane Fitzsimons
    • Sep 8, 2020
    • 3 min

    The sugar ship sighting

    As we walk along the clifftop just south of the sound between Guns Island and Ballyhornan we pass The Long Hole. It is a spectacular...
    292 views0 comments
    Blood on English Street
    Duane Fitzsimons
    • Oct 8, 2019
    • 2 min

    Blood on English Street

    As one of the oldest parts of Downpatrick, English Street has seen many comings and goings. The more surprising thing though is when you...
    332 views0 comments
    One of a kind
    Duane Fitzsimons
    • Jan 6, 2019
    • 4 min

    One of a kind

    Travelling around Europe it is not difficult to spot the numerous Marian shrines. Devotion to Saint Mary was a key part of life in...
    333 views0 comments
    The Druids ceremonial grounds
    Duane Fitzsimons
    • Jul 2, 2018
    • 2 min

    The Druids ceremonial grounds

    Go anywhere in Lecale and the most obvious landmark from any point is Slieve-na-Griddle. The Griddle is what remains of an ancient...
    417 views0 comments
    Walk the Lecale Way
    Duane Fitzsimons
    • Jun 1, 2018
    • 2 min

    Walk the Lecale Way

    The Lecale way is a long distance walk from Downpatrick into Newcastle. I am delighted to announce that I have two signature tours now...
    176 views0 comments
    Saint Patrick's Fury: Part 1
    Duane Fitzsimons
    • May 21, 2018
    • 2 min

    Saint Patrick's Fury: Part 1

    In the Catholic Church at Saul behind the altar, in a niche, is one of the most ancient Christian relics in Ireland. It is a portion of...
    115 views0 comments
    The Old Pads
    Duane Fitzsimons
    • May 9, 2018
    • 2 min

    The Old Pads

    How did people get around before we had cars? If you look at the fourth edition of the Ordnance Survey you will find the answer! For the...
    209 views0 comments
    Europe's Oldest Ferry Service
    Duane Fitzsimons
    • May 7, 2018
    • 2 min

    Europe's Oldest Ferry Service

    Would you believe that the oldest ferry in Europe is not the one on the Mersey?! Well the Strangford Lough Ferry Service was first...
    354 views0 comments
    Family ties with the Savages of Ards
    Duane Fitzsimons
    • May 3, 2018
    • 2 min

    Family ties with the Savages of Ards

    Written in Gaeilge script, it translates as: In the Ards of Uladh, scarce and starving, A country without happiness, without religion,...
    780 views4 comments

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    ©2021 Duane Fitzsimons.

    Duane Fitzsimons

    Walk the Lecale Peninsula

    9 Crossmore Road, Downpatrick, BT30 7TA

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    Trained walk leader through Mountain Training

    This business follows the Leave no trace principles

    Member of Tour Guides Northern Ireland