Duane FitzsimonsApr 264 minResilience in the face of the unknownAs 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...
Duane FitzsimonsDec 17, 20212 minMidnight MassMidnight Mass is a traditional Mass widely observed on Christmas Eve. It is a time of celebration in the Christian calendar when the...
Duane FitzsimonsSep 6, 20212 minPatrick and the pagansIn the Fifth Century a stranger who returned to Ireland did would go on to change the outlook of this island forever. Having been blown...
Duane FitzsimonsSep 8, 20203 minThe sugar ship sightingAs we walk along the clifftop just south of the sound between Guns Island and Ballyhornan we pass The Long Hole. It is a spectacular...
Duane FitzsimonsOct 8, 20192 minBlood on English StreetAs one of the oldest parts of Downpatrick, English Street has seen many comings and goings. The more surprising thing though is when you...
Duane FitzsimonsJan 6, 20194 minOne of a kindTravelling around Europe it is not difficult to spot the numerous Marian shrines. Devotion to Saint Mary was a key part of life in...
Duane FitzsimonsJul 2, 20182 minThe Druids ceremonial groundsGo anywhere in Lecale and the most obvious landmark from any point is Slieve-na-Griddle. The Griddle is what remains of an ancient...
Duane FitzsimonsJun 1, 20182 minWalk the Lecale WayThe Lecale way is a long distance walk from Downpatrick into Newcastle. I am delighted to announce that I have two signature tours now...
Duane FitzsimonsMay 21, 20182 minSaint Patrick's Fury: Part 1In 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...
Duane FitzsimonsMay 9, 20182 minThe Old PadsHow 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...
Duane FitzsimonsMay 7, 20182 minEurope's Oldest Ferry ServiceWould you believe that the oldest ferry in Europe is not the one on the Mersey?! Well the Strangford Lough Ferry Service was first...
Duane FitzsimonsMay 3, 20182 minFamily ties with the Savages of ArdsWritten in Gaeilge script, it translates as: In the Ards of Uladh, scarce and starving, A country without happiness, without religion,...