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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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