Hello, I am Duane Fitzsimons, regional tour guide. You will be more than welcome to the area which my family have called home for centuries. I can provide an in depth tour for your group like no other. I provide a hop-on guide experience.

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Coach Itineraries

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The Downpatrick area is 1 hour from Belfast, 2 hours from Dublin.

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These are a few of the sites which I can guide groups at:

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• Saul Church - Saint Patrick's first church 

• Struell Wells - the most complete holy well complex in Ireland

• Inch Abbey* - the first gothic building in Ireland

• Down Cathedral - the burial place of Saints Patrick, Brigid and Columba

• Saint Tassach's Church - 10th Century church 

• Ardtole Church - ruined Norman church, inspiration for Gulliver's Travels

• Ardglass village - six complete castles and a maritime heritage centre

• Dundrum Castle* - ruined Norman castle

• Ballynoe Stone Circle - neolithic monument

• Saint John's Point Lighthouse* - tallest on the island of Ireland

• Saint John's Point Church - 10th Century church

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It would be recommended to spend 20-30 minutes at each. The total distance covered on a half day tour averages 15 miles. All of these sites are located is within 8 miles travel from Downpatrick

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*This site can only be accessed by smaller 32 seat coaches

 

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Hire fees

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Half Day Rate - £100

Full Day rate - £170

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Tours are themed around legends and folklore, geology, and flora and fauna. This area is the home of Saint Patrick, the world's most celebrated saint. It is also home to a rich Norman heritage dating back to 1177, and the Vikings before that!

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