Patrick & the pagan hills

Service Description

Walk through one of Ireland’s most ancient landscapes on a journey of discovery from Celtic to Christianity in the home of Saint Patrick. Starting at the shore of Lough Money in an area of awe-inspiring beauty, Duane takes you along old and ancient lanes which Patrick would have roamed. The route is dotted with Neolithic reminders from the Pagan era. The experience pauses for lunch at the stunning vista of Strangford Lough with a locally sourced picnic and an interactive re-enactment of the arrival of Saint Patrick into Ireland and his first conversion to Christianity. The final site on the walk is Saint Tassach's Church in Raholp. The building standing today dates back to the 900s but its founder was Tassach, Saint Patrick's metal worker. He was the person who made his crozier and chalices and thereby and the symbols of his status. Set on an ancient fort this site is the true symbol of the Christianisation of the Irish landscape. On the journey we will traverse some of the most ancient paths in the area, following green lanes and crossing fields, with the lend of a traditional Irish walking pole. On this unique experience you will witness a re-enactment of the meeting of Dichu and Saint Patrick. Dichu was the Irish chieftain who gave to Saint Patrick the site on which to build his first church. By the shore we will have a picnic style lunch, lovingly made by local business Margaret's Cottage in Ardglass. Inclusions - 4 hour guided walk - Living history - Picnic lunch

Contact Details