Ex-BBC correspondent Martina Purdy launches St Patrick’s Way pilgrimage route in Co Down

Ms Purdy will be one of the guides for the trail, along with former barrister, Elaine Kelly.

In 2014 the pair left high profile careers to join the Sisters of the Adoration convent on the Falls Road in west Belfast.

Last year they were told they would be unable to take their final vows as the convent was “too small” to meet the Catholic Church’s standards.

Now the pair have scouted a path for pilgrims in Co Down which they describe as steeped in spirituality, history and beauty.

Martina said: “Elaine and I were due to walk the Camino in Spain in May but this was cancelled due to the Covid-19 epidemic. But we found an incredible alternative on our doorstep. We call parts of this path the Way of Tranquillity. “This pilgrim walk it offers an opportunity to rejuvenate physically, mentally and spiritually. So please come along and in the words of St Patrick, ‘Be amazed all you people’.”

Elaine added: “St Patrick’s Way is a journey of self-discovery. Walking in the footsteps of the great Apostle.”

The venture will be launched from the St Patrick’s Centre in Downpatrick. Centre director Dr Tim Campbell said: “This is an exciting new project which was designed during the lockdown to encourage people to come and enjoy the countryside and to experience the rich legacy of our patron saint and the beauty and history of Downpatrick.

“Martina and Elaine will in turn guide pilgrims on the walk of their life – and are delighted to share their own spiritual journey in the steps of Patrick.”

On July 4 pilgrims will also take part in the launch of a second route in Newcastle through Tollymore Forest.

“These walks are totally inclusive and truly cross-community appealing to all faiths and none,” he added.

Walkers will be provided with a newly designed pilgrim passport, a high-viz jacket and a pilgrim lunch in The Barn, an inn offering hospitality in the heart of Patrick’s Country.

Phoenix Natural Gas have kindly agreed to sponsor the high-viz jackets which will include their branding and the St Patrick’s Way logo.

Jonathan Martindale, Executive Director at Phoenix Natural Gas, said: “We are delighted to support the St Patrick Centre with the launch of this new walk which will give even more people an opportunity to explore the rich local history in an area of outstanding natural beauty. We are pleased to play a part in keeping the walkers safe and visible with the provision of high viz jackets.”

Pilgrims who are especially fit and experienced walkers can choose to do the 14 mile walk in Downpatrick in a single day but it’s recommended that walkers opt for either the morning five mile walk or the afternoon eight mile way. An Irish language option is available on Sundays led by Irish language enthusiast Jean O’Neill, starting July 12.

The sites include the 1,000 year old ruin of Inch Abbey, Saul Church, the site where St Patrick died in 461AD, the saint’s national monument at Slieve Patrick, with stunning views of Strangford Lough, Struell Wells where pilgrims have travelled for centuries to visit St Patrick’s well, St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Downpatrick and St Patrick’s Grave at Down Cathedral.

Prices begin at £30 for half day, with full day £45 pounds.

The Newcastle walk is eight miles and begins with brunch in the Country Inn at Newcastle, transport to Trassey Road and a spectacular riverside and mountain walk. The price is £32 with an option to upgrade to seaweed bath and overnight stay in the spa, Soak, Newcastle.

For bookings call the St Patrick’s Centre at 02844 619 000.

For information see www.saintpatrickcentre.com/friends/saint-patrick-experiences

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