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The Ards and North Down Christian Heritage Trail

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Key Christian Heritage sites
  1. External building of museum with adjoining Town Hall building in background
    Visit North Down Museum to explore the fascinating saga of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day. The Museum takes you on a journey through Early Christian heritage and the Vikings to Scottish Settlers and the Victorians.
    1. 1 Jan 202431 Dec 2024
  2. Grey Abbey ruins and graveyard from a birds eye view
    Grey Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey church and its living quarters were founded in 1193 by Affreca wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster.
    1. Photograph of the Movilla Abbey, grave stones and ruins
      Movilla Abbey, Methodist and Church of Ireland. As important as Bangor, Movilla was associated with Saint Finian of the 6th-century. As with many early monasteries, it was refounded as an Augustinian abbey in the Norman 12th century.
      1. Nendrum monastic site on a clear sunny day
        Nendrum is thought to have been set up by St Machaoi in the 5th Century and also has links to St Patrick in later sources. The monastery consists of 3 round dry stone walled enclosures, one within the other.
        1. Image of the front of Bangor Abbey on a bright sunny day
          Founded in 558AD the main body of the building dates from 1830's, the tower from 15th century and steeple dates around 1693. Interesting gravestones include a memorial to the assistant surgeon of the Titanic, local man John Edward Simpson.
          1. View from the Coastal Path from Stricklands Glen direction coming into Bangor town
            An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.
            1. Bangor Castle Walled Garden
              It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Varieties of flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables mix with sculptures and a unique fountain with a tongue twister! We are thrilled that the Walled Garden is now open all year round (except on particular holidays). Please see opening hours.
              1. 1 Apr 202531 May 2025
              2. 1 Sep 202431 Oct 2024
              3. 1 Nov 202431 Mar 2025
            2. A photo of the alter at St Cooey's wells
              The church at St Cooey’s Wells is thought to date from the 7th century but only the foundation stones now remain. The Washing, Eye and Drinking wells in this peaceful, wooded dell are reputed to have healing powers.
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