SLBC’s 3 part guide to exploring Strangford Lough – Part 2
Our first part of the tour of Strangford Lough focused on a number of historical attractions that Downpatrick has to offer. We will now continue our tour around the lough. In part 2 we will be visiting Strangford, Killyleagh, Saintfield and Comber.After spending time in Downpatrick and the surrounding area visit the nearby village of Strangford. Strangford is located less than 10 miles from Downpatrick. Strangford is a lovely spot to linger and enjoy a spot of lunch. The Spinnaker, located on Kildare Street, is a perfect spot for a tasty bite to eat. Why not choose a Strangford Lough Brewing Company ale to accompany your meal? Speak to the staff there who will recommend a brew to compliment your choice. While in Strangford take a look around the castle, which dates back to the 12th Century. The beautiful Castle Ward, which is run by the National Trust, is located only 1.5 miles outside the village. The historic property is open all year and tours of the Georgian house are available, just speak to the staff. You can even stay at the caravan site or holiday cottage to give yourself longer to explore the grounds.
Follow the shore of the Lough to the historical town of Killyleagh, which is twinned with Cleveland in North Carolina, USA. The Loire-style chateau, which is the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland, overlooks the town with its turrets and battlements visible from far and wide. Although the castle is not open to the public we recommend you take a walk around the walls and peep over the castle bawn, you won’t be disappointed.
Killyleagh was the birthplace of Sir Hans Sloane, a physician whose collection of plants and wildlife formed the nucleus of the British Museum. It is also recorded that Sir Hans Sloane invented drinking chocolate and Cadburys even used his exact recipe for a number of years! Sir Hans Sloane was one of the original financial backers of James Ogelthorpe when he founded the colony of Georgia in 1732. As a physician he treated the Yamacraw Indians that Ogelthorpe brought over to London from Georgia when they caught smallpox.
You may have heard the old story behind the famous Irish Emigrant’s Lament Poem. It was written by Lady Helen Dufferin in the 19th Century. An emigrant was at the graveyard where his wife and child were buried before he left Ireland in search of a new life in America. Three years after the wedding, both wife and child died as victims of the cholera of 1848 and were laid to rest in the old graveyard in Killyleagh. It is still possible to visit the stone stile where Phelim Magennis said his final farewells to his family, and the graveyard where they are buried. They are located down a laneway to the side of the castle and it is one of the most historical sites in Ireland.
If you feel like a walk full of fresh sea air, head to the beautiful Delamont Country Park, the only park in Ireland with outdoor exercise equipment dotted around the various trails. Finish off your visit with a refreshing Strangford Lough Brewing Company beer in Central Bar, located at Shore Street in the town.
Plan your visit for the 3rd Weekend in September, where you will experience the famous Viking festival. The festival includes a Viking re-enactment in Delamont, followed by a traditional Viking longboat race along the Lough. This is a weekend not to be missed!
If you are visiting the County Down area over a weekend visit the nearby town of Saintfield for a wander around the antique shops and boutiques. Take a visit to Rowallane Gardens, a National Trust property. The grounds are beautiful but if the weather has been wet be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes. If you enjoy watching cricket take a few hours out of your tour and visit Saintfield Cricket Club. The picturesque club is set behind the Main Street and has a welcoming atmosphere. Matches are scheduled every Saturday and Sunday between May and September.
The nearby town if Comber is also worth a visit. Andrews Memorial Hall, which is situated beside Andrews Memorial Primary School, was built in memory of Thomas Andrews, the shipbuilder in charge of the plans for the RMS Titanic, on which he was travelling when it hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage on 14th April 1912.
Comber is also connected to John Miller Andrews, the second Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Racing driver Jonny Kane, Robert Blair Mayne, Edmund De Wind and Betsy Grey. A statue also stands in the centre of Comber Square in memorial of Sir Robert Rollo Gillespie.
While in the town take a trip to the Old Comber Wine Yard who stock 3 of the Strangford Lough Brewing Company beers – St. Patrick’s Best, Legbiter and Barelegs Brew. The beers are also sold in a number of local pubs in Comber including the popular TT. If you speak to the staff in the Old Comber Wine Yard off licence, they will be able to recommend bars and restaurants in the town where you can sit down to enjoy the County Down Ales and atmosphere.
In the third and final part of our guide we will focus on the towns situated at the north of the lough. We will upload the final part in the series next week so stay tuned.
