Columban Way from Newcastle to Dundrum

In the first of three consecutive walks in Northern Ireland, Clare explores a stretch of the Columban Way in County Down, from Newcastle to Dundrum. This mostly coastal walk forms part of a roughly 7000km pilgrimage which starts in the republic of Ireland at Mount Leinster, runs up through Northern Ireland to Bangor, before continuing in Cornwall, across to Brittany and onwards through Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and finally Bobbio in Italy.

Otherwise known as the Via Columbani, this route celebrates the life of the Irish Saint Columbanus. He was a 6th Century monk and pilgrim who left Ireland with 12 companions to become missionaries on the continent of Europe. He died in 615 in Bobbio, the monastery he had founded there.
Leading Clare on this fascinating walk, rich in history, are Brigid Watson, Deborah Girvan, and Charlie Reid. They’re all members of the Friends of Columbanus Bangor which has helped develop the Columban Way on its Northern Irish stretch.

They met at Grid Ref SB467868 / What3Words https://what3words.com/quits.desks.ballroom and set off to Dundrum on a (rainy/sunny/whatever the weather) day…

Presenter: Clare Balding
Producer: Karen Gregor