Ramblings - Columban Way from Newcastle to Dundrum
Download 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. Leading the way are Brigid Watson, Deborah Girvan and Charlie Reid, who are all members of the Friends of Columbanus Bangor. This group has helped develop the Northern Irish stretch of this extraordinary European Camino which starts in County Carlow and ends in Bobbio in northern 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, spreading and reforming Christianity across the continent of Europe. Brigid, who changed tack in later life to set up her own tour-guide business Sustainable Journeys Ireland, also shares stories of the stranding of the SS Great Britain in Dundrum Bay in 1846; and of Sir Hans Sloane, born in County Down in 1660, whose collections formed the basis of the British Museum.
They met outside the Percy French restaurant, walked north along the beach before crossing into the Murlough National Nature Reserve, along the Murlough Estuary, before heading up to Dundrum Castle with its panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains.
Presenter: Clare Balding
Producer: Karen Gregor
Published on Thursday, 5th November 2026.
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