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26/03/2009
Foster Launches St Paddy's Trail
Centuries of Co Down's rich history can now be traced along an informative 62 mile driving route, spanning from Newry to Bangor.
NI Tourism Minister Arlene Foster was on hand today to officially launch the new Saint Patrick's Trail.
With the final signage in place, tourists and locals alike can now follow the route from Armagh through Newry to Downpatrick and up the Ards Peninsula to Bangor.
It takes in various Saint Patrick and Christian Heritage visitor sites, including the Armagh County Museum, Bagenals Castle, the Saint Patrick Centre, North Down Museum and Saint Patrick's grave at Down Cathedral.
The Saint Patrick's Trail is one of five signature projects, identified by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board as offering the best opportunities for tourism growth and to create world class excellence for Northern Ireland.
Ms Foster said: "Northern Ireland has unique and long-established links with Saint Patrick. It was in Armagh where he began his mission and founded his first church, establishing the city as a spiritual centre.
"The Saint later died in Northern Ireland and was laid to rest in Downpatrick, County Down.
"Our links to Saint Patrick and Christian heritage offer significant tourism potential, and the trail is an excellent way of telling the story St Patrick’s journey," she said.
"As well as following in his footsteps, the trail provides visitors with an easy-to-follow driving route, which allows visitors to learn about our Christian heritage and experience this beautiful part of Northern Ireland and the many attractions on offer," she said.
(PR/BMcC)
NI Tourism Minister Arlene Foster was on hand today to officially launch the new Saint Patrick's Trail.
With the final signage in place, tourists and locals alike can now follow the route from Armagh through Newry to Downpatrick and up the Ards Peninsula to Bangor.
It takes in various Saint Patrick and Christian Heritage visitor sites, including the Armagh County Museum, Bagenals Castle, the Saint Patrick Centre, North Down Museum and Saint Patrick's grave at Down Cathedral.
The Saint Patrick's Trail is one of five signature projects, identified by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board as offering the best opportunities for tourism growth and to create world class excellence for Northern Ireland.
Ms Foster said: "Northern Ireland has unique and long-established links with Saint Patrick. It was in Armagh where he began his mission and founded his first church, establishing the city as a spiritual centre.
"The Saint later died in Northern Ireland and was laid to rest in Downpatrick, County Down.
"Our links to Saint Patrick and Christian heritage offer significant tourism potential, and the trail is an excellent way of telling the story St Patrick’s journey," she said.
"As well as following in his footsteps, the trail provides visitors with an easy-to-follow driving route, which allows visitors to learn about our Christian heritage and experience this beautiful part of Northern Ireland and the many attractions on offer," she said.
(PR/BMcC)
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16 March 2010
Paddy's Day To Be Celebrated
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Leading NI figures attend St Pat’s functions
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18 March 2010
Paddy's Day Peaceful
Saint Patrick's Day festivities passed off without incident this year with 'conflict' being limited to the sporting arena. Traditional 17th March events saw Ballymena Academy winning 10-7 in a hard-fought victory over Belfast Royal Academy in a thrilling School's Cup final at Ravenhill.
Paddy's Day Peaceful
Saint Patrick's Day festivities passed off without incident this year with 'conflict' being limited to the sporting arena. Traditional 17th March events saw Ballymena Academy winning 10-7 in a hard-fought victory over Belfast Royal Academy in a thrilling School's Cup final at Ravenhill.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
