The official website of Visit Ards and North Down

Bangor Abbey
Bangor

You are here: Explore > Heritage Trails > The Ards and North Down Christian Heritage Trail

The Ards and North Down Christian Heritage Trail

Visit key sites across the Borough that played an important role in the spread of Christianity

Ards and North Down Christian Heritage Trail

The trail incorporates a number of key sites across the Borough that played an important role in the spread of Christianity not only locally and in Ireland but throughout Europe too.

Sites include Bangor Abbey, First Bangor Presbyterian Church, St Columbanus Church of Ireland, North Down Museum, Grey Abbey, Movilla Abbey and Nendrum to name a few.

The trail is an integral part of the wider Northern Ireland Tourist Board St Patrick's Trail signature project. The trail covers a sixty-mile long driving route taking in various St Patrick and Christian Heritage visitor sites within Northern Ireland of which Bangor is a significant part.

Bangor Christian Heritage

Early Irish saints had an enormous and lasting impact on the development of Christianity across Europe, and none were as influential as the men who studied in this area. Bangor was one of most important monasteries in Early Ireland.

This 5km trail will allow you to get out and about and combine exercise with a visit to some of the area’s most important Christian Heritage sites along with the beauty of the Coastal Path and Victorian Walled Garden.

Sites include North Down Museum, Malachy's Wall, Bangor Abbey, St. Comgall's Church, Strickland's Glen, Smelt Mill Bay, The Coastal Path, First Presbyterian Church and Bangor Castle Walled Garden.

Bangor Christian Heritage Trail Audio Guide

If you wish to download this audio guide please visit Abarta Heritage.

For more information

Informational leaflets to accompany these trails are available from Bangor Visitor Information Centre, Ards Visitor Information Centre and other council information points. Please contact us to find out more.

Bangor Christian Heritage Projects Funding

During 2015 Ards and North Down Borough Council was fortunate to receive funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund with which to develop the Christian Heritage product in Bangor.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

What's On Search

Food & Drink Search

Shopping Search

Key Christian Heritage sites

North Down Museum

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
Grey Abbey

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.
Movilla Abbey

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.
Nendrum Monastic Site

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.
Bangor Abbey

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.
Stricklands Glen

An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.
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 Nov 202431 Mar 2025
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.