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Sustainable Journeys Ireland

Slanes Point, 38 Ardminnan Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1QJ
Different styles of crosses made by Brigid Watson

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About

Slow down, connect with nature, Irish culture and local people on a guided, coastal walk or coach tour with local, specialist tour guide, Brigid Watson. Looking for a relaxing and restorative experience? Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy waters’ edge experiences in this beautiful coastal region less than 30 minutes from Belfast and 90 minutes from Dublin. https://sustainablejourneysireland.com/


You will journey to areas off the beaten track to places which most tourists never see and spend time in places where there are few people. The walks and tours are designed for people who enjoy a good story, craic, ‘getting under the skin of the area’ and leaving with a ’sense of the place’ and memories of the beauty of the area and the warmth of the people. All tours/experiences are personally led by Brigid Watson.

Brigid is very knowledgeable about this local region and has carefully selected and researched the most interesting and beautiful sites for you to visit. Her special areas of interest are nature and Christian heritage and she also offers general heritage and history tours. Brigid has worked in collaboration with a local nature reserve and conservation centre to offer personalised tours for groups of university students and can offer tailored educational tours.

The easy ‘walk and talk’ tours last two hours and you can read more about a selection of these guided walks at the following links:
Portaferry was once an important emigrant port for North America, a picturesque coastal village today https://sustainablejourneysireland.com/product/historical-tour-of-portaferry/

Quaint, former fishing village on the coast. Fascinating stories of the life and times of the villagers in bygone days https://sustainablejourneysireland.com/product/coastal-walk-at-kearney-national-trust-village

Walk through a beautiful woodland to the shores of Strangford Lough return by a circular route to the village https://sustainablejourneysireland.com/product/woodland-heritage-walk-around-strangford-village
The walks are at a relaxed pace over flat terrain to suit the needs of the group. Or you can travel around by mini-coach. Our coach group size (max15) is small so you can be sure of personal attention from Brigid Watson. We welcome groups of all ages including family groups, intergenerational family groups and seniors. Personalised tours are available. Audio units with earphones are available to all participants.

Legacy of Saint Brigid Experience – suitable for groups of 12-20 people. Offered on various dates for groups by arrangement.

Immersive, hands-on ancient Irish cultural heritage experience in the Saint Patrick Centre Downpatrick. https://sustainablejourneysireland.com/product/legacy-of-saint-brigid/

 This experience can be offered in other venues in the region.

Brigid Watson, a qualified tour guide and chartered environmentalist, is passionate about nature, conservation and the environment. The business is committed to sustainable tourism principles. It is a small family run business and we look forward to welcoming visitors who want to support local, rural enterprises and rural sustainability.
 

Sustainable Journeys Ireland is based in the Portaferry area of County Down, Northern Ireland.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Guide dogs permitted

Attraction Facilities

  • Guided Tours Available - Guided tours available in coastal County Down in the Strangford Lough area

Children & Infants

  • Suitable for Children

Establishment Features

  • Groups catered for
  • Prior Booking Required

Travel & Trade

  • Family Discount

Guide Prices

Two hour walking tour from £12 per person depending on group size. Minimum group size 2 people. Pre-booking essential, at least 24 hours in advance. Discounts for groups.
Coach tour prices vary depending on numbers and duration of the tour. Please contact us by email, phone or by completing an enquiry form on our website.

Add Sustainable Journeys Ireland to your Itinerary

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Tel+44 (0) 7763 898 074

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Map & Directions

Opening Times

* Monday – Saturday 09:00 -17:00
Open throughout the year. Tours can be delivered on dates throughout the year, arranged by agreement. Please contact us with your specific request

What's Nearby

  1. On the coast, two thirds of a mile south east of Cloughey village. This house appears to…

    0.11 miles away
  2. Within it are the ruins of a medieval church which is believed to be the Church of…

    0.26 miles away
  3. Traditionally believed to have been built by Roland Savage of Ballygalget in 1622,…

    1.88 miles away
  1. Owned by the National Trust, it is a picturesque 18th century fishing village with scenic…

    2.04 miles away
  2. These ruined churches are situated one and a half miles north east of Portaferry on the…

    2.42 miles away
  3. Situated on the hill south east of the town below the stump of Portaferry Windmill, a lay…

    3.79 miles away
  4. Discover how Echlinville Distillery captures the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of their…

    3.9 miles away
  5. Portaferry Castle is a 16th Century tower-house, built by the Savage family. It is…

    3.91 miles away
  6. Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world without getting wet. An…

    3.92 miles away
  7. The church at St Cooey’s Wells is thought to date from the 7th century but only the…

    4.7 miles away
  8. Burr Point, the most easterly point on the island.

    5.23 miles away
  9. Ballyquintin Nature Reserve includes Ballyquintin Point at the tip of the Ards Peninsula,…

    5.9 miles away
  10. A long sandy beach which offers enjoyment for all.

    8.56 miles away
  11. Sketrick Castle is located on Sketrick Island which is reached by a causeway on the west…

    8.6 miles away
  12. Grey Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey church and its living quarters were founded in 1193 by…

    8.93 miles away
  13. Nendrum is thought to have been set up by St Machaoi in the 5th Century and also has…

    9 miles away
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