Castles

Dundrum Castle.

A key castle in the Anglo-Norman conquest of Ulster in the late 12th century on the site of a pre Norman stronghold

Clough Castle

An example of an Anglo-Norman earthwork. A castle with mount, stone tower and enclosure (motte and bailey)

Maghera Church and Round Tower

A ruined round tower marks the site of an early monastery founded in the 6th century by Saint Donard

Dolmen

Legananny Dolmen

An ancient tomb on the southern edge of Slieve Croob Mountain two portal stones and a long capstone gives the structure a tripod appearance.

Annadorn Dolmen, Loughinisland

A slightly displaced capstone covers a chamber of which three side stones survive.

Ballynoe Stone Circle, Downpatrick

Megalithic monument. 100ft stone circle encloses an ellipse of stones and prehistoric burial mound.

St Patrick

Only 20 minutes drive from Newcastle is the town of Downpatrick named in memory of St Patrick

He began his missionary work after his boat was swept into Strangford Lough by strong currents. A local chief gave him a barn and for some 30yrs he worked to convert the Irish to christianity. He died at Saul in 461 and was buried in Downpatrick.

Places to visit

• St Patricks Grave,
• Down Cathedral and Down Museum
• St Patricks Centre, Downpatrick
• St Patricks Church at Saul