29/03/2026
Today, members of Tour Guides NI embarked on our final FAM (familiarisation) tour of the season, exploring parts of County Down in the capable hands of Lizzie Charley.
Setting off from Dundonald, Lizzie provided excellent commentary as we travelled through the rolling drumlins of County Down, formed during the Ice Age. Her insights ranged from the humble “Comber Earlies” potato—granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status in 2012—to the 7-mile Comber Greenway, and the influence of the Andrews family. Their most famous son, Thomas Andrews, was chief designer of the ill-fated RMS Titanic and tragically lost his life on its maiden voyage.
Our first stop was Killyleagh, where our guide Robert led a walking tour of this historic village and fishing port on the shores of Strangford Lough. We learned about the development of the harbour and shoreline, along with fascinating stories—including that of Post Captain Henry Blackwood, a close friend of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who was at Nelson’s side aboard HMS Victory when he was fatally wounded.
Killyleagh is also the birthplace of Sir Hans Sloane—physician, naturalist, and collector—whose vast collection helped form the foundation of the Natural History Museum. He is also credited with popularising drinking chocolate, having adapted a Jamaican cocoa recipe by adding milk, creating a more palatable and widely enjoyed beverage.
Our tour concluded at Killyleagh Castle, where owner Gawn Hamilton gave us a private tour and shared insights into his family’s 400-year connection to the castle. It was a privilege to access this remarkable private residence and hear its stories.
Back on the bus, we travelled to Downpatrick for a fantastic lunch at Denvir’s Hotel, Ireland’s oldest surviving coaching inn. We heard about its historical links to Denver, Colorado, and the quirky legal privilege whereby debtors could not be arrested within a designated area of the inn’s yard—a tempting refuge in challenging times! The food was excellent and highly recommended.
Hotel owner Stephen Magorrian then led us on a short walking tour of Downpatrick, including a visit to Down County Museum, the former county gaol, where Thomas Russell—“the Man from God-knows-where” and a leading United Irishman—was executed on 21 October 1803.
We also visited the grave of St Patrick, along with St Brigid and St Columba, before “popping into” Down Cathedral for a brief overview of St Patrick’s life.
At the St Patrick Centre, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, we explored the world’s only permanent exhibition dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint and experienced its engaging, interactive displays.
Our final stop was the Livingston Centre at Killinchy Parish Church, where Rev Dr Stanley Gamble introduced us to the story of Reverend John Livingston, the first Protestant rector of Killinchy in 1630. He was instrumental in the Eagle Wing voyage—an early attempt to sail from Ulster to America—making this a particularly meaningful site for visitors with Ulster-Scots heritage.
A personal highlight for Stephen McCracken was identifying two graves linked to the 1798 Rebellion—especially poignant as he had just been transcribing the court case of one of those buried there earlier this week.
Days like this are a reminder of the incredible wealth of history on our doorstep, all within a short drive. I would encourage everyone to get out and explore—either independently or with a local tour guide.
A massive thank you to Lizzie and all her fellow guides for organising and guiding such a full and enjoyable day. I have no doubt many of us will be returning to explore more of County Down in the months. Thanks to Alan for the brilliant text.
