County Down - Sr Annes stomping ground

By the time we departed Belfast the rain had stopped and the sun peaked through the grey tone clouds. We headed out on the M50 towards Dublin when pulled into a service area for the amendments, we studied the map of where we had travelled and where to next. 

It was decided to detour on our journey to head to where Sr Anne comes from County Down. Here in Ireland, given its summer the day light appears before we are awake and sun goes down around the time of the evening news, 9pm. Making for long days, as long as your body can keep up - which is my problem by 9.30am Im dreaming under the stars. 

Anyhow, off on the road we left on the motorway at Newry, skirting around it the side of the city, heading towards Warrenpoint. Following the coastal inlet offering great views of the Mourne Mountains. 

I have heard a lot about these mountains, which when Father Brian was visiting in 2009, they hid behind a blanket of clouds, leaving him to admire their beauty only in stories and books.

The Mourne Mountains are from what I can make County Down’s biggest attraction, been famous for a lot of things. Challenging peaks, gentle slopes and crystalline lakes. Beauty comes easily to the Mournes, but there’s also a childish joy about the place. I think I read somewhere there was 28 peaks creating a natural playground. The highest peak standing at 850 meters, Slieve Donard. Its looks like a  tough climb, yet Im sure the views of Newcastle and over Murlough Bay will be well worth it. Unfortunately we didn't have time to climb, yet I sense they are going nowhere in anytime soon!! 

It is from here that CS Lewis felt the magic of the Mournes been a pleasure ground for the author. The clean Mourne air, while his mind was inspired by the surroundings created the world of Narnia from his masterpiece - The Lion, The witch and The wardrobe. 

“I have seen landscapes (in the Mourne Mountains) which, under a particular light, made me feel that at any moment a giant might raise his head over the next ridge." 

CS Lewis. 

We know how he feels. 

One other aspect I wish to touch on is the great Mourne Wall. The dry stone wall is an iconic image of Ireland, and one of the most impressive examples of it is the Mourne Wall. Bound only by gravity, the wall snakes its way over 15 mountains and took 18 years to complete. 

The Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the Irish Sea via the sleep seaside town of Newcastle. I can see why its so entertaining to take a glass sit watch the sunset beams of light dancing against the hills and ocean floor alike. 

We continued onto Kikeel, which is the harbour settlement and closest town to where Anne comes from. Her village is called Attical where we didn't turn off for the three mile journey. We tend to be very aware of the need to continue back to Dublin... 

Along the way through, throughout the countryside of County Down, the streets hold a canopied archways, with the green lush trees flowing over high above the street. The avenues were as impressive as the coastal view. I can understand why Anne loves trees, their formation, light reflection, different tones and connection that makes to us all. 

Stunning beauty and contrasting landscapes offers a charming village where the dramatic and picturesque scenery leaves your soul longing for more. 

Village of Kilkeel

If I was to explain the how whole trip as if a tour guide it would be something like… 

For the Mountains of Mourne that really do look like they are tumbling into the Irish Sea. We follow winding roads for four miles through Drumlin country to Clough, then through Dundrum, three miles. The sand dunes at Dundrum are among the highest in Europe - so its told. Follow through onto Newcastle where the start of the Mournes Coastal Scenic Drive, which passes Bloody Bridge and Maggies Leap en route to the charming fishing village of Annealing, 7 miles, with its old corn water mill back in action. Continue along the coast a further five miles to the bigger fishing port of Kilkeel where Northern Ireland’s biggest trawling fleet is based. 

So there you have it, Anne's piece of paradise, Im aware our photos and write up does no justice at all for her breath taking piece of soil. It was a delight though all the same to travel and see where she comes from, sadly with time limitations didn't get to cover a lot of ground, yet step upon it we did.