A Personal Heritage Journey from Colorado to County Down
Every bespoke tour has its own story, but some journeys stay with you long after the final goodbye. In the summer of 2024, I had the privilege of guiding a guest from Denver, Colorado, on a deeply personal three day exploration of County Down.
Her wish list combined heritage, history, and authentic Irish experiences, creating a journey that was as meaningful as it was memorable.
Designing a Bespoke Three Day Itinerary
Ahead of her arrival, I designed a personalised itinerary based entirely on what she wanted from her time in County Down. Over three days, we fulfilled her wish list, exploring historic sites, cultural landmarks, and local traditions that brought her Irish roots to life.
A First Taste of Poítin at Echlinville Distillery
At the top of her list was tasting poítin, once an illegal drink in Ireland but now legally produced. We visited Echlinville Distillery near Portaferry, where she enjoyed her first taste of poítin, a highlight of the tour and a moment she will always remember.
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Tracing Ancestral Roots in County Down
She was keen to visit the area her ancestors had emigrated from. I brought her to the townland where they had farmed the land and to the local Presbyterian church they would once have attended.
To deepen the search, I arranged a meeting with a genealogist at the Genealogy Hub in Newtownards. Pooling our knowledge proved invaluable and led to a remarkable discovery.
An Extraordinary Discovery at Movilla Cemetery
Our research brought us to Movilla Cemetery, one of the largest burial grounds in Northern Ireland. Locating a single ancestor’s grave from 1677 felt like searching for a needle in a haystack, yet we succeeded.
The headstone lay close to the ruins of the Augustinian abbey, resting on sacred ground. It was a powerful and emotional moment, made even more special by the setting and the history surrounding it.
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A Rewarding Moment as a Tour Guide
Finding the headstone and seeing the joy it brought to my guest was one of the most rewarding experiences of my guiding career. Enhancing a visitor’s experience in such a personal and meaningful way is a privilege and a reminder of how deeply travel can connect us to our heritage.
