Thomas Andrews: The Heroic Designer of the Titanic from Comber, County Down, Ireland The Titanic is probably the best known ship in the world. It was designed by Thomas Andrews who was born in Comber, a small town on the western shore of Strangford Lough. The Andrews family arrived in Ulster from Scotland and initially…
Simon Calder visits the Ards Peninsula, County Down. There are many beautiful, peaceful places along the outer Ards Peninsula coastline which are off the beaten track and have a rich heritage attracting visitors from all corners of the world. Simon Calder, well known travel writer and commentator wanted to visit this ancient eastern coastal area…
Sustainable gardening – working with nature Being grounded at home over the last 10 weeks or so has had its’ advantages. The first great bonus was the lovely weather we have enjoyed, the warm sunny conditions were ideal for spending time outdoors. As a keen amateur gardener it was the perfect opportunity to catch up…
Storm Dennis battered the coastlines of Ireland and Britain at the weekend with heavy rainfall and strong winds gusting to 70mph. As I live on the coast of the Outer Ards Peninsula, and I am interested in climate change and its’ local impact, I went out on Saturday afternoon at high tide to record some…
Columbanus was born in the mid 6th Century and raised in County Carlow. It is thought received his spiritual formation on Cleenish island in County Fermanagh and entered monastic life in Bangor County Down. Monasteries were centres of learning and he may have been head of the monastic school in Bangor. In middle age he…
Templecooey is a peaceful, spiritual place on the outer Ards coastline. It is named after St Cooey who is associated with the local area and who was known by various names including St Mochaoi. He established a church at Templecooey. St Cooey’s Wells at Templecooey are located approximately three miles south east of Portaferry and…