Exploring Ireland’s Ancient East from Portaferry
I am fortunate to live in Ireland’s Ancient East, a region filled with archaeological and spiritual heritage. There are numerous sites of historic interest within less than one hour’s travel from the village of Cloughey, located on the Irish Sea coast of the Ards Peninsula.
If you came here for a holiday and wanted to explore some ancient sites, I will share some ideas for your trip.
Down County Museum, Tracing Early Settlement in County Down
If you would like to see flint used by the first people around Strangford Lough, you should visit Down County Museum. It is an excellent museum with free entry, offering a range of exhibitions that guide you through centuries of settlement in coastal County Down.
This is one of the best places to begin your journey into the region’s prehistoric and early Christian past.
Neolithic and Celtic Sites Near Cloughey
Millin Bay Neolithic Burial Site
South of Cloughey at Millin Bay is a Neolithic burial site, an atmospheric ancient monument overlooking the coastline.
Celtic Hill Forts Across the Ards Peninsula
There are many Celtic hill forts dotted across the landscape, for example, Tara on the outer Ards coastline near Templecooey. Templecooey is an ancient spiritual site, referenced in a separate blog.
Templecranny Graveyard, Portaferry
Templecranny is an ancient graveyard in the picturesque town of Portaferry, offering insight into early Christian heritage in the area.
The Echlin family burial vault in Templecranny graveyard, Portaferry.
Cathedral Hill and Monastic Heritage in Downpatrick and Bangor
Cathedral Hill, Downpatrick
Cathedral Hill in Downpatrick is an ancient spiritual site, believed to be the burial place of Ireland’s three patron saints, Saint Patrick, Saint Brigid, and Saint Colmcille. It remains one of the most significant sacred sites in the country.
Burial place of St Patrick, St Brigid and St Colmcille on Cathedral Hill, Downpatrick.
Bangor, A Major Early Monastic Centre
Bangor city has a long history. In the 6th and 7th centuries, it was one of the most important monastic settlements in Ireland, renowned as a centre of learning and Christianity.
Discover These Stories Through Guided Tours
If you would like to hear the stories associated with any of the sites, then book a tour with me. I will bring each location alive for you so you can gain a deeper understanding of its significance.
The Ancient East is awaiting your exploration.
