Friends of Columbanus Bangor are organising a Columban Way walk on Saturday 21 September 2024 from Helen’s Bay to Bangor to meet and welcome the inaugural Columban Way walkers as they complete their 360 mile journey from Mount Leinster in Co Carlow.
The theme of this walk is peace, healing and wellbeing and in recognition of this, Friends of Columbanus are partnering with Bangor North Down Samaritans, a charity which provides emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope with mental health or is at risk of suicide.
Deborah Girvan, Chairwoman of Friends of Columbanus Bangor explained, “The Columban Way Peace Walk is the last stage of a 360 mile walk which starts on the 17th August from Mount Leinster, Co Carlow, and arrives in Bangor on 21 September which is International Peace Day. Registered walkers will receive a Columban Way Passport and a commemorative Columban Way Certificate acknowledging that they have taken part in the walk. Day walkers will join five core walkers who will have walked the route from Mount Leinster to Helen’s Bay. Once registered, participants will walk along the North Down Coastal Path to the end of the Columban Way at Bangor Abbey which is built on the former site of the famous monastery founded by Abbot Comgall in 558AD. Immediately afterwards, there will be a reception for everyone involved at St Comgall’s Parish Centre, Brunswick Road, where participants will have the opportunity to make a donation to the Samaritans. Refreshments will be provided and the Mayor of Ards and North Down will welcome walkers and congratulate them on their success.”
Heather Hamilton, Director of Bangor North Down Samaritans said, “On behalf of the Bangor and North Down Branch of Samaritans, we are delighted to be nominated as the chosen charity for the Columban Way Peace Walk. The walk enables participants to connect with nature and enjoy their own personal journey of reflection. Spending quality time with nature can help to reduce feelings of stress, and improve our mental and physical health and our overall wellbeing.”
Saturdays Walk Details
Tickets for the walk, which cost £5, can be booked on www.visitardsandnorthdown.com Walkers should meet at Helen’s Bay Car Park at 2.45pm to register for the walk and wear appropriate footwear and clothing. After the reception in St Comgall’s Parish Centre, walkers can take the train from nearby Bangor station back to Helen’s Bay to pick up their car.
For full information on the Columban Way Walk for Peace, Healing and Wellbeing on the island of Ireland please visit the walk page below: