Part of the Columbanus Festival 2025

Meet at Bangor Bell Sculpture, beside Bangor Abbey Parish car park, Bangor, BT20 4JF

This popular half mile walk follows the Bangor Bell Trail from the Bangor Bell to the North Down Museum.  Local tour guides Brigid Watson and Barbara Boyle will tell the story of Columbanus’ journey from Bangor to Bobbio.

Around 590, Columbanus left Bangor with 12 disciples, including Gall, and sailed to Europe on a pilgrimage for Christ.  These men would go on to establish some of Europe’s most influential Christian centres in present day France, Austria and Italy.  The walk will trace the footsteps of Columbanus from the time he left Bangor to Luxeuil-lesBains in France, St Gallen in Switzerland, Bregenz in Austria, and Bobbio in Italy. After the walk, participants will have time to explore the Columbanus heritage exhibition at North Down Museum.  If time permits, walkers can retire to Café Cure beside the museum for a cup of tea or coffee.

Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

In the case of a bad weather forecast, contact Brigid Watson on 07763 898 074.

Ticket sales will close at 12 noon on Friday 21 November.

Meeting Point Location

Meet at Bangor Bell, beside Bangor Abbey Parish car park, Bangor, BT20 4JF