Quoile River Walk
This walk begins at the Down County Museum, passing the Mound of Down, travelling along the Quoile River taking in sights such as Quoile Countryside Centre and Steamboat Quay.
County Down
Distance 5.6 miles
OS Map Sheet 21
Terrain Off road and on road sections
Nearest Town Downpatrick
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference J496467
Route Type Riverside, Urban
Starting at Down County Museum on English Street, turn left onto Mount Crescent and then turn left heading towards the Mound of Down, passing Downpatrick Primary School. Enter the Mound of Down site and keeping to the right of the Mound follow the path to the north and exit onto a newly constructed path which leads onto Well Lane (adjacent to the sewage works). Turn right onto Well Lane and taking extreme care, cross the Belfast Road close to the St Patrick’s sculpture.
Once across the road, turn left onto the Jane’s Shore path along the Quoile for approximately 1.2 km until reaching the Old Belfast Road. Turn left and once reaching the Quoile Bridge keep right (take care crossing the road) to join the path at the Quoile pondage. Follow the off-road path until reaching Steamboat Quay.
On the return route from Steamboat Quay you can either re-trace your steps along the path or at first car park come up onto Quay Road and once at the Quoile Countryside Centre take the steps down onto the Quoile path again and turn left. Retrace your steps back to Quoile Quay. At this point leave the riverside path and join the Quoile Road, turning left and then right onto the Strangford Road. Walk back towards Downpatrick, passing the cricket ground on the right hand side.
At the War Memorial turn left onto New Bridge Street, passing the roundabout at the junction with the Belfast Road. Continue onto the next junction and take a right turn onto Bridge Street. Follow the road passing Down High School and on to Irish Street, back where you started at the Museum.
The Quoile River, Mound of Down, Steamboat Quay
Downpatrick is about 20 miles southeast of Belfast on the A7. The Quoile Countryside Centre is just off the main Downpatrick to Strangford road (A25) about one mile northeast of Downpatrick; it is well signposted. There is a free car park at the centre.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Toilets and numerous cafes in Downpatrick. There is also a Tourist Information Centre in the St Patricks Centre off Market St.
Toilets and interpretation in Quoile Visitor Centre – opening hours apply. The Centre is signed off the the Downpatrick to Strangford Rd.
Grade 4
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
- The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6°.
- Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
Quoile River Walk