Holywood Town Walk and Cultural Trail

Take this short walk of approximately one hour around this historic town.

Holywood history was first recorded in 634AD by the Venerable Bede in the Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation.

This short walk focus’s on the varied history of the town from this time to the modern day. The key historical and architectural landmarks are described within the guide that accompanies the walk.

County

Down

Distance

1.5 miles

OS Map

Sheet 15

Nearest Town

Holywood

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Urban

Terrain

Town centre footpaths throughout

Grid Reference (Start)

J398792

Grid Reference (End)

J398792

Point of Interest

Maypole, Priory, Norman Motte, various churches.

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Other Area

Route Description

The walk begins at the Maypole in Holywood, the only surviving one in Ireland and the focal point of the town’s annual May Day celebrations and fair when local school children dance around the Maypole.

From the Maypole walk northeast towards the Priory. Look out for the statue of ‘Johnny the Jig’ on the opposite side of the road, a bronze statue of a youngster playing the accordion.

Continue straight on to Holywood Priory, easily identified by the clock tower, and situated at the junction of Priory Park and High St. The building now derelict was founded in the 7th Century.

On exiting the Priory turn left and follow Victoria rd uphill. Turn right onto Brook street. Approx. 20m on the right you will find the entrance to Holywood’s Norman Motte (opening times apply).

Exit the Motte and turn right, on reaching the junction with Church Road turn left up the hill. Approx, 100m on the right is the Parish Church of St Philip and St James completed in 1844. Look out for the Old School House no. 92 opposite.

From here turn back along Church Rd towards the sea and the Maypole. You will pass the Methodist Church on the left.

On reaching High Street turn left and walk through Holywood’s main shopping street.

You will see various fine buildings including the Non-subscribing Presbyterian Church, Holywood Library (once Sullivan School) and further along St Comcille’s Church, dating back to 1872.

Turn here and retrace your steps back until you reach Sullivan Place (opposite the library). Turn left and head towards the sea. On the left is Queens Hall built in the mid 50’s. With the Hall on your left cross the road to Redburn Square where you will see the War Memorial.

Take the pedestrian subway from here under the main road to the shore of Belfast Lough. At low tide you may be able to see the remains of the pier, which stretched a quarter of a mile into the Lough.

Retrace your steps back through the subway and turn left into Hibernia Street. On reaching High St turn left and walk back towards the Maypole and the end of the walk.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

Holywood is approximately 5 miles north east of Belfast on the way to Bangor.

By car - from Belfast follow the A2 towards Bangor.
On approaching Holywood, take the exit on the right before Palace Barracks and follow straight on towards the town. There is a large free public car park on the left 'Spa Field'. Exit the car park and turn left onto High St, continue walking until reaching the Maypole and the start of the walk.

Accessibility Grade

Grade 4

Accessible Facilities

The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:

	Café (wheelchair accessible)
	Shop (wheelchair accessible)
	Disabled toilets
	Disabled parking
	Lighting (entire route)

Facilities

There is a range of refreshment opportunities from fine dining to coffee shops.

Accommodation ranges from hotels to self catering.

There are numerous shops on the town centre from fashion to antiques. Nearby is Holywood Exchange (off A2) including Next, Ikea and Sainsburys

There are several town centre car parks both free and pay and display with ample disabled parking included.

Public toilets are located in the town centre.