Foster Launches St. Patrick's Trail

White on brown road signage has been installed to mark the trail, which covers a two-way, sixty-two mile long driving route from Armagh through Newry to Downpatrick and up the Ards Peninsula to Bangor. It takes in various Saint Patrick and Christian Heritage visitor sites, including the Armagh County Museum, Bagenals Castle, the Saint Patrick Centre, North Down Museum and Saint Patrick's grave at Down Cathedral.

The Saint Patrick's Trail is one of five signature projects, identified by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) as offering the best opportunities for tourism growth and to create world class excellence for the North.

The Minister announced the completion of the signage alongside the Northern Ireland Tourist Board Chairman, Howard Hastings.

Ms. Foster said: "Northern Ireland has unique and long-established links with Saint Patrick. It was in Armagh where he began his mission and founded his first church, establishing the city as a spiritual centre. The Saint later died in Northern Ireland and was laid to rest in Downpatrick, County Down.

"Our links to Saint Patrick and Christian heritage offer significant tourism potential, and the trail is an excellent way of telling the story St Patrick's journey. As well as following in his footsteps, the trail provides visitors with an easy-to-follow driving route, which allows visitors to learn about our Christian heritage and experience this beautiful part of Northern Ireland and the many attractions on offer."