3.8 miles
Loop
Ballyroney Lackan Bog Walk
The small hamlet of Ballyroney is located on the banks of the Upper River Bann between Dromara and Rathfriland, County Down. Patrick Bronte, father of the famous literary sisters, was born in the nearby townland of Imdel in 1777. Captain Mayne Reid - a successful 19th century writer of adventure stories was born in Ballyroney in 1818.
Here the Upper River Bann wends it way around farmed drumlin hills set in a lowland basin of extensive birch and moss on its journey from the Mourne Mountains to Lough Neagh. The Mournes form a beautiful back drop to the area. Ballyroney Lake supports a variety of wintering waterfowl including mute swan, whooper swan, mallard, teal, tufted duck and coot.
The walk crosses Lackan Bog via - 'The Green Road' - an old bog rampart (a raised path across a bog) and asserted public footpath which runs for approx. 1 mile across the bog from Lackan Road to Dickson's Hill Road/ Dodd's Hill and provides great views over this bog habitat. The special and fragile nature of this habitat is reflected in its designation as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI). Formerly a raised bog, but now completely cut over, Lackan Bog represents one of the largest single blocks of lowland peat left in County Down. It is one of the most important sites in Ireland for dragonflies. 13 out of 22 Irish species have been spotted in the bog. The best time to see them is between March and October.
TRAIL INFORMATION
TRAIL INFORMATION
GETTING TO THE START
- Point of Interest ‘Green Road Footpath’ – lovely walk across Lackan Bog ASSI and views over Annahinchigo and Ballyroney Lakes.
- Facilities Shops and facilities in Rathfriland approx. 1.5 mile to the SW. Small shop at Ballyward approx. 2.5 miles from parking place Surrounding area (not on walk route): Brontë Homeland You can easily follow the story of Patrick Brontë and his family through the buildings that survive within the Brontë Homeland. The Brontë Homeland Drive starts at Drumballyroney Church and School near Rathfriland, ten miles south of Banbridge. It is well signposted along the 10-mile route. Drumballyroney Church and School (Church Hill Road) Together Drumballyroney Church and School are known as the Brontë Interpretive Centre. The church were Patrick first preached and the school house where he taught have been restored and now include displays about the Brontë family. Location: Church Hill Road, Drumballyroney, Rathfriland, Co. Down BT34 5PH T: 028 4062 3322 Visits: Available for pre-booked groups only. For booking T: 4062 0232
- Dog Policy Dogs are allowed. Must be under control at all times.
- Getting to the Start The village of Ballyroney is located between Rathfriland and Dromara off the B7. At Ballyroney take Lackan Road (signed for Castlewellan). Continue for approx. 1.5 miles to first X-roads (Lackan/Flush and Crabtree Roads). Park with consideration on grass verge at side of Lackan Road before X-roads. Coming from Ballyroney Crabtree Road is the road to the right (up the hill).
- Public Transport Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
