The Loughbrickland Historic Trail is a self-guided trail taking the walker on a journey of discovery exploring the built and natural heritage of the attractive and historic village of Loughbrickland. Located approx. 2.5 mile south of Banbridge. 

The route outlined in the trail guide can be up to 4.5 mile – this includes an optional off-road section using rough woodland and country trail within the private Whyte Estate.  Hopefully, the trail guide will prompt a desire to find out more about the rich heritage of this part of County Down.

The busy A1 Dual Carriageway carrying traffic from Belfast to Banbridge, Newry and Dublin bisects the village of Loughbrickland from Lough Brickland from which it takes it name and it is at the lakeshore that this self-guided trail begins.

Set in the drumlin country of County Down the trail starts near the junction of the B3 w ith the A1.  Travelling south along the A1 at Loughbrickland take the road signed for Rathfriland ( Grovehill Road) and the first turn off on the right which leads to the lake, a row of houses and a parking area.  Here the trail commences as from here you can get a good view of the manmade island in the lake, known as a ‘crannog’ from the Irish for tree – the main material used in their construction.

It was at the lake that Marmaduke Wh itechurch from Staffordshire was granted lands by Elizabeth 1 in 1585 and instructed to build a castle to protect ‘a pass’ on this strategic location ‘where three roads un ited.’  The Magennis Clan, the ‘Lords of Iveagh’, ruled much of this area of County Down but the time of the Irish Lords was coming to an end along w ith much of the Gaelic culture of Ulster.  Marmaduke Wh itechurch built a mill, a church and obtained the grant of a market and two fairs.   He brought in settlers from England thus began the modern village.  In the troubles of 1641 the castle was dismantled and the town destroyed by fire and remained this way until 1688 when the church was rebuilt and other buildings were later replaced.  King William on his way to the battle of the Boyne in 1690 encamped w ith his troops near the lake.  During World War II troops of all many national ities camped and trained in the Whyte Estate at the northern end of the village.

Return to the car park and walk to the Grovehill Road and cross it and go through the underpass under the A1 and follow the instructions in the trail guide through the village.  This highlights many of the interesting and attractive buildings in the village and follows a route through the village park. 

You can confine your walk to the village or the more intrepid can continue the trail by entering the Whyte Estate at the far end of Scarva Street and taking the option of a shorter or longer circular walk w ithin the estate.  The Whyte family are related by marriage to Marmaduke Wh itechurch and have continued to play an important role in the development of the village over the years.

Leaving the estate follow the directions in the trail guide to return to the starting point via the village park.

Route Fact File

Distance:	Up to 4.65 mile/7.48 km (approx.)
Grade:	Moderate
Advice:	Trail within the Whyte Estate follows a woodland trail and country lane and surfaces can be rough, uneven and muddy. There are many kissing gates and rambler stiles along the route, steps and rough crossing areas. The Whyte Estate is private property to which the landowner, Dr. Jean Whyte has granted public access along the way marked trails only under an agreement with Banbridge District Council. Please stay on the trails and respect the private notices. The woods will be closed from time to time throughout the year to accommodate archery competitions. Ballyvally Archery Club will post notices at gates. The path will be closed on the following dates in 2010: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th January, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th April, Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th May, Sunday 6th June, Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July, Sunday 3rd and Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th October.
Start and Finish:	The starting point for the trail is not the village but the Lakeview Road car park located on the shores of Loughbrickland Lake approx. 0.5 mile from the village.
Parking:	At Lakeview car park or village.
Grid Reference:	J109416 – Lakeview Road car park
Refreshments:	Shops, café and restaurant in village.
Nearby Attractions:	The F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio houses an art gallery, café and tourist information point.  It is located about 1.5 mile from Loughbrickland, just off the A1 heading north.  Take the first turn-off from the A1 to Banbridge coming from Loughbrickland & proceed to the roundabout & follow signage to the centre.  Free Admission. Open Monday to Saturday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm and Sunday 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Lisnagade Fort:  the only large triple-ringed earthwork recorded in County Down.  It is a State Care monument located approx. 200 metres across a field (in agricultural use) off the Lisnagade Road, a couple of miles NW of Loughbrickland. (Grid ref: J087441).  Take the Scarva Road out of the village, past the Whyte Estate, continue to 3rd road on the right – continue thru X-road for approx ½ mile looking for small lay-by on left of road.  Continuing along this north to the main road junction will bring you onto the B10 and you can take a left to go to Scarva.
Publication:	A pdf document of Loughbrickland Historic Trail can be down loaded under Publications. Copies are available free of charge from various outlets in Loughbrickland Village or by contacting Banbridge Tourist Information: T: 028 4062 9054 E: tic@banbridge.gov.uk

Route Finder
From Banbridge take the A1 south to Loughbrickland.  At Loughbrickland take the turn-off signed for Rathfriland, the B3 (Grovehill Road) turning almost immediately into Lakeview Road on the right.

Points of Interest
Crannog visible in Loughbrickland Lake, historic village, attractive 2.5 mile circular walk within Whyte Estate with two ringforts along the route. The village park off the Poyntzpass Road.