(Distance 2 miles)

Firstly, drive to the car park at Ards Friary following the road sign "Capuchin Friary" on the N56 north of Creeslough. The church and friary were built in 1966 on the site of Ards House which the Capuchin Order had used since it took over the old manor house in 1930. This very peaceful place is set in mature woodland near the north-eastern tip of Ards peninsula and has an interesting selection of exotic trees. It was to the small pier south of the friary that coal and other goods used to be delivered, and silica sand exported, which was mined on nearby Muckish mountain.

There is a wonderful footpath immediately south of the friary which follows the shore among oak, beech and elm trees, passing Isabella's Bay, a sandy beach (not safe for swimming) and exits on to the point of Ards. From here it is possible to continue north to another secluded sandy beach and return through the forest to the car park.

On leaving the Friary by the one-way system, look due south across the estuary to where you can see Doe Castle. This castle was a stronghold of the local McSwyne (Sweeney) clan and where the young Red Hugh O'Donnell, Prince of Donegal was sent to perfect his skills of warfare and poetry prior to his capture by the English. The castle has recently been restored and opened to the public.

ROUTE

Just below the Friary, past the statue of St. Francis, there is a gate leading to the shore walk. The path follows the rocky shore to Isabella's Bay, across from which is a large strand called Tramore that stretches right to Downings, some 3.75 miles (6 Km). Follow the headland round to the north-west, or take the path skirting the wood to a very private sandy beach under Binnagorm Point. There is a forest track through the wood that leads off the centre of the beach. Keeping left all the way will bring you back to the Friary .5 miles (1Km) away.