This Sunday, 23rd of July we are off to the Mournes to climb Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Ulster at 853 m. We will have 2 Groups out, both will follow a similar route starting at Bloody Bridge and finishing in Newcastle. A bus has been organised at a cost of £5/person there are a few seats remaining and will be filled on “a first come first served basis”.
All walkers should meet at the Gap O’ the North Pub, Jonesborough, at 10 am for registration and a walks/safety briefing. Walkers must have walking boots, a waterproof jacket and packed lunch. We will be out for around 4/4.5 hours, on open hillside. At the moment Sunday is looking to be the best day of the weekend, but as this is changeable check out the mountain forecast at the link below, closer to the time. We recommend that you bring a fleece as it will become cooler as we climb.
http://www.myweather2.com/Hill-and-Mountain/United-Kingdom/Mourne-Mountains.aspx?sday=4
Allowing an hours travel time in each direction it is likely to be close to 6 pm before we are back.
The name “Bloody Bridge” refers to a massacre at the site at the time of the 1641 rebellion at the instigation of the Irish chieftain, Sir Conn Magennis. Tradition holds that a number of Protestant prisoners, taken by the Irish at Newry, were being brought under escort to Newcastle in exchange for Irish prisoners. The Irish commander, hearing that he was to be attacked at Newcastle (or learning that the Irish prisoners held there had been hanged), executed and drove over the rocks at Bloody Bridge as many as 50 of his captives.