Con O’Neill Bus Tour 20 July 2024

This bus tour will transport you back to the ancient townlands once ruled by the last Gaelic Lord of Clandeboye.

Accompanied by Journey East tour guide you’ll travel back in time, and experience the dramatic arc of Con O’Neill’s life, as his story unfolds in the landscape where he rose and fell.

As your tour guide weaves together history and folklore in the telling of Con’s story, you’ll visit these locations: Your tour begins with the ancient rath at Lisnabreeny and the beginning of Gaelic life.

You will see the hill of Con’s inauguration, where he rose to power, and learn about the curious customs of a ceremony linked to a pagan past. You’ll visit the site, high in the Castlereagh hills, where the O’Neill stronghold once stood, see a panoramic view of Con’s townlands, and hear the tragic tale of his downfall. You’ll walk the footbridge used by Con and his men to cross the Connswater River, when they travelled from the coast up to his hilltop castle.

Visit the overgrown garden which is believed to be the location of Con O’Neill’s final resting place, and perhaps, you’ll be inclined to pay your respects to “the auld King” as the tour ends. Tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.