Attractions and Places To See around Ballymacward Lower - Top 12

Sad past…

The path, which is part of National Cycle Route 9, offers a peaceful atmosphere that is ideal for relaxed bike rides - but walkers, joggers and dog owners also appreciate the route. The contrast between the quiet river and the partially flooded sections that can appear after heavy rain is particularly exciting. Sometimes the path leads directly to the water, and it almost seems as if the Lagan wants to reclaim a bit more space. The trees are reflected in the calm waters, which creates an almost mystical atmosphere in cloudy weather. Another highlight are the small, branching mountain bike trails that bring a bit of adventure to the tour. If you want a change and don't just want to follow the river, these trails offer a welcome change.

The path, which is part of National Cycle Route 9, offers a peaceful atmosphere that is ideal for relaxed bike rides - but walkers, joggers and dog owners also appreciate the route. The contrast between the quiet river and the partially flooded sections that can appear after heavy rain is particularly exciting. Sometimes the path leads directly to the water and it almost seems as if the Lagan wants to reclaim a bit more space. The trees are reflected in the calm waters, which creates an almost mystical atmosphere in cloudy weather. Another highlight are the small, branching mountain bike trails that bring a bit of adventure to the tour. If you want a change and don't just want to follow the river, these trails offer a welcome change.

Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden In memory of: IRA members, ex-prisoners, political activists and civilians from the Clonard area. Information on those commemorated Date of incident: January Description: Medium sized memorial garden divided into three interconnected sections; surrounded by walls, railings and three metal gates. The central section contains a large Celtic cross on a plinth, a large plaque attached to a wall and four flags. The side sections contain plaques and memorial benches.(Source: https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/victims/memorials/static/monuments/546.html)

Perhaps the most significant development of the strike occurred when Sands entered the election campaign for a seat in the Parliament for Northern Ireland's County of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. On 10 April, after 41 days of hunger strike and to the great shock of the IRA leadership, Sands won the seat by more than 30,000 votes. His election sent shockwaves throughout Ireland and within the British government. After all, Britain's criminalisation policy was based on its claims that the IRA had little public support and was a gang of renegade criminals. Despite Sands' new political status as an MP and mounting public pressure, the British government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher refused to take even a step towards reconciliation. Sands' condition continued to deteriorate and he remained confined to the prison infirmary. Eventually, on 3 May, Sands fell into a coma. His family was called to visit and on Tuesday, May 5, 1981, Sands died after 66 days on hunger strike. Sands' death sparked enormous reactions around the world. Hundreds of thousands demonstrated in support of the prisoners' demands, the US government issued a statement of "deep regret", Irish unions went on strike, newspapers around the world condemned Thatcher's "glory" in allowing a parliamentary colleague to die, and riots broke out in the streets of Northern Ireland. His funeral procession was attended by more than 100,000 people. After Sands, nine more prisoners died before the hunger strike was finally ended on October 3, 1981. Shortly afterwards, all prisoners were granted reforms that largely met their demands.(Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bobby-Sands)

Robert Gerard Sands (Irish: Roibeárd Gearóid Ó Seachnasaigh; [2] 9 March 1954 – 5 May 1981) was a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) who died on hunger strike while imprisoned in HM Prison Maze in Northern Ireland. Sands was involved in planning the 1976 bombing of the Balmoral Furniture Company in Dunmurry, which was followed by a gun battle with the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Sands was arrested during an escape attempt and sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment for possession of weapons. He was the leader of the 1981 hunger strike in which Irish republican prisoners protested against the abolition of Special Category Status. During Sands' strike he was elected to the British Parliament as a candidate of the Anti-H-Block movement. [3] [4] His death and that of nine other hunger strikers was followed by a wave of IRA recruitment and activity. International media coverage drew attention to the hunger strikers and the republican movement in general, drawing both praise and criticism. (Source: Wikipedia)

The Garden of Remembrance (Irish: An Gairdín Cuimhneacháin) is a memorial garden in Belfast, Northern Ireland, dedicated to members of the Irish Republican Army killed during the Northern Ireland conflict, as well as civilians and deceased former prisoners. It is located on the Falls Road, which was historically a predominantly Irish Republican area during the conflict (source: Wikipedia).

Bobby Sands is pretty omnipresent. A very well-known and popular personality.