Best attractions and places to see around Ballyaltikilligan include historical sites and natural landscapes. This rural townland, situated northwest of Comber, is characterized by its ancient ecclesiastical ties, as suggested by its name "townland of the glen of Aodan's church." The area features the Gransha River delineating its western boundary and expansive agricultural fields. While no physical remains exist, the historical Chapel Field marks the former location of a medieval chapel.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
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St. George's Market in Belfast is a vibrant place offering a variety of stalls selling fresh food, handmade products, and local specialties. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting, ideal for a relaxed stroll. Combining tradition with a modern flair, the market is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. The variety of offerings makes it a special place to experience local culture and cuisine.
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Ormeau Park - the perfect place for a relaxing bike ride in the middle of Belfast. As the oldest city park in the city, opened in 1871, it offers a pleasant mix of history, nature and leisure activities. The spaciousness and the dense green of the old trees create an atmosphere that immediately brings a bit of peace to hectic everyday life. Here you will find a surprising variety: from BMX and bicycle paths to basketball and tennis courts to bowling greens and a beautifully designed flower garden. For me as a cyclist, the appeal lies particularly in the gentle curves and the wide paths that lead through the green area. In some corners you can still feel the touch of the Victorian era, especially along the beautiful avenues. The park offers many entrances - be it from the Ormeau Road, the Ormeau Embankment or the Ravenhill Road.
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Here, in the middle of the city, the characters from The Chronicles of Narnia come to life in the form of impressive bronze sculptures. As a cyclist, you pass right by the square and can pause for a moment to immerse yourself in this fantastic world. The sculptures of Aslan, the mighty lion, and the White Witch's throne in particular attract attention. The details of the figures are impressive and give the characters a special presence. The square is not only a place for literature lovers, but also an interesting work of art in the open air - a change from the usual sights. CS Lewis, the famous writer and son of the city, is omnipresent here and also makes this place a small piece of Belfast history.
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Victoria Park in Belfast is an interesting spot for a short bike ride and a break by the water. It is accessible 24 hours a day and has a quiet lake that is enlivened by swans, ducks and other water birds. The walk around the lake is particularly relaxing, where gently curved paths lead you through the greenery of the park. The complex dates back to 1906 and was designed by landscape architect Charles McKimm, who also designed the impressive tropical hall in the Botanical Garden. You can also explore the small BMX track by bike, which attracts ambitious cyclists - perfect for adding a little variety. On the banks of the lake, the complex offers a beautiful mix of nature and urban flair. Free parking makes access uncomplicated and practical. A walk or a bike ride through this historic park is a refreshing break, especially with the lively birdsong and the proximity to the water. Whether for a short break or a longer stay – Victoria Park offers a pleasant ambience in the middle of the city.
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Nendrum Monastery was a Christian monastery founded in the 5th century. The monastery finished somewhere between 974 and 1178, but the church survived until the 15th century. You can visit the ruins if you're riding past.
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Very nice market Unfortunately only open Friday to Sunday
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This is the best example in Northern Ireland of a pre Norman ecclesiastical enclosure with its buildings. Nendrum is associated with St Mochaoi who died at the end of the 5th century, and is linked with St Patrick in a much later source. Notices of Nendrum clergy, including three bishops, begin in the 7th century and the excavation of a sophisticated tide mill on the shore near the site has shown that the mill was active in the early 7th century, which underlines the early importance of Nendrum. References continue until a fire in 976, perhaps a Viking raid, when the head of the church (erenagh) was burned in his house. In the late 12th century a small Benedictine monastic cell was founded on the site, but by 1302–1306 this was the parish church, abandoned for Tullynakill on the mainland in the 15th century. H.C. Lawlor excavated the site from 1922 to 1924, when enclosure walls, church and round tower were restored. The glacial hill is crowned with three concentric walled enclosures, irregularly oval in plan. Little is known of the outer cashel, only partly in state care. In the middle cashel on the south-west side are circular platforms for huts, which excavation suggested were craft workshops, and a rectangular building known as the ‘schoolhouse’, also a workshop. In the inner cashel were the most important buildings, including the church with its graveyard and the base of a round tower north-west of the church. The west wall of the church was rebuilt in the 1920s, incorporating a reconstructed sundial at the south-west corner. Finds from the 1920s excavation, including the well-known bell of Nendrum, are in the Ulster Museum and Down Museum at Downpatrick. Underwater archaeological work in the 1990s showed that there is a stone jetty south-east of the enclosure, now inundated in the lough, and medieval pottery was found close by. ( source: department of communities )
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Victoria Park is open 24 hours, seven days a week. The park has a lake which is home to water birds such as swans, geese, ducks, herons and migrant waders. There are two walking trails around the lake. The playing fields have soccer pitches, a bowling green and a cycling and BMX track. The Park opened in 1906. It was landscaped by Charles McKimm, who also built the Tropical Ravine in the Botanic Gardens.
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Ballyaltikilligan itself holds historical significance with the site of the medieval Rogerstown Chapel, now known as Chapel Field, though no physical remains are visible today. Nearby, you can visit the ancient Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a pre-Norman monastic site dating back to the 5th Century with links to St Patrick. It features three dry-stone walled enclosures, a church ruin, a round tower, and a graveyard.
The townland of Ballyaltikilligan is characterized by its rural landscape, featuring expansive agricultural fields and the Gransha River, which forms its western boundary. The Glen Road and Coach Road offer scenic paths through this natural environment. For a more structured natural experience, Victoria Park Lake, though a short distance away, is home to various water birds and offers two walking trails around the lake.
The rural setting of Ballyaltikilligan is ideal for walking and cycling. You can explore the local roads like Glen Road and Coach Road. For more structured activities, there are numerous running trails, easy hikes, and cycling routes available. For example, you can find various running loops from Comber, easy hikes like the Killynether Wood and Scrabo Tower trail, and cycling routes such as the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail. You can find more details on these activities on the running trails, easy hikes, and cycling guides for the area.
Yes, several attractions nearby are suitable for families. Victoria Park Lake offers walking trails, playing fields, and a cycling/BMX track. Ormeau Park also provides tarmac paths, outdoor gym equipment, and a BMX track. For a unique cultural experience, the Narnia Sculptures at C.S. Lewis Square bring characters from the famous books to life, which can be engaging for children.
Within Ballyaltikilligan, the rural roads like Glen Road and Coach Road offer pleasant walks through agricultural fields. For dedicated walking trails, consider exploring options around nearby Comber, such as the Comber Greenway. You can find several easy hiking routes, including the Killynether Wood and Scrabo Tower trail, and the Rough Island loop, which are detailed in the easy hikes guide for the area.
Cyclists can enjoy the quiet rural roads of Ballyaltikilligan. For more extensive cycling, the area offers routes like the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail, the Killynether Wood to Donaghadee loop, and the Comber to Mahee Island loop. These routes cater to various difficulty levels, from easy to difficult. More information can be found in the cycling guide for Ballyaltikilligan.
Ballyaltikilligan is a rural townland, and direct public transport options might be limited. It is situated to the northwest of Comber, which serves as a more central hub for amenities and potentially public transport connections. Visitors typically find it easier to access the area by car, especially for exploring the surrounding natural and historical sites.
As a rural townland, Ballyaltikilligan itself has limited commercial facilities. However, the nearby town of Comber offers various amenities, including cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. For a local experience, the Horner family, who own Chapel Field, operate a farm shop selling potatoes and other produce, and also have a market stall at the Comber Farmers Market.
The best time to visit Ballyaltikilligan for outdoor activities is generally during the spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) months when the weather is milder and days are longer, making it ideal for walking, hiking, and cycling. Autumn (September-October) can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though weather can be more unpredictable. Winter months may offer a different, quieter charm but can be cold and wet.
While Ballyaltikilligan is primarily rural, the Horner family, who have deep roots in the area, operate a farm shop. Here, you can purchase local produce, particularly potatoes. They also have a market stall at the Comber Farmers Market, offering a direct connection to local agriculture and community.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. For instance, those visiting Nendrum Monastery Ruins often highlight the tranquility, the stunning views of the Lough, and the sense of ancient history. Parks like Victoria Park Lake are enjoyed for their peaceful walking trails and abundant birdlife, offering a refreshing break from urban life.
Many of the rural paths and trails around Ballyaltikilligan and nearby Comber are suitable for dog walking, provided dogs are kept under control. Parks like Ormeau Park and Victoria Park Lake often welcome dogs on leads. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding pets in nature reserves or protected areas.


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