Ballymoyer Estate: Woodland and Old Church

Overview

Ballymoyer Estate in County Armagh offers two contrasting yet complementary attractions. A National Trust‑managed pocket of mixed broadleaf woodland winds along the Creggan River, while the nearby ruin of St Luke’s Old Church crowns the estate’s historic landscape. Together they provide a half‑day of natural beauty, wildlife spotting, and a tangible link to Northern Ireland’s ecclesiastical past.

History & Background

Ballymoyer Woodland

The woodland has no grand historic narrative of its own, but its stewardship by the National Trust ties it to the wider conservation story of the Mourne‑Gullion area. Recent clean‑up work has removed former fly‑tipping, restoring the glen to a healthier state and allowing its mixed oak, ash and ornamental specimen trees to thrive.

St Luke’s Old Church (Ballymoyer Old Church)

The ruined church dates back to the early 1600s, when walls were erected under Charles I. After a tragic murder left the building roofless for over a century, Archbishop Richard Robinson ordered a roof in 1775. The present square‑towered form largely reflects a 1822 rebuild funded by a £900 Board of First Fruits grant, with a glebe‑house added in 1825.

The site is linked to Florence Mac Moyer, the last hereditary keeper of the medieval Book of Armagh. He pawned the manuscript for £5 and later testified at the trial of Oliver Plunkett. His grave lies beneath a large ash tree on the eastern side of the ruin. Archaeological interest is heightened by a 19th‑century cairn that revealed two tombs with elegant urns, one of which entered the Synnot family collection. The Synnot family, arriving in the late 18th century, reshaped the estate by planting extensive forests and improving the roads that now guide visitors.

The church and its surrounding churchyard are a scheduled historic monument and remain open to the public year‑round, free of charge.

Walking the Fairy Glen

The main woodland trail starts at the car park at the junction of Ballymoyer Rd and Drumcrow Rd. Way‑marked and sign‑posted, the 4.46 km (2.8 mi) loop follows the Creggan River through the moss‑laden Fairy Glen, winding past fern‑rich banks and a variety of specimen trees. According to the Visorando route description, the walk takes about 1 hour 25 minutes, is graded moderate, and involves an ascent of +59 m and a descent of –60 m. Highlights include:

• Kingfisher and otter spotting along the riverbank.
• A viewpoint loop that climbs to a clearing with panoramic views over the valley.
• A rope swing and other playful features popular with families.
• Accessible sections with low gradients suitable for wheelchairs; the steeper glen sections are not suitable for limited mobility.

Visiting the Ruins

The Old Church lies a short walk south‑west of the same car park, set within the St Luke’s parish churchyard. Visitors can explore the heavy round‑headed windows, the weather‑worn square tower and the original 17th‑century stonework. A large ash tree shelters the grave of Florence Mac Moyer, marked by a plaque explaining his connection to the Book of Armagh. The surrounding cairn fragments and 19th‑century tombs add an extra layer of intrigue.

Practical Information

Getting there – The estate is accessed via the A28 from Newry or Armagh. Follow signs for Ballymoyer Rd; the car park sits at the road junction. Both the woodland trail and the church ruins are sign‑posted from the car park.

Facilities – No on‑site café; visitors can use toilets and shops in Whitecross. Bring water, sturdy walking shoes and, if visiting with children, a change of clothes for the rope swing.

Nearby Attractions

• Ardress House – A National Trust historic house set in formal gardens, about a 15‑minute drive north.
• Armagh City – Explore the cathedral city’s historic sites, including the Armagh Observatory & Planetarium.
• Camlough – A scenic lake and river area ideal for picnics and fishing, located 10 km east.
• Gosford Forest Park – Extensive woodland trails and a visitor centre, a short drive south‑west.