Lisburn - Moira

Lisburn to Moira

Near Union Locks

A drunk man trespassing on the railway line (at 9:00am, what's the world coming to!) caused few problems with trains today.  But five of us eventually set off along the Lagan Towpath in Lisburn.

First history lesson.....  This is Blaris Old Graveyard where four men from the Monaghan Militia were executed for treason in 1797.   The story of the Blaris Martyrs is fascinating and a rare example of execution and burial in the same cemetery.

Problems on the Bog Road.   The combined brains of a solicitor, two teachers and one wise woman eventually found a way through.

Is this the place that gave its name to the song The Old Bog Road - recorded by two of Ireland's greatest Daniel O'Donnell and Hugo Duncan!

Odd characters outside a house.  Brian kindly agreed with the owner that he would call back to paint these two figures.  That'll not be cheap.

Trying to keep up with Verity and Colin - we might have to ban women and older men from future runs!

Down Royal racecourse...  an uncharacteristic bit of co-operation linked to the Battle of the Boyne. James II granted the patent for racing and William III presented money for a trophy.

Low point of the run - a closed pub.

Nice wee house near Moira.  They do B&B, may well have chickens out the back.

Coffee in Moira.....   a bit spooky. Our snooker playing friend, Darren Moffett, complete with bow-tie and four-pronged cue, amazingly appears in a cup of coffee.



 

Belfast - Lisburn

DISCLAIMER

Participation in runs by invitation only. All participants are to ensure their general health and physical fitness to complete the planned distance, and are to exercise their individual appropriate caution for all sections of the route including road traffic awareness. Any reference, in run blogs or other published material, to access over privately owned land should not be taken as an indication of a right of public access; in all such cases, check with the relevant landowner.

BELFAST - LISBURN

Armed with a message from the Belfast Mayor, we set off to deliver it to the Dublin Mayor.  This unofficial effort to foster cross-border relations may not work; it's likely that there will be a new man in post by the time we eventually get down there.



We were given a warm send-off by a group of Taiwan tourists.

First stop the tropical green house at Botanic Park.  A great place to get warmed up during a run on a cold day - I once did 52 laps in there - but no need to go inside today.

We had expected to encounter some Lagan Valley AC runners but they must all have still been in bed. These Dub Runners were almost fully awake - but not running. 

Coffee stop at Newforge.  As usual, Colin easily won the race to get inside.

Strange activity at Dixon Park. Christmas shopping would be more fun.








Ballyskeagh High Bridge - was once used for public hangings.

Never did find Mark.  Possibly in pub.

The finish for today.  It's not Paris, not Amsterdam - it's Lisburn.