Book Tickets Online
About
The Historic Kilrea Walking Tour is a self-guided circular route of just over a mile which takes in the town’s most iconic buildings, many of which were built as part of the 19th century development plan implemented by the London Mercers’ Company.
Located close to the River Bann, Kilrea, from the Irish Cill Ria, meaning ‘church on the hill’, takes its name from the ancient church which stood near to where St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland is located, at the top of the town. Evidence has been found along the river indicating this area has been inhabited as far back as the Stone Age. Much of the history of the area in preChristian times is lost in the mists of time, however, in the fifth century, St Patrick is said to have identified a site for a church when he passed through the town.
