All-Ireland Columban Way Feasibility Study

Barrow River County Carlow

Client: Carlow County Council in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council, Armagh City Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Cavan County Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Kildare County Council, Laois County Council, Meath County Council, Monaghan County Council, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Wexford County Council

The Challenge

Over the last decade a movement to create European wide links has developed around the theme of Columbanus, the sixth century saint who left his homeland in County Carlow to travel north to Bangor in County Down, and from there to Europe where he founded several famous monasteries including those at Bobbio, Bregenz and Luxeuil. 

In order to progress an all-Ireland connected walk and to support all ten Local Authorities to achieve this goal, a feasibility study is required to scope the development and economic return of this connected Columban Way walking route, traversing North and South.


The Role

Outscape is required to develop, formulate, and present the overall concept for the Columbian Way and provide a coherent plan for its implementation throughout the island of Ireland. This includes:

  • The development of a business case for the entire route in Northern and Southern Ireland 
  • Auditing and mapping of the route
  • Stakeholder and Community Engagement
  • Development of proposals for the installation of Columban Way Bells at key access points.

Staff Lead: Sarah Steer


Project Partners

  • Consarc Design Group
  • Woodrow APEM Environmental Consultants