The Tobar Mhuire Retreat and Conference Centre, located in Crossgar, County Down, is a serene and modern retreat set within 55–60 acres of tranquil woodland. Managed by the Passionist Community, it offers a welcoming space for spiritual reflection, personal renewal, and community engagement.
- Located in a 55–60-acre woodland estate, Tobar Mhuire provides a calm oasis just a 30-minute drive from Belfast, offering a rural retreat with easy access to urban amenities. The grounds feature a 1.9-mile heritage trail with compacted gravel paths, showcasing points of interest such as Mary’s Well (a holy well, from which the centre’s name, meaning “Mary’s Well” in Irish, is derived), a Victorian walled garden with a restored pond and glasshouse, and a viewpoint with spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains and County Down landscape (on clear days).
- The trail includes heritage panels detailing the site’s history, including its use as a base for English and American troops during World War II. Visitors can explore the trail at their own pace, with free parking available at the car park behind the walled garden (or the main car park off Downpatrick Road on weekends).
Retreat and Conference Facilities:
- The centre offers 15 en-suite bedrooms (twin and family rooms) with internet access, suitable for individuals, groups, or conferences. Full catering services are available, with reviewers praising the quality of food provided by staff like Dolores and her team. The modern residential wing, built in 2012, is comfortable and well-equipped, earning a 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor for its restorative atmosphere.
- Conference facilities support group events, workshops, and retreats, with spaces designed for reflection, discussion, and prayer. The centre is wheelchair accessible, though visitors with specific accessibility needs should confirm in advance. Toilets and refreshments are available on-site, with additional dining options in Crossgar, such as The Smugglers Table and The Artisan Cookhouse.
Spiritual and Reflective Experiences:
- Run by the Passionist Community, Tobar Mhuire welcomes individuals and groups of all faiths, as well as those exploring spirituality or seeking personal growth. The centre emphasizes renewal, hope, and learning, focusing on the Passion of Christ as a source of healing and reconciliation, particularly in a post-conflict north.
- Visitors can participate in retreats, such as the “Resting at the Well” six-day guided retreat, which combines silence, talks, meditation, and communal prayer to foster spiritual connection. One-on-one sessions with spiritual directors, like Timothy Ray, an Ignatian spiritual director and author of Celtic spirituality books, offer personaliised guidance. Group sessions, such as discussions on Irish Saints or stress relief, are also available.
- Regular masses, services, and reflective sessions are held, encouraging visitors to explore faith and find inner tranquility in the sacred grounds.
Community and Educational Events:
- The centre hosts talks and workshops, often featuring prominent speakers. Past events have included discussions on the Good Friday Agreement’s 25th anniversary with figures like Rev Harold Good and Baroness Nuala O’Loan, as well as summer institutes addressing themes like mercy and compassion.
- Educational programmes, such as “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible” led by Fr Paul Byrne and Aishling Steen, provide resources and group discussions to deepen understanding of faith. These programmes are designed for both laypeople and clergy, fostering a sense of community.
- Visitors describe Tobar Mhuire as a “tranquil haven” with “stunning and restorative” woodland walks, ideal for relaxation and reflection. The centre’s proximity to attractions like The Saint Patrick Centre (4.7 miles), Down County Museum (4.6 miles), and Castle Ward (4.0 miles) makes it a convenient stop for those exploring County Down or the North Antrim Coast (a 2-hour drive).
- The Passionist Community’s warm hospitality and the centre’s inclusive approach—welcoming people of all faiths and those still searching for meaning—create a supportive environment. Free parking and a central location in Crossgar enhance accessibility.
What’s New:
- Continued Community Engagement Events: Following the success of the 2023 “Stories of Life, Faith and Hope” series marking the Good Friday Agreement’s 25th anniversary, Tobar Mhuire is likely to host similar high-profile talks. For example, a January 15, 2025, seminar on holistic approaches to Down syndrome by Gabi Giacomin suggests a continued focus on diverse, community-oriented events. Visitors can expect a robust calendar of talks, featuring local leaders or spiritual figures, to foster dialogue on faith, reconciliation, and personal growth.
- The centre’s history of hosting summer institutes, such as the 2017 event with speakers like Rev Trevor Williams and Rev John Dunlop, indicates that similar programmes will be planned for summer 2025, exploring themes of mercy, compassion, or contemporary social issues.
- Enhanced Retreat Offerings: The centre’s ongoing commitment to spiritual retreats, such as the “Resting at the Well” guided retreat, suggests that 2025 will feature new or updated retreat programmes. These may include multi-day residential retreats or shorter workshops, led by figures like Brian McKee or Timothy Ray, focusing on Celtic spirituality, stress relief, or biblical reflection.
- Heritage Trail Enhancements: The 1.9-mile heritage trail, launched in 2012 with a £200,000 investment, remains a key attraction. While no specific 2025 updates are noted, the trail’s integration into the centre’s offerings suggests ongoing maintenance or potential additions, such as new heritage panels or guided walks highlighting the site’s WWII history or natural features like the Mourne Mountain views. Visitors should inquire about any trail enhancements via the centre’s website.
- Sustainability and Accessibility Belfast’s tourism sector is prioritising sustainability, with 75% of hotel rooms accredited by Green Tourism. Tobar Mhuire, with its eco-friendly woodland setting, may introduce sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient upgrades to its facilities or eco-themed retreats, aligning with Ireland’s goal of a 60% carbon reduction by 2030.
- The centre’s wheelchair accessibility and free parking will continue to ensure inclusivity, though visitors with specific needs should confirm details in advance.
Visitors to Tobar Mhuire can expect a serene and restorative experience in a modern retreat centre surrounded by 55–60 acres of woodland. The heritage trail offers a tranquil walk with historical and natural highlights, while the residential facilities provide comfortable accommodations and catering for retreats or conferences. Spiritual programmes, including guided retreats, one-on-one sessions, and community talks, will cater to those seeking reflection, faith, or personal growth, with an inclusive approach welcoming all backgrounds. New events, such as talks on social or spiritual themes and potential retreat enhancements, will enrich the experience, building on the centre’s legacy of fostering hope and reconciliation. Visitors should check www.tobarmhuirecrossgar.com or contact secretary@tobarmhuirecrossgar.com (+4428 4483 0242)
