Comber: Greenway, Earlies and History

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Comber brings together several specific reasons to visit: the Comber Greenway ends here, the monthly Farmers’ Market brings local produce to the Square, and churches and monuments tell the story of the town’s history.

Greenway and heritage trails

The Comber Greenway begins in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and runs seven miles to Comber. 98.9 percent of the route is away from motorised traffic. The surface is smooth and relatively level; the path is suitable for walking, for people using mobility aids, and for cycling by people of all abilities. After major route works, you should check accessibility again. Surface and crossing conditions can also change.

Another route linked to Comber is the Columban Way: Comber Square is part of this 20-mile (32 km) heritage trail between Comber and Bangor. By comparison, the Greenway runs seven miles from Belfast to Comber. The different lengths and endpoints help distinguish the two routes as separate options when planning a trip.

Market, potatoes and food festival

The Comber Farmers’ Market takes place on the first Thursday of each month from 09:00 to 13:30 in the car park of St Mary’s Parish Church on the Square in Comber. Dates and times may change, so check the current market day before visiting. This market is a regular, clearly scheduled reason to visit.

Another culinary highlight is Comber Early potatoes, which received EU Protected Geographical Indication status in 2012. The annual Comber Earlies Food Festival offers something different from the monthly market: it includes cooking demonstrations in the Festival Kitchen and an artisan food market. The programme may vary from year to year. If you would like to include the festival in your trip, check the dates and programme details for that year’s event.

Churches and dated memorials

St Mary’s Parish Church in Comber stands on the site of the original Comber Abbey. A Cistercian monastery was established there in 1199; the present-day St Mary’s Parish Church dates from 1840. This distinguishes the earlier monastic history from the date of the current church building.

Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church also offers specific historical details: it was built on land donated by James Andrews, and its stained-glass windows depict members of his family. The Rollo Gillespie Monument in Comber was unveiled on 24 June 1845. The Comber & District War Memorial on Comber Square was added later and unveiled on 14 April 1923. These different dates provide several distinct historical points of reference in the townscape.

Getting there and finding accommodation

Comber is best reached by road and by public transport operated by Translink; the latter is bus-only. Transport services and timetables may change, so it is advisable to check your connection before setting off.

For a food event, the schedule for that particular event matters; when planning a route, its length and endpoints are important. This lets you tailor your destination and travel dates to the specific interests of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Greyabbey, Killinchy, Newtownards, Portaferry.

Back to the main travel guide: Ards.

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