On the coast road of Mourne, between Newcastle and Annalong, lies a place called Stropatrick. As the old legend tells it, St Patrick, making his diocesan visits in the old style with staff and shoes, was seized with a great thirst. The holy man thrust his staff into the ground and a bubbling spring welled up, which has never ceased to run cool and clear. Its waters are said to have miraculous healing powers if applied before sunrise.
The legend goes on that Patrick, so refreshed and elated, threw his brogues into the townland of Ballykeel, seven miles away, where another stream came up and runs to this day with the name Brogued.
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