Theme : Christian Heritage
Here are some ideas for you to explore some of the yesteryear stories and famous tales of St Patrick. Throughout Northern Ireland there are numerous ancient landmarks and sacred momuments that have ties to St Patrick. The following are part of a Northern Ireland wide 92-mile driving route:
Why not start your journey off with a visit to The Saint Patrick Centre?
The Saint Patrick Centre is located in the heart of Downpatrick. Telling the story of Ireland's patron Saint through a dymanic and informative exhibition using the latest multimedia technology. The Centre has just completed an exciting £189,000 upgrade to its exhibition space, funded by Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Open all year round.
Admission: Adult £4.95 Child £2.55 Family £11.75 (2 Adults and up to 2 children)
Tel: 028 4461 9000 www.saintpatrickcentre.com
Down Cathedral & St Patrick’s Grave
A Church of Ireland Cathedral originally a Benedictine Monastery built in 1183. Major restoration in the 1800s, still containing many of the original features. The Cathedral is built on the Hill of Down, one of the holiest Christian sites in Ireland. Its graveyard contains the traditional burial place of St. Patrick.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday: 9:30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Admission: Donations (guided tours available by prior arrangement)
Tel: 028 4461 4922
Inch Abbey
Most of this substantial Cistercian Abbey is now in ruins, but the east end of the church, with its early English lancet windows, chapter house and refectory remains as witness to its great days of piety.
Opening hours: Daily
Admission: Free
Tel: Northern Ireland Environment Agency (Historic Monuments): 028 9054 3034
Saul Church
This replica of St. Patrick’s first church in Ireland is 2 miles outside Downpatrick.
Opening times: 9:00am – 5:00pm daily.
Admission: Free
Tel: 028 4461 3011
Slieve Patrick
On a hill overlooking the villages of Saul and Raholp stands a giant statue of Saint Patrick, overlooking the place where he landed on his return to Ireland, the land of his mission and the place of his burial. The statue was erected in 1932 to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of his return as bishop to convert the Irish to Christianity. Bronze panels illustrate scenes from the life of Ireland’s Patron Saint.
Opening times: Annually, on the first Sunday in June, there is a pilgrimage to the momument
Admission: Free
Tel: Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre 028 4461 2233
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