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The mid sized administrative centre lies close to the southeastern coast of Northern Ireland. Prehistoric peoples inhabited the region and archaeologists discovered the remains of two Bronze Age round houses in the area. The town’s name derives from the word “dun” meaning fort. Famed Irish Saint Patrick was reportedly buried on Cathedral Hill in 461 AD. Many continue the pilgrimage to his gravesite. The Dal Fiatach were the dominating ruling power in Downpatrick during the Dark Ages. Downpatrick served as the main residence for the royals and was the religious centre.
John de Courcey, a Norman knight obtained a grant from Henry II for land here in 1177. Arriving at Dublin, de Courcey and his forces marched to Downpatrick in the middle of the night and attacked the fortress. He defeated the King, Rory MacDonlevy, whom he then ousted. In 1183, de Courcey brought an order of Benedictine monks to Downpatrick and constructed a friary. An earthquake occurring in 1245 destroyed the structure. In 1260, Brian O’Neill combined his forces with those of other clans and marched toward Downpatrick to remove the foreigners from Irish soil. He was defeated.
A rebellion orchestrated by Shane O’Neill in 1567 successfully acquired Downpatrick, briefly returning the land to the Irish. A family named Southwell acquired the community and began making structural improvements. By 1717, Downpatrick had grain warehouses and a quay. Southwell propsed a plan for the heart of the city consisting of four main streets. Due to geological obstructions, the project did not meet completion until 1846. Downpatrick had paved streets in 1727 and a hospital infirmary in 1767. United Irish rebel leader Thomas Russell was tried and hung in Downpatrick in 1803. Friends buried him in the local Anglican churchyard.
Activities and Attractions
The County Down Museum contains thousands of artefacts revolving around the archaeological, human and natural history of Downpatrick. Travel the timeline of history from prehistoric times to the current day. Browse through vintage costumes, classic paintings, stunning photographs and antique cameras. Ironically, the museum lies in the historic Down County Gaol penal institution complex. The facility first opened in 1796 and remained in operation until 1830. The museum also features a crime and punishment exhibit, featuring among other things, an entire row of prison cells.
The Down Cathedral is the supposed resting place of St. Patrick. A large inscripted stone marks the grave. Being the location for a house of worship for over two millenia, many buildings existed here. The chancel of the present cathedral dates to the 15th century. Suffering repeated attacks and fires, the building required reconstruction and renovation throughout the course of its lifetime. The cathedral welcomes visitors to explore the building from its decorative exterior design to the collection of carved stone crosses dating from the 9th century. The Saint Patrick Centre sits next to the cathedral and depicts the life and legacy of the famed Irish saint. An interactive exhibit explores Patrick’s journey as he determined to bring Christianity to Ireland.
Castle and history buffs need only journey outside of Downpatrick to the shore of the River Quoile to visit the remains of the Quoile Castle. Constructed in the 1500s, the structure is a typical tower house. Though part of one wall disintegrated, the structure largely remains intact. The fortress contains many windowed chambers and vaulted rooms bearing old fireplaces. Each floor is accessible by a series of staircases.
East of Downpatrick vistors find the historic Struell Wells. Reputed to have existed since the time of St. Patrick, many journeyed to the wells for healing and penitence. The walled yard contains three stone buildings. One building houses the well, which feeds into the other buildings, being separate men’s and women’s bathhouses.
Places to Stay and Dining
Lodging options in and around Downpatrick include spa resort hotels. After spending the day venturing through the countryside and sightseeing, guests have the options of spa treatments and professional hair care in the facility’s beauty salon.
The Downpatrick Denvir’s Restaurant offers a meal and movie deal for one convenient price. Enjoy lasagne, beef burgers or spaghetti carbonara, accompanied by chips and salad, plus a ticket to the local theatre.
Accommodation in Downpatrick
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