Welcome to Downpatrick, County Down

Downpatrick (Dún Pádraig) is a town in County Down, 33 km south of Belfast. It is the county town of Down with a rich history and strong connection to Saint Patrick.

Saint Patrick was reputedly buried here in 461 on Cathedral Hill, within the grounds of Down Cathedral. His grave is still a place of pilgrimage on St Patricks Day (17 March each year). The Saint Patrick Visitor Centre in Downpatrick is purpose-built to tell the story of St Patrick.

Within an hour drive of Belfast, the location serves as a commuter town for a large number of people. The town has a number of primary and post-primary schools educating students from all over the east Down area.

Downpatrick News Downpatrick News
Suspicious device found at Shannon apartments
(12 Mar 2010) A block of apartments in Shannon town centre has been evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious device.
Hamill prosecution decision to be reviewed
(12 Mar 2010) Northern Ireland's Public Prosecution Service is to review the prosecution of an RUC officer as recommended by the Robert Hamill Inquiry.
Dukes: Anglo closure would cost €20bn
(12 Mar 2010) Anglo Irish Bank chairman-designate Alan Dukes has said that winding the bank down would cost much more than keeping it afloat.
Revenue collects €29m from defaulters
(12 Mar 2010) The latest quarterly list of tax settlements has been published by the Revenue Commissioners.
From RTÉ News