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
Liam Carroll gets permission to finish Anglo HQ
(2 Sep 2010) An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for developer Liam Carroll's company to complete the new Anglo Irish headquarters in Dublin's docklands.
New Dunboyne railway line opens
(2 Sep 2010) The newest stretch of railway in the country has been officially opened in Co Meath.
Funeral of murdered 12-year-old schoolgirl
(2 Sep 2010) The funeral of murdered Dublin schoolgirl Michaela Davis has taken place at St Mochta's Church in Porterstown.
Early signs of economic growth says Lenihan
(2 Sep 2010) The Minister for Finance has said the early signs of growth are visible in the Irish economy.
From RTÉ News