St. Patrick Centre
Saint Patrick was born in northern Roman Britain around 387. The son of a wealthy tax collector, Patrick’s life was privileged in a comfortable Roman household. When he was sixteen, Patrick was captured and brought to Ireland as a slave. There he tended sheep and pigs on Slemish Mountain for six years. During these harsh days of slavery, Patrick prayed often and found a deep Christian faith. His later writings in the Confession and Letter to Coroticus describe his humility and an enduring faith even in the face of isolation and scorn.
After six years, he escaped and sailed on a boat back to his family in Britain. Freedom reinforced his Christian faith and called by God, Patrick went to France where he studied for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest and within a few years, a bishop. Patrick chose to return to Ireland. He came up Strangford Lough and landed at the River Slaney. His first convert was Dichu, who gave Patrick a barn where the first church was built at Saul, County Down. Patrick travelled throughout Ireland, converting druidic pagans in Armagh, Tipperary, Mayo, Meath and Dublin and baptising influential royal chieftains. Patrick was a fearless and provocative missionary, he deliberately defied Laoghaire, the High King in Tara, introducing the Christian practice of lighting a Paschal fire. Patrick banished the traditional pagan fire lighting ceremony and many of Laoghaire’s own tribe followed Patrick’s example. The king’s son Conall converted to Christianity, became a devoted follower of Patrick and protected him as he journeyed around Ireland.
In 445, Patrick established the See of Armagh as the centre of Christian learning in Ireland. A monastery church and an archbishop’s house were built here. This was probably another challenging gesture to the druidic order at Navan Fort. The ancient Ulster capital, this had been the royal seat of the Kings of Ulster. By building his most important church close to the symbol of pagan royalty, Armagh became the most important town in Ireland. The only clergy entitled to spread the Christian faith were taught in the abbey in Armagh.
Saint Patrick died in 493. His remains are believed to be buried in the grounds of Down Cathedral, Downpatrick. A granite stone was laid to mark the grave in 1900.
The Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick is the starting point for any visitor who wishes to know more about Ireland’s patron saint.The exhibition explores the legacy of Patrick, ancient and modern, and recalls the saint’s own story – in his own words. A series of interactive displays allow visitors to explore how Patrick's legacy developed in early Christian times and reveals the fabulous artwork and metalwork which was produced during this Golden Age. The exhibition also examines the major impact of Irish missionaries in Europe between the fifth and ninth centuries, a legacy which remains to this day. The Centre also provides a cross-community Education Programme all year round for school groups of all ages and adult community groups based on the life of Patrick.
Prices:
Adults £4.90, concession £3.30, child £2.50, family (2 adults, 2 children) £11.70.
Groups (25+): adult £3.25, SC £2.65
child £2.20, educational groups £3.25.
€ accepted.
Opening Hours:
Open Oct-March: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, (longer hrs St. Patrick’s Day);
April-May & Sept: Mon-Sat 9.30 am- 5.30 pm, Sun 1-5.30 pm;
June-Aug: Mon-Sat 9.30 am-6 pm, Sun 10 am-6 pm.
Last admission 1.5 hours before closing.