Location: Downpatrick
Top Things to do in Downpatrick
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The 5 Best Museums in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland
Downpatrick (from Irish: Dún Pádraig, meaning "Patrick's stronghold") is a small-sized town about 33 km (21 mi) south of Belfast in County Down, Northern Ireland. It has been an important site since ancient times. Its cathedral is said to be the burial place of Saint Patrick. Today it is the county town of Down and the joint headquarters of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Downpatrick area has currently shown to have a population of 19,817 according to the 2011 Census, although it is likely to have increased in recent years.
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1. Downpatrick & County Down Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
The Downpatrick and County Down Railway runs through the drumlin countryside of County Down - St. Patrick's Country - over the River Quoile and under the graceful Down Cathedral. With a mix of steam and diesel trains, and vintage carriages, there's plenty for train fans of all ages - from wee kids to "big kids". Run by volunteers, society membership entitles you to free travel.
Reviewed By 989tissym - Downpatrick, United Kingdom
Well run, very enjoyable Santa experience. Good present for kids. Kids enjoyed the hot chocolate after. Would definitely recommend.
2. The Saint Patrick Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By JoanneW716 - London, United Kingdom
This Museum makes learning about St. Patrick and the Ireland he knew, really easy. It is very interactive, very informative, and finishes with a great little film show which shows all the places in Ireland associated with St. Patrick. It has an excellent gift shop and a lovely cafe upstairs, all in all, well worth visiting Downpatrick for - with the bonus of St. Patrick, St. Brigid and St Coumcille all buried just up the hill behind the Museum.
3. Down Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Based in the beautiful old Town Hall, Down Arts Centre features a vibrant programme that includes performances, exhibitions and workshops throughout the year.
4. Down County Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Down County Museum is based in an old gaol of 1796 and has 10 galleries covering the archaeology and history of County Down, Early Christian archaeology from the Time of St Patrick, the history of the gaol (including original gaol cells), and the farming and maritime collections from the County of Down. There are hands-on activities for children, a Digital Film Archive (Northern Ireland Screen), full access to the site, audio features and lifts to all areas. The Cathedral View Tearoom offers a wide range of meals, scones, coffees and teas, and has a unique view from its windows of Down Cathedral on the Hill of Down, Inch Abbey, the River Quoile and the ancient Mound of Down fort.
Reviewed By Beccaverity
We discovered this by accident, due to seeing a road sign one day on the way back to Coney Island where we are staying. I would highly recommend it, it’s a fabulous museum, free too and gives a detailed account of the county’s history and this local prison. When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly face and given an explanation of the layout and the purpose of the museum as well as some leaflets with more detail, including accounts of some people who were in the prison which was fascinating. It’s a really varied museum and can occupy you for a few hours if you spend time looking at all the exhibits. It has a lovely tearoom too which great views. Afterwards I had a quick look on the website and found a list of the people who had been jailed there which added to this experience even more. Highly recommended !
