Location: Downpatrick
Top Things to do in Downpatrick
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The 8 Best Free Things to do 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.
Restaurants in Downpatrick
1. Struell Wells
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Jayceeni - Belfast, United Kingdom
Situated just about 1-2 miles outside Downpatrick the site is an interesting place to visit, there are a few stone buildings and a few wells, there are descriptive signs next to a few of the building and one b4 you enter the outer wall. The site has a good road to it and a car park big enough for 6-8 cars maybe more. I have visited this site so many times 30+ as a child and adult. It's a open area great for kids to run around with supervision , if the day is good bring a picnic and enjoy the fresh air.
2. Ballynoe Stone Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By annieJB1976 - Belfast, United Kingdom
A lovely place to visit. The walk to the actually stones is just lovely. A little quiet hedge covered lane way with fairy doors and other little things left along the hedgerows. The stones themselves have a peaceful quietness around them and lovely just to sit on one and reflect in peace.
3. Inch Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By AliCat939 - Portaferry, United Kingdom
Inch Abbey is a 12th & 13th century Abbey, set on the banks of the river Quoile. It is a stunningly beautiful setting, made more famous as the scene where Robb Stark celebrated victory, with his army, after the 'Battle of the Whispering Wood'. It is a lovely place to visit, to walk your dag, have a picnic or just wander about learning about its history & the lifestyle of the monks from the very informative plaques set around the site. Expect to see a GoT's tour bus, with excited cape wearing, sword bearing tourists!
4. Quoile Pondage Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By suebB5741MA - Shropshire, United Kingdom
Went for a stroll along the Quoile ,it was a lovely place ..plenty of parking ..places to sit and a lovely little piece of grass at the one end where you could have a picnic
5. Down Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By 2020vision
A " must see" on a tour of Downpatrick . The adjoining graveyard supposedly holds the final resting place of Saint Patrick . The church building itself is lovely , lots of interesting things to see .
6. 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 !
7. Slieve Patrick Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Construction began of this statue in 1932, the 1500th anniversary of St. Patrick's landing at the Slaney. From the top of the Statue there are excellent views across the surrounding countryside and Strangford Lough.Parking is provided at the entrance; there are no footpaths so sensible shoes are advisable.
Reviewed By irishgirl61 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Had been meaning to visit for ages. Love site. Well locked after with short grass. Nice path takes up up the hill. Steep but just take ur time. View is impressive. See 360 around for miles. Will definitely be back. Great place for a little history. Good for kids.
8. Saul Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
This church was built on the site of St. Patrick's first church in 1932 to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of St. Patrick's at the Slaney river. The site has some remnants of the monastic site which formed here after the Saint's death. There is parking available at the Saul Road entrance and public toilets are available.
Reviewed By colint700 - Brighton, United Kingdom
On our drive from Downpatrick to the picturesque little village of Strangford we came across Saul Church. It wasn't a particularly sunny day but we stopped in the layby outside and had a stroll around this delightful little church. Something very special about this place..... and what a stunning location. Wish we'd had more time to explore. Maybe that's a reason to go back to this beautiful part of Ireland. ????????
