The Saint Patrick Centre
The Story Of Ireland Starts Here
The Saint Patrick Centre is one of Northern Ireland's leading attractions and a must see destination on the way from Dublin to Belfast. We are a registered charity as well as an important educational resource about the life of Ireland's most famous export - Saint Patrick.
No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to the National Grave of Saint Patrick. Discover his incredible story at the Saint Patrick Centre in the medieval town of Downpatrick just 35 minutes south of Belfast.
Please take a look around our website and feel free to get in touch with us to arrange your visit.
The Story Of Ireland Starts Here
The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the world about Ireland's Patron Saint.
The story of Ireland starts here in the words of Saint Patrick himself - explore Patrick's life and legacy in our award winning interactive galleries and IMAX experience. Discover our Art Gallery, Craft shop and Garden Cafe with its views to the Medieval Cathedral of Down where the National Grave of Saint Patrick is located.
Journey to the fabulous local sites associated with Patrick to discover Inch Abbey where the legends of the snakes was written and the first church in Ireland at Saul were Patrick died on March 17th.
THE GIVING TREE
The Giving Tree is back at Saint Patrick Centre and in these challenging times
allows local people to give a gift to local families through Women’s Aid.
Every label represents a child and tells you their age and if they are a boy or a girl.
Choose a label, let us know what you have taken by ticking our sheet at reception
and buy a present for the child you have chosen. Return it unwrapped to us and we
will make sure it reaches them!
This is our sixth year for the Giving Tree and it was so successful last year thanks to
the generosity of the good people of County Down who have captured the Spirit of
St Patrick and St Nicholas. The gifts need to be with us for delivery to families by
20th December.
All details are available on our social media channels.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US ON 02844619000
WALK SAINT PATRICK'S WAY
Be ready for a new experience after Lockdown and bring family and friends on St Patrick’s Way in 2022 in Downpatrick.
Just find a tour you like here, e-mail us on info@saintpatrickcentre.com and we will help you book it.
Check it out –WATCH OUR VIDEOS
NEW- SAINT BRIGID EXPERIENCE
Brigid -Saint or Goddess?
Tuesday 1st February/Wednesday 2nd February 2-4pm
Celebrate Saint Brigid’s Day with Tour Guide Brigid Watson who will share the
stories of Saint Brigid, visit local sites associated with her, show you how to make a
St Brigid’s Cross and end with traditional herbal tea and oatcakes with honey and
jam at the Saint Patrick Centre. £17 pp
Click here for more information.
Book by calling 02844619000.
20TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
Tickets are now back on sale for visitors to explore the Saint Patrick Centre Exhibition which will open throughout the Autumn.
“We want to celebrate in the Spirit of St Patrick and invite everyone to enjoy our exhibition, our new-look shop and café,” said Dr Tim Campbell.
“This has been a difficult year for everyone and we want to give something back to the community who have been so supportive of us. We are also offering 20% off our entire shop range until the end of June.”
“2021 marks a significant milestone for the Centre. It’s our Twentieth anniversary year as the only permanent exhibition to St Patrick in the world.
We look forward to opening our doors to everyone.”
20TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
The Newly Refurbished Garden Cafe is Open art the Saint Patrick Centre Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 4pm.
'IN CONVERSATION WITH' SERIES
Some tickets are still available for the Saint Patrick Centre’s next ‘Conversations about Life and Faith’ Autumn Lecture Series. On Thursday 18th Gerry Kelly will be in conversation with former First Minister Arlene Foster. 7.30 for 8pm start. Bookings are limited and admission free. Supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin. Covid protocols in place and audience members will be required to sign in and wear masks during the conversation. Call 02844619000 to book. 
What our Visitors Say -
Opening Hours
The Saint Patrick Centre Exhibition and Shop are all now fully open Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm.