The

Saint Patrick Centre

the story of Ireland starts here.

st patricks symbol

The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. The History of Ireland starts here in Patrick’s words, which guide you through our amazing multimedia exhibition. Located 2 Hours north of Dublin and 35 minutes south of Belfast beside Saint Patrick’s Grave with a fantastic Craft Store and incredible Garden Cafe. This needs to be your first stop in Ireland.  

 

New Exhibition Opens

 The Saint Patrick Centre, winner of Tourism NI’s most Innovative Tourism Business in 2022, has launched its new Saint Patrick Exhibition. The Centre worked with  Ireland’s leading exhibition designer Tandem Design and Dublin’s most creative digital production team, NoHo, to create a remarkable and inspiring new exhibition fit for Ireland’s greatest cultural export – Saint Patrick.
 
Work had been ongoing over the last year and we are looking forward to welcoming visits to experience and entirely new exhibition. Adults £9.75, Seniors £8.75, Children £7.75.
 
Book HERE

Select your experience

Saint Patrick’s Coastal Camino

from £65.00 (5th May – 8th Sept)

Travel by coach to Ballyhornan Beach for a spectacular coastal walk along sandy trails and cliff-tops en-route to Saint Patrick’s Well by the sea. Walk to the historic Ardtole church before discovering the charming medieval port of Ardglass and lunch at the oldest golf club in the World. 

down camino image

Saint Patrick's Camino Downpatrick

from £45.00  (29th April – 16th September)

St Patrick’s Pilgrim Walk Downpatrick is one of our epic adventures. Discover the amazing story of Saint Patrick on this guided walk. View experiences below to see all our Camino experiences.

Saint Patrick’s Way Camino & Canoe Adventure

     from £65.00  (6th May – 9th Sept)

Enjoy a fully guided camino walk and with canoeing, experience Inch Abbey and the Quoile Pondage, visiting Patrick’s first church in Ireland at Saul, the Saint Patrick Centre & Grave. Stunning views of wildlife and ancient monuments.

Want more to see more? Check out our full list of bookable experiences.

Upcoming at the Saint Patrick Centre

john hume book - saint patrick centre

Author Stephen Walker & broadcaster Mark Devenport discuss ‘The Persuader’

Date: November 22nd
Time: 7:30pm
 
Join author Stephen Walker in conversation with broadcaster Mark Devenport  as they discuss ‘The Persuader’, the new book on John Hume at the Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick. 
 
Published by Gill Books, ‘ The Persuader ‘ has  been described by the Irish Times as the ‘definitive biography of John Hume.’ Based on 100 new interviews, Stephen Walker’s timely and authoritative biography examines the career of a man once dubbed “ Ireland’s Greatest”.  
 
As always this will book up fast and spaces are limited. For more information and to book call 028 44619000

Meet Santa in our Magical Wonderland

  • Family Tickets: £40.00 (2 Adults/ 2 Children) –  Includes Gift.
  • Additional Adults: £8.00
  • Additional Children: £13.00
Date: December 1st – 23rd
Opening Times:
Wed-Fri: 5pm-8pm
Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: 1pm-4pm 
 
As always this will book up fast and spaces are limited. For more information and to book call 028 44619000

Walk Saint Patrick's Way

Saint Patrick’s Way is the Camino of Ireland. Get a Pilgrim’s Passport and walk sections of the 82 mile signed walking trail which connects the most historic and beautiful Patrician sites in the World. The trail from between Armagh and Downpatrick is suitable for walkers and pilgrimages. When you finish in Downpatrick at Patrick’s Grave give your passport to reception at the Saint Patrick Centre and we will send you a Pilgrim’s Certificate. 

Find out more details and plan your trip HERE.

For an interactive Map of Amenities along Saint Patrick’s Way click HERE

Saint Patrick's Way

Latest News

Join our Halloween Party!

Join our Halloween Party at the Saint Patrick Centre this year!

A Wee Dander, Art Exhibition by Darren (Duxy) Leahy is now on show for the month of October at the Saint Patrick …

Supported by the American Ancient Order of Hibernians, the 2023 Young Ambassador Program ran in June 2023 with 12 Young Ambassadors from …

St Patrick's Centre Visitor Services

Exhibition

We have the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. 

Group Bookings

We welcome you and your clients to this stunning visitor centre with a personal service.

Conference Rooms

The perfect venue for conferences and events with various sized conference rooms.

Education

Experience Patrick’s life in his own words with workshops available for schools!

Friends of St Patrick

Charities set up across the USA and Canada to learn more about the Saint Patrick Centre.

FAQs

Questions directly from our visitors or learn more before making your visit!

Opening Times

The story of Ireland starts here. Plan your trip and learn about the story of Patrick.

About St Patrick

Learn everything you need to know about St Patrick with our fantastic resources!

Testimonials

Stephen A

April 9, 2022

Lunch Time Visit

We were given re fills of coffee while we waited for our lunch to arrive. The food arrived a short time later and was presented excellent. Niall is an excellent credit... [read more]

Sarah M

August 3, 2021

Definitely worth a visit for local information and great gifts

Was surprised to see this feature in such a small town but excellent information available and great location.

Hayley M

July 5, 2021

Perfect way to spend a Saturday

Had a brilliant day doing the Newcastle section of the walk. Guides Martina and Elaine were superb – friendly, fun and knowledgeable. Started off with lovely… [read more]

Want more to read more? Check out all of our excellent reviews on Tripadvisor.

Find Us

The Saint Patrick Centre,
Saint Patrick’s Square,
Market Street, Downpatrick,
BT30 6LZ

Opening hours
Monday
9am - 5pm
Tuesday
9am - 5pm
Wednesday
9am - 5pm
Thursday
9am - 5pm
Friday
9am - 5pm
Saturday
9am - 5pm
Sunday
9am - 5pm