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.
WALK SAINT PATRICK'S WAY
Be ready for a new experience after Lockdown and bring family and friends on St Patrick’s Way in 2021 in Downpatrick.
This unique experience – a guided pilgrim walk, bus tour or canoe trip– in the beauty of St Patrick’s Country, Downpatrick and Newcastle – can be given as a gift for the forthcoming tourist season (April onwards). Walking Tours start again on 26th May.
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
SAINT PATRICK PODCAST
20TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
Our new Podcast Series to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Saint Patrick Centre continues. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern – who continues to work in peacebuilding – speaks to Saint Patrick Centre pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly about the peace process, life in lockdown, St Patrick and the importance of his faith.
Recorded before the First Minister and DUP Leader Arlene Foster resigned.
Week of Free Entrance and Discounts to Celebrate Return from Lockdown
20TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
SAINT PATRICK’S CENTRE OFFERS FREE ADMISSION TO EXHIBITION
Free tickets are now on offer for visitors to The Saint Patrick Centre Downpatrick to celebrate the end of lockdown.
The Exhibition will open on Monday May 24th to the public who will go free for the whole week until Saturday May 29th.
“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 for the week.”
“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.”
Dr Campbell said the Centre was also looking forward to launching its guided walks – along with a new canoeing adventure – this month through to October.
“This is a great way to get out and meet new people, learn about our heritage and boost mental health.”
Donna McLaughlin, manager of Saint Patrick’s Shop said the shop had been transformed during lockdown with new ranges including occasional furniture.
“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone into see our new ranges and industrial style accessories with an opening week offer of 20% off our entire stock for one week. We have the new season range of Knight and Day Jewellery and an extensive new supply of the brand Powder UK including scarves, sunglasses, funky socks and handbags. “
Ryan French of Ryan’s Garden Café said a special menu including St Patrick’s Guinness burger was being introduced, along with a new range of artisan tray bakes, “Cakes by Pheebes” recently featured in “Taste of Ulster.”
“We are also offering a free filter coffee or tea to anyone who orders a main course,” said Ryan. “
“Our café has been refurbished with new furniture and a layout that is very user friendly with an open plan.
“Our walled garden is very charming and is a hidden gem with a continental feel in the heart of Downpatrick.”
What our Visitors Say -
Opening Hours
The Saint Patrick Centre Shop< Saint Patrick centre Exhibition and garden Cafe are all now fully open Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm. We are booking Walking Tours.