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St Patrick Centre, Downpatrick

Museum | Downpatrick | Northern Ireland | United Kingdom

The St. Patrick Centre in Downpatrick is the world's only permanent exhibition center dedicated to the life and legacy of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is located in close proximity to the presumed grave of St. Patrick and offers visitors a comprehensive insight into his life and mission.

Exhibitions and Collections:

Multimedia Exhibition: The main exhibition of the center utilizes modern multimedia technologies to present the life of St. Patrick. Interactive displays, videos, and audio recordings allow visitors to learn more about his travels, his role in the Christianization of Ireland, and his lasting influence.

Art and Artifacts: The center houses a collection of artwork and artifacts related to St. Patrick and early Christian history in Ireland. This includes religious art, historical documents, and objects that illustrate the life and times of St. Patrick.

Garden and Café: The center features a well-maintained garden that provides visitors with a peaceful place for reflection and relaxation. An adjacent café invites guests to enjoy local specialties and appreciate the surroundings.

Educational Programs and Events:

The St. Patrick Centre actively engages in educational initiatives and offers programs for schools and groups focusing on the history of St. Patrick and early Christian times in Ireland. Regular events, lectures, and workshops deepen understanding and foster interest in Irish history and culture.

Significance and Influence:

The center plays a central role in preserving and promoting the legacy of St. Patrick, making Ireland's cultural and historical heritage accessible to both locals and international visitors. It serves as an educational and cultural center that raises awareness of the importance of St. Patrick and his role in Ireland's history.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
53A Market St
BT30 6LZ Downpatrick

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday9:00 - 17:00
Monday9:00 - 17:00
Tuesday9:00 - 17:00
Wednesday9:00 - 17:00
Thursday9:00 - 17:00
Friday9:00 - 17:00
Saturday9:00 - 17:00

Reviews

621 Reviews

Anne Marie Williams
12.01.2025

Customer service excellent. Alex is so accommodating to elderly visitors. Very much recommend.
S Mungur
05.07.2017

The St. Patrick's Centre in Downpatrick is a great place to learn about the life and legacy of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The center features an interactive exhibition with multimedia displays, artifacts, and reconstructions that bring St. Patrick's story to life. Visitors can learn about Patrick's childhood in Britain, his time in Ireland as a slave and missionary, and his influence on the development of Christianity in Ireland. The center also features a craft shop, cafe, and conference facilities. Overall, the St. Patrick's Centre is a worthwhile visit for anyone interested in learning more about St. Patrick and Irish history. It is a well-designed and informative exhibition with a friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Elizabeth Baker
28.10.2024

There are lots inside this centre. As well as a shop, there is a very nice cafe upstairs, tourist information and an exhibition about St Patrick - we had intended to pay to visit that but it was closed due to it being transformed for a Halloween event. We were offered the option of watching the video that was part of the exhibition but we would have been charged full admission price so gave it a miss.
Mk65
26.10.2024

The exhibition was closed as they were storing Halloween things in there. Nothing on the website so we had a wasted journey.
Rachel Lanfranchi
12.10.2024

Great central location. Wonderful selection of local souvenirs and crafts. Very clean facilities. But I must remark on how impressed we all were with the upstairs café. Amazing coffee and equally likable staff. Definitely worth a stop off here.
anto reilly
09.08.2024

loved it was very interesting and I got to go vulust two other places I knew nothing about the saul church and st patricks monument up on the hill worth the money . and very knowledgeable .lovely helpful friendly staff
Harry Diamond
19.07.2024

We went on a tour that took us there. Very interesting to learn the history of Saint Patrick and see the beautiful cathedral and Saul. The ride to the countryside is also beautiful even though it was raining
Jaden Schultz
18.06.2024

I cannot recommend the Saint Patrick Centre enough! The staff were extremely welcoming and knowledgeable, and the exhibit was spectacular. The exhibition was engaging, informative, and very well done. The gift shop was great, too! If you're in the area, the Saint Patrick Centre is a must-see.
Padraig Gallagher
15.06.2024

This place is spectacular. Management is top notch and is very helpful. The shop has everything you need and is relatively affordable. The St. Patrick exhibit is extremely informative. This is a great place to visit!
Brendan Kiley
09.06.2024

The St. Patrick Centre is an absolute gem and a must-visit for anyone exploring Northern Ireland. Nestled in the heart of Downpatrick, this captivating center offers a rich and immersive experience into the life and legacy of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. From the moment you walk in, the welcoming and knowledgeable staff set the tone for an enlightening visit. The exhibits are beautifully curated, blending historical artifacts with modern multimedia displays that bring St. Patrick’s story to life in a compelling way. The interactive elements are particularly engaging, making it an excellent destination for both adults and children alike. One of the highlights is the breathtaking IMAX presentation that offers a vivid and cinematic journey through St. Patrick’s life and times. The Centre also provides detailed information about the surrounding sites of historical significance, encouraging visitors to explore the wider area. The on-site café serves delicious food, and the gift shop is filled with unique souvenirs and locally made crafts, making it easy to take a piece of this extraordinary experience home with you. Overall, the St. Patrick Centre is not just an educational experience but an inspiring journey into Ireland’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of St. Patrick and the profound impact he had on this beautiful country.
Michael Hession
06.06.2024

Fantastic cafe
Jacqueline Wilson
05.06.2024

Staff very helpful and knowledgeable
Michael Park
04.06.2024

Nice cafe and popular
Mike Urban
27.05.2024

An absolute national treasure. The church stained glass windows were nothing short of amazing. Well worth the trip!

 

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