48 Hours in the Footsteps of St. Patrick

Why Go?

The cradle of Irish Christianity is really much nearer, and easier to get to, than you might think. In just 48 hours you can touch base with the ancient capitals of counties Armagh and Down, which form part of St Patrick’s Trail (a 62 mile waymarked trail - due for completion summer 2008) and are the spiritual home of Ireland’s patron saint. Welcomed everywhere with Northern Ireland’s legendary hospitality, your time here will be uplifting and energising.

Begin At The Beginning

Head straight for County Down’s beautiful, welcoming landscape, just two hours' drive from Dublin. Saul, site of St Patrick’s first Irish sermon and the country’s first church, is the place to begin. The replica church, built to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of St Patrick’s arrival in Ireland, is just outside Downpatrick and has a striking, traditional capped round tower. Atop Slieve Patrick is the world’s largest statue of the saint, with bronze panels describing his life. St Patrick’s Trail takes you to the mouth of the River Slaney on Strangford Lough where his mission began. Close to Saul is quiet Struell valley with its unfinished church and St Patrick’s Wells; an underground stream feeds the complex of holy wells (reputedly blessed by the saint) and also supplied the unique ancient bath houses.

Interact with St. Patrick’s Life

Downpatrick is venerated as the site of St Patrick’s burial. It is impossible to be unmoved by a visit to his grave protected by the shadow of ancient Down Cathedral. It’s worth then strolling along the historic mall to Down Museum. Housed in the 18th century jail, it displays artefacts from the saint’s era. The Saint Patrick Centre is dedicated to the saint’s life. It’s an absolute must-see for anyone with an interest in Christian Ireland. The centre explores the saint’s legacy (both then and now) using the medium of his own words. Interactive and multimedia displays map the progress of Christian Ireland and the holy work of Irish missionaries in Dark Ages' Europe. From the town, you can take the steam train on the Downpatrick and County Down Railway through St Patrick’s country to Inch Abbey. Here, in the ruined Cistercian Abbey, medieval scribes recorded many early Christian legends.

A day in the Ecclesiastical Capital of Ireland

St Patrick’s city of Armagh has been the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland for 1500 years and is traditionally the seat of both the Catholic and Church of Ireland archbishops. St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral,stands on the site of Saint Patrick's fifth century church. Centuries later, St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral was built. Marvel at the cathedral’s stunning architecture and stained glass windows. High on its hill and flanked by marble archbishops, work on it commenced in 1840 but it was not consecrated until 1904. Armagh’s two cathedrals were built nearly a millennium apart but they stand testament to the timeless strength of Christianity in Ireland. St Patrick’s legacy is celebrated annually with colourful events such as the St Patrick’s Festival in Armagh and Downpatrick.

Cultural Conversion

St Patrick’s Trian Visitor Centre tells the story of the conversion of pagan Ireland: the myths and legends from which emerged Celtic Christianity. The Palace Stables Heritage Centre with living history characters shows life in the Georgian household of the Bishop of Armagh. For contemporary culture, visit The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre with its year-round programme of arts and entertainment.

City Life

The Georgian grace of Armagh is encapsulated in its terraced townhouses and the Mall, a recently restored green oasis. In a county famous for its apple orchards be sure to sample some traditional home baking after a hard day’s shopping in the city.