Saint Patrick’s Life, Legend and Landscape

SAINT PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL (CHURCH OF IRELAND), ARMAGH Cathedral Close, Armagh BT61 7EE

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T: 028 3752 3142

Built on the site where Saint Patrick established his first stone church in 445 AD, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral remains one of the focal points on the Trail – despite having been destroyed and rebuilt 17 times, according to legend! The Cathedral sits high on Sally Hill and can be seen from miles around. The views from it are superb.

Open: Apr-Oct: 9am-5pm. Nov-Mar: 9am-4pm.

SAINT PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL (ROMAN CATHOLIC), ARMAGH

T: 028 3752 3070

Set in Armagh’s beautiful Georgian tree lined Mall is one of the oldest Museums in Ireland. The collections include archaeological material highlighting Armagh’s leading role in early Christian Ireland.

Open: Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm, Sat: 10am-1pm & 2pm- 5pm, Sun: Closed.

BELFAST

Free admission Admission charge Free admission for Children Tours available (call in advance) Tourist Information Centre Accessible Shop Café Toilets

Bellaghy

Whitehead

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Antrim

T: 028 3752 3142

NO. 5 VICARS’ HILL

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Cookstown

Lough Neagh

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STRUELL WELLS Downpatrick

Craigavon

GREY ABBEY Greyabbey

Portadown

Benburb

River Bla ckw ater

ARMAGH

Richhill

Town Hall, Bangor Castle, Castle Park Avenue, Bangor BT20 4BT

Kearney Point

Katesbridge

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Strangford Lough Ferry

Clough Ballyward

Poyntzpass

Dundrum

Castlewellan

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Killough

Ardglass

T. 028 4488 1637 www.roadsni.gov.uk/ index/strangfordferry

Tyrella

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Rathfriland Jerretspass

Kilcoo

Newcastle

Mountnorris Darkley

Associated Sites: 16 CARDINAL O’FIAICH LIBRARY & ARCHIVE

Whitecross Newtownhamilton

Bessbrook Camlough

Belleek

Camlough

Hilltown

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NEWRY

Mayobridge

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Cullyhanna

Ross Lake

Mullaghbawn

Slieve 24 Gullion Meigh

Crossmaglen Cullaville

Forkhill

Jonesborough

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Annalong Attical

Kilkeel

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Cranfield Point

T: 028 8776 7039 T: 028 9269 2275

21 FRANCISCAN FRIARY

T: 028 3725 1800

22 HOLYWOOD PRIORY

Bangor TIC T: 028 9127 0069

23 KILBRONEY GRAVEYARD

Newry TIC T: 028 3026 8877

24 KILLEVY OLD CHURCHES

T: 028 9181 1491

25 KILNASAGGART STONE

T: 028 9181 1491

26 MOVILLA ABBEY

T: 028 9181 1491

27 NENDRUM MONASTIC SITE

T: 028 9181 1491

28 RAHOLP CHURCH

Ballymartin

Cert no. XXX-XXX-000

18 DONAGHMORE HIGH CROSS 19 DROMORE CATHEDRAL 20 DROMORE HIGH CROSS

23 Rostrevor

T: 028 3752 2981

17 COMBER STONES

Burren Warrenpoint

Creggan

Saint Patrick’s Trail

50%

Downpatrick

Seaforde

Middletown

Saint Patrick’s Trail is signposted along its Castleblayney entire length. Just follow the brown signs.

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28 11 32

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Milltown Loughbrickland

Markethill

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Corbet

Scarva

Hamiltownsbawn

Milford

Tynan

T: 028 9127 0069

T: 028 9127 1200

Portaferry

Strangford

Slieve Croob

Banbridge

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Caledon

T: 028 9181 1491

Beautifully located at the rear of the Bangor Town Hall, the Centre has a number of very strong connections with the early Christian period in Ireland.

Today many pilgrims from Europe visit the site from where Columbanus set out to rekindle Christianity during the dark ages.

Open: Tues-Sun 10am - 4.30pm.(Open Mon July & August).

Killyleagh

Crossgar

Seapatrick

Tandragee

1 2 3

Killylea

T: 028 9181 1491

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Ballynahinch

Lawrencetown Gilford

Keady

Established by Saint Comgall in 558, Bangor Abbey was a centre of learning that trained missionaries in the Middle Ages. Once known as the “Light of the World”, it was from here that Saint Columbanus set out on his famous missionary journey to Europe.

Open: Visitors should respect that this is a working place of worship. Interior may be viewed by prior arrangement. Please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre.

NORTH DOWN MUSEUM

19 Dromore 20

Donaghcloney

Drumnacanvy

14 BANGOR ABBEY

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Waringstown

Dromara

The ruins of this Cistercian Abbey are one of the best examples of AngloNorman religious architecture in Northern Ireland. Step back in time and wander among the ruins and visit the recreated herb garden containing over fifty varieties of medicinal plants and herbs.

Open: Easter-Sept: Daily 10am-5pm. Oct-Easter: Sun 12pm-4pm.

c/o Bangor Tourist Information Centre, 34 Quay Street, Bangor BT20 5ED

Portavogie

Annahilt

Bleary

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Loughgall

Blackwatertown

One of the first holy wells in Ireland was blessed by Saint Patrick when he arrived in Down. The wells are said to have healing powers and have attracted pilgrims since the Middle Ages.

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Saintfield

Hillsborough

Magheralin

Kircubbin

Cloughey

Eglish

T: 028 4461 4922

Saul Church is located on the site of Saint Patrick’s first church in Ireland and the current building was modified in 1932 to commemorate 1500 years since Patrick’s landing here. Close by, on the crest of Slieve Patrick, you can see the tallest Statue of Saint Patrick in the world, raised in honour of Ireland’s Patron Saint in 1932.

Open: 9am until dark.

Killinchy

Balloo

Ballyhalbert

ninsula

Saul, Downpatrick

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SAUL CHURCH

Moira

Lurgan

T: 028 9181 1491

Set in a beautiful location beside the River Quoile, this Cistercian Abbey was founded by John de Courcy in the 1180’s. It was here that John De Courcy commissioned the monk Jocelyn to write the life of Saint Patrick. Legends of Saint Patrick banishing the snakes from Ireland also began here. To this day, the ruins afford distant views towards de Courcy’s Cathedral town of Downpatrick.

Open: There is open access to Inch Abbey all year round.

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Aghagallon

Maghery

Moygashel

£

T: 028 4461 9000

Lisbane

Ballygowan

Aghalee

30

Dungannon

27

Carryduff

Ballywalter

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Visit the only permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to telling the story of Ireland’s Patron Saint! Fun for all the family, it includes a state-of-the-art Imax presentation and exciting interactive displays.

Open: Mon-Sat: 9:30am-5pm. Sun: Apr-Sept 1pm-5pm.

Downpatrick

LISBURN

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T: 028 4461 5218

Greyabbey 13

Lough

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Comber

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The Mall, Downpatrick BT30 6AH

10 INCH ABBEY

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Ballinderry

Coalisland

T: 028 4461 4922

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Millisle

Newtownards Carrowdore

Dunmurry

Situated in the Georgian County Gaol, Down Museum holds an important collection of Early Christian objects and artefacts from Saint Patrick’s Country, including carved stone crosses. It also provides works of art, commemorative material and publications relating to the Patron Saint of Ireland. Charge applicable for guided tours only.

Open: Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm. Sat & Sun: 1pm-5pm.

53a Market Street, Downpatrick BT30 6LZ

George Best Belfast City Airport

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One of the most important points on the Trail, Down Cathedral was built on the ancient Hill of Down in the 12th Century. A massive granite stone marks Saint Patrick’s Grave, and the building itself is known for its magnificent stained glass windows, impressive organ and soaring architecture.

Donations accepted.

Open: Mon-Sat: 10am-4pm. Sun: 2pm-4pm.

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Donaghadee

BELFAST

Glenavy

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English Street, Downpatrick BT30 6AB

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Helen’s Bay

22 Holywood

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Groomsport

Bangor

Cultra

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Crumlin

Copeland Islands

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DOWN CATHEDRAL AND SAINT PATRICK’S GRAVE

DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM

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T: 028 3031 3170

Castle Street, Newry BT34 2DA

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Belfast International Airport

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A Cistercian Monastery founded in Newry in 1153. In 1550 the land was acquired by Nicolas Bagenal who demolished the Abbey and built a fortified house known as Bagenal’s Castle. Today the building is home to a number of exhibitions including a set of robes from the order of Saint Patrick.

Open: Mon-Sat: 10am-4.30pm. Sun: 1pm-4.30pm.

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Moneymore

Built in 1772 as the Diocesan Registry to hold records for the Church of Ireland, this Grade A listed building has been restored and is open to the public. While the records are no longer retained in the building, some examples are on display, together with ancient coins, gems, significant prints, early Christian artefacts and other collections and curiosities belonging to Armagh Public Library.

This deceptively large building, which resembles a modest dwelling from the outside, has a fascinating interior and retains many of its original features.

Open: Tues-Sat: 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm.

Other times available on request. Pre-booking essential for groups.

BAGENAL’S CASTLE

Carrickfergus

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4

T: 028 3752 3142

43 Abbey Street, Armagh BT61 7DY

Ballyclare

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Magherafelt

ARMAGH PUBLIC LIBRARY 43 Abbey Street, Armagh BT61 7DY

DOWNPATRICK

ARMAGH

NEWRY

Founded in 1771 by Archbishop Robinson, this is one of the oldest libraries in Ireland and home to a wide range of antiquarian books, ancient Irish artefacts and archival material relating to Christian heritage in Ireland and Europe.

Open: Mon-Fri: 10am-1pm & 2pm-4pm.

Advance booking is welcomed for group visits.

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BANGOR

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ARMAGH COUNTY MUSEUM The Mall East, Armagh BT61 9BE

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Ballymena

Maghera

Explore Saint Patrick’s landscape, life and legacy

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This striking twin-spired cathedral was built in honour of Saint Patrick and his connection with Armagh. On the 17th March 1840 work began, but was suspended during the Irish Famine of 1845-48. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral was finally consecrated in 1904 and is generally regarded as one of the most impressive church structures in Ireland.

Open: Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun: 8am-6.30pm

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Larne

T: 028 3752 2808

Cathedral Road, Armagh BT61 7QU

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Slemish

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Saint Patrick’s Trail

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MILES

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T: 028 3833 9059 T: 028 3832 7573

31 SAINT JOHN’S POINT

KILOMETRES

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29 SEAGOE (SAINT GOBHAN’S) 30 SAINT PATRICK’S STONE, CONEY ISLAND For access contact Kinnego Marina.

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32 SLIEVE PATRICK 33 SLEMISH

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral (Church of Ireland), Armagh, County Armagh.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral (Roman Catholic), Armagh, County Armagh.

Dromore High Cross, Dromore, County Down.

Saint Patrick’s Grave, Downpatrick, County Down.

Bangor Abbey, Bangor, County Down.

Nendrum Monastic Site, Comber, County Down.

Saint Patrick’s Life, Legend and Landscape Includes map & discount vouchers

Saint Patrick’s Trail Want to know more about Ireland’s Patron Saint? Then why not follow the Saint Patrick’s Trail, a 92 mile signed driving route connecting key sites which have a strong link with Saint Patrick’s Life, Legacy and Landscape.

It was in Armagh and Down that Saint Patrick began his mission in Ireland, established his first church and created Armagh as the spiritual centre of the island.

But let’s start at the beginning...

A legend born It might surprise you to know that Ireland’s Patron Saint wasn’t actually Irish! He was born in Britain around 400 AD and was raised by a wealthy family.

Many believe his given name was Maewyn, although others say it was Succat. All we know for sure is that he refers to himself as Patricius, a Roman name of which Patrick is the Anglicised version.

Disaster strikes When Patrick was 15 he was captured by a clan of Irish outlaws and taken to Ireland as a slave. Once in Ireland, he was sent to Slemish Mountain in County Antrim to work as a shepherd.

During this time Patrick was lonely and afraid.

He turned to religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian.

Saint Patrick and snakes During his six years as a slave, Patrick dreamed of an angel called Victoricus who urged him to escape from his master. Patrick travelled nearly 200 miles, probably to Waterford, where he completed his escape back to Britain.

In Britain, Patrick began studying in a monastery.

Once again he heard the voice of the angel Victoricus telling him to return to Ireland to convert the pagans to Christianity. In 432 AD, Patrick arrived back in Ireland as a bishop. He landed where the Slaney River flows into Strangford Lough in County Down. It was in this area, at Saul, that he founded his first church.

Saint Patrick’s Day Patrick’s mission in Ireland is said to have lasted for many years. It is believed he died in the 5th century on the 17th March, the date on which Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year. Patrick is buried in Downpatrick, in the graveyard of Down Cathedral.

Many people believe that Saint Patrick’s greatest achievement was to drive all the snakes out of Ireland. But since there have never been any snakes here, how did he achieve this miracle?

Well, the snakes are a metaphor for the devil.

The miracle was the conversion of pagans and the expulsion of Satan from Ireland.

Bangor Tourist Information Centre 34 Quay Street, Bangor, BT20 5ED T. (028) 9127 0069 E. tic@northdown.gov.uk

Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre Saint Patrick Centre, 53a Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6LZ T. (028) 4461 2233 E. downpatrick.tic@downdc.gov.uk

Slemish Mountain

Newry Tourist Information Centre

Slemish Mountain in County Antrim sits about 1,500 ft above sea level and is the remains of an extinct volcano. As a slave in the fifth century, Patrick tended sheep on the mountain slopes.

Armagh Tourist Information Centre

Today Slemish is a place of pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick. Many people visit the interpretative centre in its foothills and walk to the summit to enjoy some of the most spectacular views in Ireland.

Bagenal’s Castle, Castle Street, Newry, BT34 2DA T. (028) 3031 3170 E. newrytic@newryandmourne.gov.uk 40 English Street, Armagh, BT61 7BA T. (028) 3752 1800 E. tic@armagh.gov.uk

discovernorthernireland.com/stpatrick Slemish Mountain 33 Holywood Priory 22

BANGOR

14 Bangor Abbey 15 North Down

Museum

26 Movilla Abbey

Comber Stones 17

13 Grey Abbey

Nendrum Monastic Site 27

28 Raholp Church

Inch Abbey 10

32 Slieve Patrick

11 Saul Church

DOWNPATRICK 7

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Dromore High Cross 20 Dromore Cathedral 19

Down Cathedral & Saint Patrick’s Grave Down County Museum The Saint Patrick Centre

12 Struell Wells 31 Saint John’s Point

Donaghamore High Cross 18

NEWRY 6

Saint Patrick’s Stone 30 Seagoe 29 (Saint Gobhan’s)

ARMAGH

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral (Church of Ireland) Saint Patrick’s Cathedral (Roman Catholic) 3 Armagh County Museum 4 Armagh Public Library 5 No. 5 Vicars’ Hill 16 Cardinal O’Fiaich Library & Archive 21 Franciscan Friary 1

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The Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick, County Down.

No. 5 Vicars’ Hill, Armagh, County Armagh.

Bagenal’s Castle, Newry, County Down.

North Down Museum, Bangor, County Down.

Bagenal’s Castle

23 Kilbroney Graveyard 24 Killevy Old Churches 25 Kilnasaggart Stone