Situated on the Lecale peninsula, about twenty miles south of Belfast, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, is the county town of Down and the joint headquarters of the Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council.
The River Quoile begins as the Ballynahinch River, transitions into the Annacloy River, and then becomes the Quoile proper as it flows through Downpatrick, eventually emptying into Strangford Lough. It is a significant feature, contributing to the beauty and historical significance of the town.
Archaeological evidence reveals early Bronze Age settlements, including roundhouses in the Meadowlands area of what is now Downpatrick.
Downpatrick is one of Ireland's oldest towns. Its name is derived from the Gaelic Dún Pádraig, which means "Patrick's fort," which is believed to have been a royal fort overlooking the River Quoile during the Middle Ages.
The site also hosted a Christian monastic settlement associated with Saint Patrick, who was reputedly buried on Cathedral Hill in the 5th century. Down Cathedral was later constructed on this spot.
In the early 11th century, a much larger fort with earthen ramparts was built on the Mound of Down. It served as the capital of the Dál Fiatach, the prominent ruling dynasty of Ulaidh (Ulster).
During the Protestant Reformation, Downpatrick underwent significant changes, including the displacement of religious institutions. Under orders of King Henry VIII of England, its monastic community was dissolved around 1540, after which the Cathedral fell into ruins. In 1600, the cathedral was burned by English forces led by Edward Cromwell. In 1575, Franciscans John Lochran, Donagh O'Rorke, and Edmund Fitzsimon were hanged by Protestants at Downpatrick. After his assassination by his foster brother, Art McCall O'Hanlon, Count Redmon O'Hanlon's severed head was displayed spiked on Downpatrick Gaol.
In 1803, a co-founder of the Society of United Irishmen, Thomas Russell, was hanged outside Downpatrick Gaol for his part in trying to raise local United Irishmen and Defenders in support of Robert Emmet's Rebellion. In 1848, 3,000 Catholics set off from Old Course Road to parade to the reputed grave of Saint Patrick on Cathedral Hill. They were attacked by Protestant Orangemen at the Irish Street shambles, resulting in a riot.
In the late 20th century, Downpatrick was affected by "The Troubles," a period of political and sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. The deadliest event was the Downpatrick landmine attack on 9 April 1990. The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) detonated a large improvised land mine under a British Army convoy on Ballydugan Road, just outside of town, killing four soldiers of the Ulster Defence Regiment.
Like most of Ireland, Downpatrick's early economy revolved around agriculture and trade, the latter benefiting from its strategic location. Today, tourism plays a significant role in the town's economy, with visitors drawn to its historic sites, including Saint Patrick's grave and the Saint Patrick Visitor Centre.
Other places of interest include the Ballyalton Court Cairn, the Ballynoe stone circle, the Down Arts Centre, Down County Museum, Downpatrick Racecourse, the Downpatrick and County Down Railway, Inch Abbey, the ruins of Quoile Castle, Struell Wells, the Eclipse Cinema, Lough Money, and Saul Church, some of which are located just outside of town.
Saint Patrick's Day is a significant celebration in Downpatrick. It is celebrated through an annual cross-community parade that goes through the centre of town, whose main streets are closed to motor traffic for the event.
Downpatrick is home to several sports clubs, including the Russell Gaelic Union, a Gaelic football club. Other prominent sports clubs include the Downpatrick Cricket Club, Ballynahinch Rugby Football, Dromore Rugby Football, Celtic Bhoys (association football), several youth clubs, and a successful handball club.
Other sports facilities or clubs include the Downpatrick & District Snooker & Billiard League, Downpatrick Bowling Club, Downpatrick Golf Club (St. Patrick's Golf Club), Downpatrick Tennis Club, the Down Leisure Centre, the Lecale Amateur Swimming Club, Downpatrick School of Lifesaving, and the East Down Athletics club.
Downpatrick supports several primary and post-primary schools and a campus of South Eastern Regional College.
Businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, museums, historical places, theatres, art galleries, attractions, events, sports and recreational programmes, and organisations in Downpatrick are appropriate resources for this category.
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The 18th-century National Trust property is situated in the townland of the same name, near the village of Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland. Managed by the National Trust, Castle Ward is open to the public and includes 332 hectares of landscaped gardens, a fortified tower house, Victorian laundry, theatre, restaurant, shop, saw mill, and a working corn mill. Opening times, prices, directions, contacts, and an overview of the facilities are set forth.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-ward
The weekly newspaper is headquartered in Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland, each Wednesday, although the printing now takes place in Portadown. It was first published in 1836 as the Downpatrick Recorder and took its current name in 1878 to reflect its wider circulation. Advertising opportunities are available. Its content includes news, photos, letters, sports, obituaries, family notices, classified ads, birthday ads, and regular features. Contacts are provided.
http://www.thedownrecorder.co.uk/
Downpatrick and County Down Railway
The heritage railway operates on a 5-foot, 3-inch gauge, and is run entirely by volunteers. The railway features steam and diesel locomotives, vintage carriages, and diesel railcars, offering a nostalgic experience of rail travel. The railway consists of about three miles of track connecting Downpatrick to historical sites like Inch Abbey and King Magnus' Grave. The railway also houses a museum showcasing railway artifacts and rolling stock from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
https://www.downrail.co.uk/
The Downpatrick Cricket Club, which plays in the NCU Senior League, is in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1849, the club plays home games at Strangford Road, which has hosted fifteen Ireland international matches. The club's history and profile are set forth on its website, which includes fixtures, its facilities, school programs, sponsors, and a gallery of photographs. Its management is introduced, along with email addresses, and the telephone number for the front office.
https://thedownpatrickcricketclub.co.uk/
The 230-acre estate in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. Known for its woodland setting and lakeside view, the estate can accommodate a variety of experiences, including weddings, corporate events, bushcraft courses, and family-friendly activities. There is also a farm shop and café on-site, offering locally sourced produce. Private hires are available, and the facilities and events are shown in descriptions and photographs. The hours of operation for its farm shop, café, and trails are posted.
https://finnebroguewoods.com/
