10 Best Things To Do In Downpatrick, Northern Ireland

1. Wander around the gardens of Castle Ward

Castle Ward is one of the best destinations in Downpatrick. The first thing you will see is an 18th-century building that is built with a mix of classic and Gothic styles. Wander around the beautiful Victorian sunken garden, take a refreshing walk in the trail, or relax in the scenic farmyard. For safety precautions, the number of visitors will be limited. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will definitely enjoy recognizing the exact locations from the series. Before visiting Castle Ward, make sure to book your preferred date and time of visit.

Castle Ward

Address: Castleward House, Castleward Estate, Strangford, Downpatrick, UK

Website: Castle Ward

2. Discover Northern Ireland at Down County Museum

Witness the rich heritage of Downpatrick through unique exhibits, fun hands-on activities, and interactive tours. The museum itself is an 18th-century gaol that was fully restored and maintained by many locals. Here you will see an exhibit that will allow you to travel through 9,000 years of history. Aside from the exhibits, you have full access to a tea room, baby changing stations, and a museum shop. During your visit, you might be able to join the special events that are held every year. The special events include lectures, conferences, and even workshops.

Down County Museum

Address: The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, UK

Website: Down County Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm; Sun: 1:30pm - 5pm

3. Roam around the ruins of Inch Abbey

Visit the medieval abbey that was also featured on one of the famous series, Game of Thrones. Inch Abbey was founded by John de Courcy during the 12th century and the ruins are mostly from the 12th and 13th centuries. Guests are free to roam around and discover those surviving parts of the buildings from way back. Aside from the ruins, you will have a majestic view of the Quiole River. Admission is free and you can visit Inch Abbey any time all year round. Make sure to take safety precautions since the field is not entirely flat.

Inch Abbey

Address: Inch Abbey Rd., Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, UK

Website: Inch Abbey

4. Know more about Ireland's patron saint at The Saint Patrick Centre

Check out The Saint Patrick Centre which is one of the most recommended destinations in Downpatrick. You will know more about the story of Saint Patrick through interactive exhibits and a fun IMAX experience. It is a family-friendly destination since every member of the family will definitely enjoy their time there. Your children can also participate in a cross-community Education Programme where they can learn and have fun at the same time. After going through the exhibits, you can grab a snack at the restaurant or buy some souvenirs at the shop.

The Saint Patrick Centre

Address: 53A Market St, Downpatrick BT30 6LZ, United Kingdom

Website: The Saint Patrick Centre

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 5 - 7 USD

5. Witness the majestic Ballynoe Stone Circle

The Ballynoe Stone Circle formation comprises of a large field and approximately 50 upright stones of different sizes. Some stones are about 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) high and the rest are smaller. It is believed that the formation used to have 70 stones. Before reaching the site, you will have a short adventure passing by an old sunken track. Once you reach the site, it can be quite windy during some days so remember to bring some thick clothing as well. It will definitely be challenging to take a beautiful top-view photo of the circle formation but it is still worth the visit. Admission is free and Ballynoe Stone Circle is open all year round.

Ballynoe Stone Circle

Address: Bonecastle Rd., Downpatrick, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

6. Go back to the medieval times by visiting Struell Wells

The Struell Wells are well known throughout Ireland for being dedicated to Saint Patrick. During the 1600s, it was believed that Saint Patrick went around Ireland to baptize and heal people in order to show them the power of God. The water in the wells was believed to have healing powers as well. The Struell Wells are comprised of four wells situated around a body of water that passes through a valley. This attraction is open for guests all year round and there is no admission fee.

Struell Wells

Address: 14 Struell Wells Rd, Downpatrick, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

7. Have great views of the historic Slieve Patrick Statue

Saint Patrick’s Memorial at Slieve Patrick showcases the tallest statue of Ireland’s patron saint. It is definitely a lovely tribute to Saint Patrick. The statue was constructed in 1932, which was also the 1500th anniversary of St. Patrick’s arrival. You can view the statue from a distance or you can also climb up the hill to see it up close and personal. It will take approximately 30 minutes to climb up the hill. Aside from the statue, the view of the fields in its background will also catch your eye.

Slieve Patrick Statue

Address: St. Patrick’s Road, Saul, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, UK

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

8. Visit the beautiful Down Cathedral

The beautiful Down Cathedral is the historical burial place of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick. It is also called the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity. It is located on the Hill of Down where you can overlook the whole town of Downpatrick. The cathedral is an extraordinary destination that is brimming with history and prayer. Both the interior and the exterior of the cathedral are exceptionally beautiful. During your trip to Downpatrick, you can drop by Down Cathedral and have mass with the whole family.

Down Cathedral

Address: 35 English St, Downpatrick, United Kingdom

Website: Down Cathedral

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 4pm; Sun: 2pm - 4pm

9. Tour the award-winning Shortcross Gin & Whiskey - Rademon Estate Distillery

Visit the craft distillery in Rademon Estate for the best gin experience. You can take the Shortcross Gin experience by taking a distillery tour and master class. The tour includes a lecture on the history of Rademon Estate, Shortcross Gin and Tonic masterclass, a free Shortcross Copa glass, and a voucher for a bottle of original Shortcross gin. The tour costs 24.50 GBP (32 USD), but you can also choose to add extra cash in order to have two cocktails. There are also private tours and masterclasses which are available for up to 20 guests.

Shortcross Gin & Whiskey - Rademon Estate Distillery

Address: Church Rd, Crossgar, Downpatrick, United Kingdom

Website: Shortcross Gin & Whiskey - Rademon Estate Distillery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

10. Travel on steam and heritage trains at Downpatrick and County Down Railway

The Downpatrick and County Down Railway (DCDR) was constructed in 1985. It started as a small group of workers who had a goal of making the full-sized mainline railway for the people of Ireland. It is a great experience for tourists to take the train when going to their preferred destinations. The rail goes through the countryside of County Down St. Patrick’s County to the River Quoile and finally under the Down Cathedral. You will not only have a train trip but also an enjoyable experience around the museum, carriage gallery, buffet carriage, and model railway. The whole family will definitely enjoy it at Downpatrick and County Down Railway.

Downpatrick and County Down Railway

Address: Market Street, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland

Website: Downpatrick and County Down Railway

Opening hours: 12:30pm - 5pm (daily on normal running days)

Experience a wonderful time in Downpatrick, the UK

Explore the perfect mix of modern and historic at these amazing spots in Downpatrick, the UK. The beautiful town has many iconic destinations that you should not miss. Let this list be your guide on your exploration and make your Downpatrick trip one to remember!