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ST.

Pat_Brochure 30/5/06 09:45 Page 1

follow in the footsteps


of
SAINT PATRICK

be inspired
SAINT PATRICK S COUNTRY
NORTHERN IRELAND
www.storyofsaintpatrick.com
ST. Pat_Brochure 30/5/06 09:45 Page 2

Strangford Lough, County Down

St. Patricks Story


After six years, Patrick dreamed of a
message from an angel called
Londonderry
Causeway Coast Victoricus, who urged him to escape
Slemish
his master. Patrick travelled nearly
BELFAST
200 miles, probably to Waterford,
Armagh Downpatrick
where he completed his escape.

Patrick was almost certainly born before After six years,


If Ireland really is the land of Saints and the end of Roman rule in Britain (around Patrick dreamed of
400AD), probably in the southwest of a message from an
Scholars then the cradle of Irish England, though the north of England, angel called
as well as Wales and Scotland, have all Victoricus, who urged
made claims. There have been various him to escape from his
Christianity lies in Northern Ireland suggestions from biographers of his given master. Patrick travelled
name, including Succat. All we know for nearly 200 miles, probably
within the ancient capitals of Counties sure is that he refers to himself as to Waterford, where he
Patricius, a Roman name of which Patrick completed his escape.
is the anglicised version and this may have
Armagh and Down. been his baptismal name too. Back at home, he trained as a priest and Slemish Mountain

within a decade had become a bishop.


Patricks father, Calpurnius, was a deacon Then, he had another vision of Victoricus,
It was here where Saint Patrick world every March were written by
began his mission to Ireland, the monks of this region who
who was also involved in the raising of this time the angel was carrying letters. Tell me more
taxes and Patricks childhood, growing up One of these, titled the voice of the Irish,
established his first church, created followed Patrick in ancient texts in a large Roman villa, would have been begged him to come to Ireland.
Armagh as the Spiritual Centre of such as the Book of Armagh. This very comfortable. According to the www.visitarmagh.com
the island and where he later died leaflet will outline for you the worlds reckoning I was a gentleman, he In 431, generally believed to be the year
and was buried. Indeed in a part wonderful sites, sounds and writes in his confession. before Patrick arrived in Ireland, Pope
Celestine had sent Palladius, as the first
www.armaghanddown.com
of the world where every stoney landscapes you can experience
Then, at the age of 15, disaster struck. bishop to the Irish believing in Christ.
acre has a name, this largely when visiting St. Patricks Country . With the Roman influence fading, While Palladius, who may have died soon www.saintpatrickcentre.com
undiscovered landscape is raiders from Ireland were able to after arriving, left no trace behind him,
absolutely littered with ancient develop a thriving slave trade, often Patrick was to make an indelible impact www.storyofsaintpatrick.com
monuments which had a personal demanding ransoms for those they on his country of adoption.
connection to Patrick. Many of the kidnapped. Patrick was taken by such a
group to Ireland, where he was forced Patrick landed where the Slaney River
www.saintpatrickstrian.com
legends which are told around the
to work as a shepherd. flows into Strangford Lough (now one
of the most important maritime sites in
Though his writings are not precise, many the world) in Co Down. Clearly politically
biographers believe it was on the slopes astute, as well as charismatic, Patrick
of the imposing Slemish Mountain in knew the importance of making
County Antrim, where Patrick tended influential friends. His first conversion
sheep. Today, many make the pilgrimage was Dichu, the local chieftain and
to Slemish Mountain (near Ballymena), brother of the High King of Ulster. In a
visiting the interpretative centre in its barn donated by Dichu, Patrick preached
foothills and walking to the top to his first sermon in Ireland. Today on this
enjoy some of the most spectacular site at Saul (Sabhal, pronounced Saul, is
views in Ireland. the Irish for barn), stands a much-
visited stone replica of an early church
St. Patricks Day - Down Cathedral Interior - St. Patricks Catholic with a round tower.
Cathedral, Armagh City

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ST. Pat_Brochure 30/5/06 09:45 Page 4

St Patricks Country
St. Patricks Grave at Down Cathedral

Locator Map

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7 3 2 1 8 10 13
How far Patrick travelled in Ireland and But what about the Saint Patrick of to intercede in heaven on behalf of the 12 9 11
how many souls he converted can only legend, who turned enemies into Irish. The Book of Armagh directed all
be guessed at. In his confessions, he animals, rid Ireland of snakes and used monasteries and churches in Ireland to
claims to have baptised many thousands. the shamrock to explain the concept of the honour his memory on March 17 in what
But Ulster was the real base of Patricks holy trinity? Ireland certainly still has the was then a largely spiritual ceremony. By Suggested Itineraries:
Belfast Bangor (Abbey and Heritage Centre)
work. And even here, it was the lovely shamrock, so there may be a germ of truth 1607, the day was marked on the Irish Nendrum Greyabbey
(Approx 90 miles round trip)
countryside around Downpatrick, in the story. As for the snakes, Ireland legal calendar. Now, it had become 22 Armagh Newry Downpatrick
(Approx 100 miles round trip)
including the holy wells at Struell, plus never had any, though possibly this refers officially Saint Patricks Day. Armagh Craigavon Dromore Belfast
(Approx 90 miles round trip)
what is now the ecclesiastical city of to his banishment of Satan, perceived as a Downpatrick Nendrum Greyabbey Bangor
(Approx 80 miles round trip)
Armagh which seems to have been serpent by Christians of the time. As far as It was the Norman Lord of Ulster, John 24
Location markers are only for quick reference and
particularly important to him. we can tell, none of his enemies ever took De Courcy, who did most to accelerate 1 do not indicate exact locations of sites.
19
animal form either! the cult of Patrick, re-burying what were
Outside of Rome, Armagh is the oldest said to be his remains in the graveyard of
Episcopal See in the world with an It is difficult to be precise about the exact Down Cathedral, the cathedral he built in
unbroken line to its foundation. At one year of Patricks death, though March Downpatrick (traditionally along with the
time, the Papacy had considered moving to 17th is given as the date, but it was most relics of the two other Irish Patron saints,
Armagh from Rome, due to the consistent probably between 460 and 490 AD. Columba, who brought Christianity to
attacks on Rome from marauding vandals. Patrick received the last rites from his Scotland, and Brigid). It was De Courcy
1 Armagh County Museum 9 Saul Old Church 19 Kilbroney
However far he travelled, Patricks was an friend, Tassach, at Raholp near Saul and who renamed the town Downpatrick,
2 Saint Patricks (Catholic) Cathedral 10 Saint Patrick Centre 20 Nendrum
extraordinary achievement and one he was buried at a monastery near the the fort of Patrick.
3 Armagh Public Library 11 Struell Wells 21 North Down Heritage Centre
fraught with danger. I expect daily, he site of what is now Down Cathedral.
4 Saint Patricks (Church of Ireland) 12 Down County Museum 22 Saint Patricks Church of Ireland,
wrote, to be killed, betrayed, or brought
Cathedral 13 Inch Abbey 23 Seagoe
back into slavery, or something of the The legend of Saint Patrick grew quickly
5 Fiaich Memorial Library & Archive 14 Bangor Abbey 24 St. Monnina of Killevy
kind. Survival depended on his political after his death. In 688AD, the Book of
6 Saint Patricks Trian Visitor Complex 15 Craigavon Museum
skills and his ability to make influential Armagh placed that city at the centre of
7 Navan Centre and Fort 16 Dromore Cathedral
friends who were often called upon to help the growing cult of Patrick and he was
8 Down Cathedral 17 Dromore High Cross
free him from ransom-demanding robbers. elevated to the status of national apostle,
and Saint Patricks Grave 18 Greyabbey

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ST. Pat_Brochure 30/5/06 09:46 Page 6

Saint Patricks City


The spiritual Capital of Ireland for 1500 years and the seat of both maintaining an unbroken link back to
Patrick himself.
Church of Ireland and Catholic archbishops, Armagh is the oldest and
most venerated of Irish Cities and has a long Christian heritage. In Pagan Fiaich Memorial
times Armagh was the seat of the High Kings of Ulster who built the Library & Archive 5
A unique cultural and historical resource,
Royal mound at Navan which is an important stop on any local tour.
the Library is a free, independent public
Saint Patrick founded his chief church on the Hill of Armagh where the reference library, which houses important
Church of Ireland Cathedral now stands on a site where there was a church collections relating to Irish history, the
Irish language, ecclesiastical history, the
as early as 445 AD. On the opposite hill, two large marble archbishops, who
Irish abroad, and Irish sport.
Main image: gaze across the town, flank the twin-spired Catholic Cathedral.
St. Patricks Cathedral Saint Patricks
- Church of Ireland
Trian Visitor Complex 6
Images from top to This exciting visitor complex is located in
bottom: No visit to Armagh is complete without a recommenced in 1854. It was dedicated the heart of Armagh city, incorporating
- St. Patricks
Cathedral - Catholic visit to both Saint Patricks Cathedrals and for worship in 1873 but the magnificent three major exhibitions - The Armagh
- Saint Patricks Trian Saint Patricks Trian Visitor Complex, a interior decoration was not completed story: traces the story of Armaghs
Visitor Complex. major visitor centre which tells the story of until early in the 20th Century. The site of historic Pagan monuments through to
- Armagh Public
Library the city and the Patron Saints work here. the Cathedral is on Tealach na Licci (Sandy the coming of Saint Patrick and Celtic
- Navan Centre and The Palace Stables Heritage Centre Hill), where Patrick is said to have brought Christianity to the modern day city.
Fort exhibition with its living history characters a young deer for sanctuary after rescuing Patricks Testament: takes a closer look
- Primates Palace
(former) shows what life would have been like in it from hunters. at our patron Saint through the writings
the household of the Archbishop of found in the ancient manuscript The
Armagh in the Georgian city and Armagh Armagh Public Library 3 Book of Armagh. Touch screen
County Museum provides fascinating One of the oldest libraries in Ireland, technology is available in French and
exhibitions and archaeological finds from Armagh Public Library was established in German. The Land of Lilliput: Jonathan
the Early Christian period. Anyone with a 1771 by Archbishop Robinson. In addition Swifts most famous book, Gullivers
research interest in the Irish church should to the Archbishops personal library of Travels is narrated by a 20-ft giant.
visit both the Armagh Public Library and 17th and 18th century books, particularly
the Fiaich Memorial Library and Archive. in history and theology, there is archival Navan Centre and Fort 7
material relating to Christian heritage in Visit the Navan Centre, which interprets
Armagh County Museum 1 Ireland and Europe. Also a registered one of Irelands most important ancient
Located in the centre of St Patricks museum, the Library holds ancient Irish monuments, Navan Fort!
Cathedral city, a visit to Armagh County artefacts such as stone axes, flint
Museum is an ideal way to experience a arrowheads and bronze implements. Of This was the royal seat of the Kings of
flavour of the Orchard County. The more recent provenance is a collection of Ulster and the provinces ancient capital.
collections include archaeological material William Conor drawings, depicting Start your tour in the Vanished World
from the tombs of Irelands first farming costumes used in the pageant to of lost myths, travel into the Real
Tell me more communities, as well as a selection of commemorate the 1,500th anniversary of World of archaeology and then enter
artefacts reflecting Armaghs leading role Patricks arrival in Ireland. the Other World to hear the legends of
in early Christian Ireland. The Museum the Ulster Cycle. Visit the Iron Age/Early
also has an extensive reference library, rich Saint Patricks Christian period dwelling and, through
www.visitarmagh.com in local archive material, along with (Church of Ireland) Cathedral 4 Living History interpretation, learn about
photographic and map collections. With a St. Patrick built a church on the hill known that way of life. An audio visual
www.armaghanddown.com range of changing exhibitions throughout as Druim Saileach (Sallow Ridge ) in 445, presentation is available in Irish,
the year, it is an ideal place to see and so beginning the story of Armagh German, French, Italian and Spanish.
www.saintpatrickcentre.com explore the fair County of Armagh. Cathedral. The site of one of the most
Admission is free. celebrated of the great Irish Monastic Finally, walk the path of history to the
Schools, students came here from all over great Ancient Seat of Kings, Navan Fort.
www.storyofsaintpatrick.com Saint Patricks (Catholic) Cathedral 2 Europe. Here in 1014, on the north side
After an absence of centuries the Roman of the great church Brian Boru, High King
www.saintpatrickstrian.com Catholic Church through Archbishop of Ireland was buried. The plan of the
William Crolly (1835-49) took up Cathedral, as it now stands, is the
www.ntni.org.uk residence in Armagh and the erection of enlarged design of Archbishop OScanlain
St Patricks Cathedral began on the 17th in 1268. Although the Church on this
(The National Trust)
March, 1840. Work was suspended hallowed site suffered destruction on at
during the Great Famine (1845-48) and least 17 occasions it was always restored
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ST. Pat_Brochure 30/5/06 09:50 Page 8

Saint Patricks Town Down County Museum 12


Situated in the Georgian County Gaol,
Down Museum holds an important
Tell me more
collection of Early Christian objects and www.discovernorthernireland.com
artefacts from Saint Patricks Country,
The later seat of the High Kings of Ulster, burial site of the patron saint and including carved stone crosses. It also www.armaghanddown.com
medieval capital of County Down, Downpatrick is an essential stop for those provides works of art, commemorative
material and publications relating to the
are interested in saints, scholars and Irish Christian heritage. Spend some www.culturenorthernireland.org
Patron Saint. Facilities include a shop,
time at the St Patrick Centre, a major multimedia exhibition and learn about caf and permanent exhibitions about
Patricks life. Visit the ancient Down Cathedral beside St Patricks Grave and the gaol and life in County Down, as www.ehsni.gov.uk
well as regular temporary exhibitions.
then walk down the historic Georgian Mall to Down Museum which displays
www.ntni.org.uk
artefacts from Patricks time. Take a train ride on the only narrow gauge Inch Abbey 13
steam railway in Ireland through St. Patricks Country with the Down Railway Having destroyed the nearby Cistercian
Abbey of Erenagh in 1177 on the
www.saintpatrickcentre.com
Museum to Inch Abbey where many of the legends of Patrick were written
grounds that it was fortified against
down in Medieval times. him, John de Courcy rebuilt a monastery www.magni.org.uk
at Inch for this order as an act of
atonement in the 1180s, inviting over
Cistercians from Furness in Lancashire.
You can visit the first church in Ireland roof, are from this period. The current It became the centre of English
at Saul and the holy wells at Struell with Church and Round Tower were built in influence in east Ulster. Attempting to
their healing waters, all within a mile of 1932at the same time as the massive impress the local populace, de Courcy
the town. Or you can climb nearby statue on nearby Slieve Patrick to commissioned one of these monks,
Slieve Patrick and see the largest statue of commemorate 1500 years since Patricks called Jocelin to write a life of
the Patron Saint in the world and trace his arrival in Ireland. Saint Patrick.
footsteps on Saint Patricks Trail to the
River Slaney where he began his mission Saint Patrick Centre 10
in Ireland. Whatever you choose to do This is the only permanent exhibition in
you will be rewarded with this hidden the world dedicated to telling the story of
world which is Saint Patricks town. St Patrick is in Downpatrick and includes
an interactive exhibition and Imax
Down Cathedral and presentation. The Centre offers a cafe, art
Saint Patricks Grave 8 gallery, craft shop, toilets, terraced
Down Cathedral was built on the gardens and Tourist Information Centre. It
ancient hill of Down in the 12th is a must-see stop for travellers with an
Century and has become a place of interest in Christian Ireland. Guided tours
pilgrimage for 1500 years. The massive of Saint Patricks Country can be
granite stone marks Saint Patricks Grave organised with the Centre.
and it is here that people from all
traditions leave wreaths on the grave Struell Wells 11
Main image:
every March. Traditionally emigrants Among the first Holy wells in Ireland, 5
St. Patricks Grave
leaving Ireland took a handful of old and blessed by Patrick when he arrived Images from top to
sod with them from Patricks Grave. in Down, the Wells have attracted bottom:
- St. Patricks Centre
pilgrims since at least the Middle Ages. - Saul Church
Saul Old Church 9 Pilgrims have wandered down the - Struell Wells
The first ecclesiastical site in Ireland was secluded valley among the wells and have - Down County
Museum
given to Patrick by the local ruler Dchu, taken the waters which are claimed to - Inch Abbey
one of his first converts when he landed have healing powers. The site also
at Inbher Slane (the Slaney River). The contains a ruined church and ancient Bath
Tell me more
word Sabhall means barn in Irish and Houses which are unique in Ireland.
the site developed into a monastery
which was restored by Saint Malachy Tourist Information
around 1140. The two stone buildings
beside the church, each with a stone downpatrick.tic@downdc.gov.uk

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ST. Pat_Brochure 30/5/06 09:50 Page 10

North Down Heritage Centre 21 The Seagoe Bell, originally found in The church ruins now on the site comprise
Located at Bangor Town Hall, the Centre Scarva Parish, was used for many years two distinct churches joined lengthwise.

Saints and Scholars has a number of very strong connections


with the early Christian period in Ireland.
during funeral services at Seagoe. It is now
held in Dublin Museum. The inscription,
The smaller and older is characterised by a
most impressive, low lintel doorway built
The First Gallery highlights the period 550- Oro Tarchun Mascacham Ailello of three massive shaped granite stones.
950A.D. when Bangor Abbey was Pray for Cumascach, the son of Ailill, The more recent building, an Augustinian
flourishing and missionaries spread places the bell circa 904 AD, another Convent, has a very impressive arched
throughout Europe and students flocked telling reminder of the pervasive history of window with angel carvings still visible on
Bangor Abbey 14 Dromore Cathedral 16 Kilbroney 19 to Bangor to study. Christianity in the area. its outside.
Saint Comgall founded Bangor Abbey in The Cathedral stands on the site where Cill Bhronaigh - Bronaghs Church, is
559 and it grew to become one of the Saint Colman built his first church of daub located in the graveyard just outside The centrepiece is a model of the abbey as St. Monnina of Killevy 24 Closeby is a large granite slab which is
most important seats of learning in Ireland, and wattle around 514. The current Rostrevor on the Hilltown Road. it was in its heyday. Also included in the Her real name was Darerca and it would reputed to mark Monninas grave with a
with almost 3,000 monks at the time of building, known as the Cathedral Church collection, is the Bangor Bell, a bronze bell appear that she came from the holy well further up the hill which is still
Comgalls death in 601. of Christ the Redeemer, is an interesting The graveyard contains Saint Bronaghs over 1200 years old. There is also a copy Donaghmore area of County Down. As visited by pilgrims on
mixture of various architectural periods, all Cross, dating from the late 8th century and of the 7th Century Antiphonary, a Book of there were no convents in the area, her feast day, July 6th.
Two of its most famous students, clearly visible in its structure. Inset in one of a ruined 15th century building. There is also Service written in Bangor and carried to Monnina went to the west of Ireland to
Columbanus and Gall, travelled throughout the internal walls is an ancient stone, a healing well said to cure eye and throat the monastery in Bobbio, founded by join St. Ibar. When Ibar moved to
Europe setting up monasteries following an marked with a simple cross and known as ailments. Saint Bronaghs Bell, from the 6th Columbanus from Bangor. The original text Wexford, Monnina followed him, but
Irish rule in Luxeuil, Bobbio and Breganz. Saint Colmans Pillow, suggesting perhaps century is displayed in the local Catholic is now housed in the Ambrosian Library in stopped off with St. Brigid in Kildare.
Relics from the earliest period of the the strict rule of Colmans monastic life. Church in Rostrevor. Local folklore has it Milan. Many pilgrims from Europe visit the
monastery are held in North Down that if you pray to Bronagh and ring the site from whence Columbanus set out to This may have been the turning point in
Heritage Centre. Dromore High Cross 17 bell 3 times, your prayer will be answered. rekindle Christianity during the Dark Ages. her life, as Monnina returned to Faughart,
Like so many High Crosses, Dromore Cross Brigids birthplace, where she lived for
Because of its vulnerability to attack from stood in the town marketplace and was a Nendrum 20 Saint Patricks Church of Ireland, some time. She then moved to Killevey,
the sea, the Abbey fell into disrepair, gathering point for people to listen to This fine example of an island monastery High Street, Newry 22 where she founded her main monastery,
following many Viking raids. It was partially travelling preachers until it was broken was founded in the 5th Century making it During his missionary travels in Ulster, Cill Sleibhe Cuillinn, The Church of Slieve
restored by Saint Malachy in the 12th during the 17th century. It was repaired one of the earliest known monastic sites Patrick travelled to a place called Glen Gullion or Killevey, in the mountainous
Century, when he was Abbot in Bangor. His and moved to its present position near the in Ireland. There are references from 7th Righe - the original name for Clanrye, the country of south Armagh.
work can be seen at what is known locally Cathedral in 1887. Century through until 976 when the river which flows through Newry. He
as Malachys Wall. Abbot was burned in his house, likely in decided to establish himself here and
The repair is very obvious and it may in fact a Viking raid. planted a yew tree as a symbol of living
Images from top to
bottom:
Craigavon Museum 15 be the remains of two separate faith. This place became known as Iubhair - Bangor Abbey
The Philip B. Wilson Library includes a ruined Crosses. The monastery which was founded by Cinn Tragh, or yew tree at the head of - Dromore Cathedral
collection of Methodist tracts, letters from Saint Machaoi was abandoned for a the strand. Over the years the name
- Greyabbey
Pageant
John Wesley, hymnals and general Greyabbey 18 mainland site at Tullynakill during the altered until finally it became what it is - (Cutout) Dromore
information on the history of Methodism in These splendid ruins of a Cistercian 15th century. known as today, Newry. High Cross
the area and further afield. Abbey are the finest example of Anglo-
Norman ecclesiastical architecture in The site was lost until the mid-19th The oldest Reformed Chuch in Ireland,
Also included in the Museum collections Northern Ireland. century when the eminent ecclesiastical built in 1578, Saint Patricks, stands in
are papers relating to the Meetings of the historian William Reeves, visited the Newry till this day and the figure of Saint
Society of Friends, from their first meetings Affreca, daughter of the King of Man and island, looking at a lime kiln, which Patrick seated on his chair between yew
in Lurgan, their Quarterly meetings and wife of John de Courcy, Anglo-Norman he recognised as the remains of a trees graces the Citys coat of arms.
information about those who left the area, invader of East Ulster, founded the Abbey Round Tower.
following William Penn to colonise in 1193. The Abbey was colonised by Seagoe 23
Pennsylvania and settle towns like Lurgan in Cistercian Monks from Cumbria. The The site comprises three concentric dry- The townland and parish of Seagoe derive
Franklin County and Menallen in French background of the Cistercian Order stone walled enclosures with evidence of their name from Suidhe Gobhan, the seat
Fayette County in Pennsylvania. and the English origins of the builders of industrial work outside, including a tidal of Gobhan. Gobhan was a saintly man,
Greyabbey resulted in a Gothic building mill and landing places. It is obvious that who according to tradition had set up a
These collections are of great interest to with tall pointed lancet windows, the first the Monastery was approached from monastery on the banks of the River Bann
genealogists and are about to be housed in truly Gothic structure in Ireland. the sea. in Iveagh in Ulster and was leader of a
a new home; Waterside House at the thousand monks.
Oxford Island complex. The monks had great knowledge of plants The central enclosure has a church ruin
and made use of them in their practice of with sundial, the remains of a round tower There has been a Christian tradition in the
medicine. One of the great features of and a graveyard. area since the 6th century. The remains of
Greyabbey today is a carefully recreated a 15th century church can be seen in the
Herb Garden, containing over fifty varieties The interpretive centre gives a useful look peaceful oasis, that is Seagoe Cemetery.
of medicinal plants and herbs that you are at the site and its role in the development
free to stroll through and purchase. of early Christianity in Ireland.

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ST. Pat_Brochure 30/5/06 09:50 Page 12

Festival Craic

A calendar of world class events


Celts had a well-developed system for our May Day. The Celts would light fires
dividing up the year, linked to the farming and drive their cattle through them in a
practices on which the whole society cleansing process to increase fertility. The
relied. There were four main festivals. end of July and August was the time to

arts & culture old & new. Samhain, (October 31st), was the night
when all souls of the dead were free to
celebrate Lughnasa, in honour of the god
Lugh. Harvest festivals and horse fairs still
roam the earth. It has become our celebrate this festival today.
Halloween. All Souls Day is the next day;
November 1st. The early Christians adopted these
great pagan festivals and gave them
Imbolg/Imbolc was Celebrated on Christian themes. We can still trace the
February 1st and it heralded the start pre-Christian roots of many of our
of spring and lambing season. It has current festivals.
become St.Brigids Day in Ireland, Brigid
shares her name with a pre-Christian deity.
After Imbolc came Beltaine, May 1st, now

Road Bowls Festival, Armagh


Tell me more www.visitarmagh.com

Apple Blossom Festival, Armagh Royal Ascot Downpatrick


www.visitarmagh.com www.downdc.gov.uk

Armagh Comedy Festival Saint Patricks Festival, Armagh


www.visitarmagh.com www.visitarmagh.com

Armagh Festival of Traditional St Patricks Day Festival,


Song and Dance Downpatrick
www.visitarmagh.com www.st-patricksfestival.com

Bard of Armagh St Patricks Day Festival,


Main image: www.visitarmagh.com
Traditional Music Session
Newry
Images from top to bottom:
- Irish Step Dancing
www.visitnewryandmourne.gov.uk
- Magnus Barelegs Viking Festival Castle Ward Opera
- Castle Ward Opera Festival - Councy Down www.castlewardopera.com
- Road Bowls Festival - County Armagh The Magnus Barelegs
- Apple Blossom Festival - County Armagh Viking Festival
Celtic Fusion www.magnusbarelegs.co.uk
www.celticfusion.co.uk

Destinations around the world celebrate Saint Patricks Easter Festival, Armagh William Kennedy
Day but where better to celebrate the life Piping Festival
www.visitarmagh.com
and times of the Saint than in Saint Patricks Country. www.visitarmagh.com
St Patricks Festival, jointly staged in Armagh and
Feast of Fish, Kilkeel and Ardglass
Downpatrick throughout the week in which Saint
www.downdc.gov.uk
Patricks Day falls, sparks off an exhilirating events
calendar organised for visitors and locals alike. Opera Fringe, Down
St. Brigids Cross - traditionally made from rushes
www.operafringe.com on St. Brigids day.

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ST. Pat_Brochure 30/5/06 09:50 Page 14

superb value and variety


Fine Dining
Tell me more

To order an Eating Out Guide for in our accommodation.


the Region Eat, drink & enjoy...
Having explored Saint Patricks Country You can easily book accommodation Tell me more
Tel: + 44 (0) 28 9182 6846 and tasted the local produce, there is a directly through:
variety of accommodation to rest your www.armaghanddown.com
body and soul. Farmhouse bed and
www.discovernorthernireland.com To view & book your
breakfast accommodation, coach inns,
four and five star luxury hotel
or order online from: accommodation provides the welcome However, a fully inclusive holiday or accommodation online visit:
of all welcomes to individuals and specially tailored programme to suit
www.armaghanddown.com groups alike. your personal taste can easily be www.armaghanddown.com
organised by contacting your local
Accommodation across Northern Ireland
Tourist Information Centre or any of www.discovernorthernireland.com
is rigorously quality assured and you can
the many Irish holiday specialists. Full
be confident that when you reach your
overnight destination, you will be more details are available from Tourism
than happy with what you find. Ireland, www.tourismireland.com
Further information visit:
Expect to pay a minimum of 18 B&B
per person to 30 or more in a top
www.saintpatrickscountry.com
guest house. Hotels are more expensive,
however special offers and group rates
are often available. www.downdc.gov.uk

food for the body and


Saint Patricks Country offers a choice of
dining in top class restaurants,
traditional pubs and atmospheric www.visitarmagh.com
coaching inns. Local menus feature

for the soul Strangford Oysters, Dundrum Bay


Prawns, Mourne Lamb and a selection
of home made breads - soda, wheaten
Along with its breathtaking scenery and potato.

and its warm hospitality Northern Armagh City may be the Ecclesiastical
Ireland also has some of the freshest, Capital of Ireland, but Armagh County is
finest food available. Celebrated for its The Orchard of Ireland, coming alive
with colour as the pink flowers of apple
seafood, tasty root vegetables, prime trees blanket much of the deep green
beef, lamb, pork and traditional landscape. The history books tell us that
baking, eating out in Northern apples have been grown in Armagh for
over 3000 years - Saint Patrick himself is
Ireland is a unique experience. said to have planted an apple tree at
Ceangoba, an ancient settlement east of
Armagh City and Saint Malachy of
Armagh is represented with an apple in
his hand.

A warm welcome guarenteed. If you stay


with us youll find it hard to go home!

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ST. Pat_Brochure 30/5/06 09:50 Page 16

Getting to Northern Ireland


Northern Ireland is easy to get to, easy to get around. Excellent fast ferry links from England
and Scotland to Belfast and Larne, 3 airports with frequent, low-cost flights from the UK
and USA, plus good roads, buses and trains to take you where you want to go. Check out
www.discovernorthernireland.com for ferry and airline operator details.
Armagh
Downpatrick

Alternative formats including braille, large print, disc, audio cassette are available Belfast
Armagh & Down
on request.

Northern Ireland Tourist Board, 59 North Street, BELFAST, BT1 1NB. Dublin

T: + 44 (0) 28 9023 1221. 20m/02/05


Images - NITB Photographic Library & The Environment and Heritage Service, NI
T: +44 (0) 28 9024 6609 F: +44 (0) 28 9031 2424 E: info@belfastvisitor.com
London
Front Cover - St. Patricks Statue, Armagh. SBN 1 86193 128 X

Armagh
&Down

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