Down Cathedral
Down Cathedral
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
32 within 3 miles
Attractions
30 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
129 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
51
Average
17
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Gary B
Vancouver, Canada485 contributions
Oct 2020
We visited this attraction during a 3-day tour of Northern Ireland with Rabbies in May 2019. Sorry for the delayed review.
Our visit included the cathedral, some monastery ruins, and the Gaol museum. The museum is worth a quick walk through and from the adjoining restaurant you can look out over the Down Bump and an old hill fort. Next to the entrance to the cathedral is supposed to be the grave of St. Patrick which has a large slab with a Christian carving on it. Of course, there are a lot of places in Ireland that claim to be the site of St. Patrick's burial, but I take this location has some support.
We also had lunch in the Gaol museum restaurant, and ate sandwiches and stew with beer and coffees. It was quite good.
Our visit included the cathedral, some monastery ruins, and the Gaol museum. The museum is worth a quick walk through and from the adjoining restaurant you can look out over the Down Bump and an old hill fort. Next to the entrance to the cathedral is supposed to be the grave of St. Patrick which has a large slab with a Christian carving on it. Of course, there are a lot of places in Ireland that claim to be the site of St. Patrick's burial, but I take this location has some support.
We also had lunch in the Gaol museum restaurant, and ate sandwiches and stew with beer and coffees. It was quite good.
Written September 3, 2021
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cmb2
Magnolia, Tx.1,265 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
Down Cathedral offers more than just your typical restored centuries-old church because not only do you see the Bishop's Throne, the Judges' Boxes & the old boxpews, but on the grounds is the final burial place of the remains of St. Patrick, St. Brigid & St. Columcille, the patron saints of Ireland. Each of them were originally buried elsewhere, but their remains were brought here in 1 place to be buried together. The original Christian Celtic community began on this site around 753 A.D., then a Benedictine monastery was built around 1183, adding a cathedral about 35 yrs later. Wars & poverty did not stifle the community until 1541, at which time suppression of monastic life allowed the cathedral to fall into ruin for over 250 yrs. It wasn't until the late 20th century that the cathedral was completely restored & remains in operations to this day. Certainly worth traveling the distance just to visit the grave of 3 saints even tho the cathedral looks modern except for the pews & the exterior facades.
Written January 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
02TravelBugs
Raleigh, North Carolina133 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
Beautiful old Cathedral, rich in the history of St. Patrick and what he did for Ireland; his reputed burial site is near the cathedral. Our guide/tour was very informative. Lovely area and well maintained.
Written September 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hobbitinahole
Minneapolis, MN118 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
Beautiful church and interesting to seen burial site. Visitor center not far walk from church and revealed an interesting history of how Ireland was converted to Christianity.
Written July 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dale6284
Calgary, Canada366 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
As we love the story of St Patrick, we made a point of driving to Downpatrick on our way too Belfast, to see his burial site. Walk inside the cathedral and quietly reflect and then walk out to St Patrick's burial site and stop to consider the love of God that he courageously brought to the Emerald Isle, in the 5th century. His is truly an amazing and inspiring story.
Written June 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chip M
Colorado Springs, CO414 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
While I loved visiting the Vatican in all its historic grandness, this humble, quiet place fits the humble Saint Patrick so perfectly in its simplicity. It is a short drive out of Belfast (30 minutes) but well worth it. The church is simple and austere (as far as cathedrals go), certainly not grand, befitting the simple man that was Patrick. The old, old cemetery next door bears the stone marking for St. Patrick, but I was surprised to learn (spoiler alert) that St. Patrick is not actually buried beneath it. Rather, he lies under the cathedral itself. It is a place of quiet beauty.
TIPS: Plan at least 30 minute drive from Belfast. Gift shop on-site with limited items. NO admission fee. Parking on site.
TIPS: Plan at least 30 minute drive from Belfast. Gift shop on-site with limited items. NO admission fee. Parking on site.
Written June 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqueline O
Ireland102 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
Cathedral is most definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit. Has a lovely serene ambiance surrounding it and within. Graveyard disappointing though if you like the historical aspect of same attached, then you might just have stumbled upon a taste of heaven on earth. Down Museum at bottom of the hill and well worth incorporating into your trip.
Written August 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
b_perigo
Boswell, PA141 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
Very nice church, I'm guessing it was originally Catholic and changed to Anglican when the English did their thing in Northern Ireland. The stained glass was absolutely gorgeous, you need to go inside just for that. St. Patrick's grave wasn't much to look at but it's neat to say you were there. The cemetery itself is really cool. Take the time to walk around and explore.
Written November 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay C
Belfast, UK84 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
Such a beautiful building , A stunning building set in a stunning environment , the views are amazing , but inside is steep in history well worth a visit, also the graveyard has the burial ground of st Patrick
Written July 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kapitaenleutnant
Memphis, TN145 contributions
Visited Down Cathedral to visit St.Patrick's reputed burial site.
It is marked by a huge boulder.
The guided tour through the Cathedral was very well done and informative.
It is said that many people took thimbles of dirt from the sight on their journey to the new World.
Since it was raining did not spend enough time to explore the surroundings.
St.Patrick's day celebration next year will have a special meaning.
It is marked by a huge boulder.
The guided tour through the Cathedral was very well done and informative.
It is said that many people took thimbles of dirt from the sight on their journey to the new World.
Since it was raining did not spend enough time to explore the surroundings.
St.Patrick's day celebration next year will have a special meaning.
Written July 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adela n
7 contributions
We are planning to take bus to Newry snd frim there visit Down Cathedral but we dont know exact details how to get there from Newry. Any suggestions? Is taxi an option?
ken c
Portaferry, UK129 contributions
Adela, that's quite a distance for a taxi - would be costly!! I think there are buses running directly to D'patrick but I can't help with times. You woultravel through Mayobridge, Hilltown, Kilcoo, Castlewellan, Clogher then D'patrick. Try looking online at Translink timetables for up to date info. Enjoy your trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Down Cathedral
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Down Cathedral Information
Excellent Reviews | 59 |
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Very Good Reviews | 51 |
Down Cathedral Photos | 215 |