The ancient county town of Downpatrick lies at the southern end
of Strangford Lough in County Down.
The attractive
town is dominated by the cathedral perched on the Hill of Down
to the north. Once a Celtic fort, the hill, or dun (from which
the town derives its name), is believed to be Rath Celtchair,
named after one of the Red Branch Knights. It later became one
of the holiest Christian sites in Ireland, and the remains of
St Patrick lie in the cathedral grounds, along with those of St
Brigid and St Columcille.
In the main town, the St Patrick Centre provides a technology-enhanced
insight into the life of Ireland's patron saint.
For a more
recent history of the area, the Down County Museum is housed in
the restored 18th century jail, recreating the grim conditions
of prison life. The elegant Mall contains some fine examples of
Georgian architecture, while for great views of the surrounding
countryside, the Downpatrick and County Down Railway runs steam
trains on restored tracks skirting along the edge of the marshes
to nearby Inch Abbey. In a secluded spot just east of Downpatrick,
the healing waters of Struell Wells have strong associations with
St Patrick, and contain bath houses dating from the 18th century.
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