Things to do in Downpatrick

Top Things to Do in Downpatrick - Downpatrick Must-See Attractions

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Things to Do in Downpatrick

Check out must-see sights and activities:
The Saint Patrick Centre, Ballynoe Stone Circle, Churches & Cathedrals, Ports of Call Tours.
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Top Attractions in Downpatrick

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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What travellers are saying

  • Finn M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I went on a tour of the Saint Patrick Centre with my friends in early June 2024. Immediately, we knew that we had come across a hidden gem, at least for tourists. FWIW, to local Down people, the cafe is well known for affordable fare and great craic. I had one of the best meals on my trip here, an Ulster Fry. The staff were all extremely friendly and were very willing to give advice on sites to visit and the local history of Saints Patrick, Colmcille, and Brigid. If you are visiting Belfast, it totally worth it to take the bus to Downpatrick or drive the 35 minute commute to check out this class establishment and the best of the Ards Peninsula. Next time you explore the history of St. Patrick come here just before going to his grave just up the road.
    Written 22 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • clairemG1411HF
    Annalong, UK27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely wee spot very peaceful easy to access parking was ok a lovely path with lots of items hanging from trees eg ribbons wooden hearts etc
    Written 31 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Damien M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So much fun. Very informative and fun to see. Lots of great displays and lots to see. I would definitely recommend a visit if you’re in the area. It’s also great for children.
    Written 21 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CLE68
    Perth and Kinross, UK486 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth a visit after visiting the St Patrick centre experience. In the grounds you see the grave of St Patrick. The cathedral is lovely inside- very peaceful.
    Nice walk up to the cathedral after visiting the centre.
    Written 17 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Caitlin S
    Belfast, UK33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I would highly recommend the Gin Discovery Experience. It's such a fun way to spend an afternoon! Firstly, the estate is in such a beautiful setting, nestled away in woodland. We were warmly welcomed by Kerry, who was so fun, well-informed, and made the most yummy cocktails! Kerry started the tour off by giving us a history of the estate and how Shortcross was inspired by the surroundings and local ingredients. Then, we were taken through to the actual distillery section, where Paul gave us an excellent guide of the distillery process, answering questions and providing tasters. The whole tour was great craic, well organised and informative. After the tour, Kerry took us through a tasting class, where we made a delicious gin and tonic. Following this, we labelled up our own souvenir signature full-size gin bottles. The gin and the venue are fabulous, but it's the amazing staff who really make this experience so special! 😍
    Written 10 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cormac McCaughey
    Northampton, UK290 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice peaceful place to visit. Much of the abbey is still visible, allowing your imagination to fill in the gaps. Was nice to visit the in early summer. Well kept grounds.
    Written 2 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura
    Belfast, UK3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful Santa Experience for children aged 4, 3 and 2. We shared the carriage with two other families but the carriages are really spacious so experience still felt very private, and Santa and Mrs Claus took their time with the children. The train ride with the steam and the whistle was really quite magical for the children. The presents were good quality wooden toys. Would definitely recommend this for younger children. Large, free car park right outside the entrance. Well organised, minimal waiting around. There isn't a professional photo that you get at some experiences, but lots of opportunity to take your own photos with elf hosts and Santa and Mrs Claus. Wrap up warm. The Santa experience also gives you access to the museum and there's lots here to interest adults and entertain all ages of children. All the hosts gave a warm welcome on arrival and were very friendly and knowledgeable about trains!
    Written 12 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Annie
    Belfast, UK101 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful place. Well worth a visit. A lovely walk up to it, although a little steep (just take your time) but have lovely stations of the cross and a small grotto on the way up. The views are amazing at the top and the scale of the statue is spectacular. Lovely tranquil place.
    Written 5 April 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CLE68
    Perth and Kinross, UK486 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very special Church to visit as it is on the site where St Patrick founded the first Christian Church in Ireland, The location is beautiful and the Church is stunning. Only 3 miles from the Cathedral and St Patrick centre so definitely worth a visit.
    Written 17 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • frankm654
    Banbridge, UK1,069 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Been a few times and it is easy to access in Downpatrick. Interesting to see the ancient holy wells a d bath houses. The water flows out, as if from nowhere and cascades down in one of the wash houses. Must have been freezing though. The drinking well has been gated for obvious reasons. The remains of the church are still to be seen. Reading about it and placing your mind into the place of the holy monks is inspiring. It is a spiritual place if you seek it. Some just use it to exercise dogs now. Well worth a visit.
    Written 16 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sean
    Ireland88 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stopped at Quoile car park on 25th Aug, not really knowing what to see. So we along with our small dog (which we keep on lead) started to walk and walk 🚶‍♀️ . From car park vlose to road bridge on main Rd to Killyleagh we walked on a linear walk to Steamboat Quay, the furthest point in this direction you can walk to (I think). There is a small section of walk that is on footpath beside road, otherwise the entire walk was a very pleasent waterside walk on virtually level, well maintained paths. Fantastic views, swans and other wildlife. Walk we took passes by quoile visitor centre, though it was closed when we passed about 6pm. It had rained before our walk but that posed no issues for us. We also passed at least 2 other car parks with picnic tables along path. A fisherman in area said that access to these is road beside quoile visitor centre. ???
    Written 28 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul Wing
    Portsmouth, UK688 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A quirky little racecourse, with undulations which make it ,something slightly different, there was a decent crowd, with a good atmosphere about it, staff in the coffee shop and on the gates friendly enough, wouldn't hesitate in going back.
    Written 18 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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