Downpatrick, Administrative center in County Down, Northern Ireland
Downpatrick is an administrative center in County Down, Northern Ireland, that spreads over gentle hills where the River Quoilé winds toward Strangford Lough. Streets run uphill and downhill from the central square, linking residential areas with shops and public buildings from different centuries.
The settlement began on the site of a Celtic fort called Rath Celtair and was taken over in 1177 by Norman warriors under John de Courcy. Over the following centuries it grew into a religious and administrative focus for the region.
The town name comes from the Irish "Dún Pádraig", meaning Patrick's fort, and points to the early Christian presence here. Today, pilgrims from many countries visit the saint's grave on the hill above the town.
The Down Arts Centre in the former town hall offers changing exhibitions, performances, and workshops throughout the year. Most places in the center are within walking distance, and parking areas are near the main streets.
The ruins of the Cistercian Inch Abbey stand about 3 km (nearly 2 mi) north along the Quoilé riverbank and date from 1180. On summer days you often see cows grazing in the nearby fields while the river flows quietly past.
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