Downpatrick is one of Ireland's most ancient and historic towns. It takes its name from a dún (fort), which once stood on the hill that dominates the town and on which Down Cathedral stands.
Ptolemy, about the year AD 130, includes it (in Latin) as Dunum in his list of towns of Ireland.
Saint Patrick began his mission to Ireland here in 432 AD and when he died he was buried on what is now Cathedral Hill.
Saints Bridget an Saint Columkille came to be buried here with Saint Patrick in this part of Ireland called Saint Patrick's Country.
Within a mile or 2 kms of Downpatrick is the first Church in Ireland at Saul, Inch Abbey where the legend of the snakes was written, the oldest healing wells in Ireland at Struell and the tallest statue of Saint Patrick in the world at Raholp.
Located within the grounds of Down Cathedral Patrick's Grave is still a place of pilgrimage on St Patricks Day (17 March each year).
The Saint Patrick Visitor Centre in Downpatrick is purpose-built to tell the story of St Patrick.