Jetsettersblog

Follow in the footsteps of Saint Patrick
A DISTINCTIVE new 148 km driving route that celebrates Northern Ireland’s rich and long-established links with the Patron Saint of Ireland has been declared open.

Developed by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and officially launched on 14 March 2011, Saint Patrick’s Trail lets you follow in the tracks of the venerated saint, connects important sites related to his life, legacy and landscape and links several key attractions dedicated to him.

A number of special places associated with the wider Christian heritage in Ireland –including links to St Columbanus, St Malachy and St Comgall – also form part of the trail, which includes Patrick’s final resting place and the only permanent exhibition dedicated to him in the world.

Running from Armagh city (the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland) through Newry city to Downpatrick, then along the beautiful Ards Peninsula to Bangor – all in Northern Ireland – the easy-to-follow two-way route is marked with distinctive road signage and there are also supporting leaflets and a website with printable maps.

Key sites along the trail include the two magnificent cathedrals in Armagh, one of which occupies the site where Saint Patrick is believed to have built a stone church in 445 AD, and Saint Patrick’s grave, which can be found in the grounds of Down Cathedral in Downpatrick.

The trail also takes in various Patrick and Christian heritage visitor sites, including the historic Bangor Abbey founded by St Comgall, Bagenal’s Castle, the Saint Patrick Centre, North Down Museum and St Patrick’s Trian Visitor Centre in Armagh.

Distinguished for converting Ireland to Christianity, Saint Patrick is one of the most known, beloved and enduring of all the Christian saints.

Given the migration of Irish people over generations, celebrations of his feast day (17 March) are widespread around the globe and normally encompass joyous displays of Irish colour, tradition, song, dance, cuisine and a fair amount of ‘craic’ – Irish for ‘fun’.

Captured and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16, legend has it that he tended sheep and pigs on Slemish Mountain in County Antrim for six years. After escaping and entering the church he then returned on a mission to bring Christianity to the Irish people.

Ruth Burns, Destination Marketing and PR Manager from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board says: “Either through history or myth, we are fortunate in that there are lots of special places in counties Antrim, Down and Armagh with strong and interesting associations with Saint Patrick and indeed other important Christian saints.

“Following this trail in whole or in part gives visitors a delightful appreciation of Patrick’s story, his Christian legacy to Ireland and indeed the world, at the same time as enjoying an opportunity to explore more of what Northern Ireland has to offer.”

www.discovernorthernireland.com/stpatrick
www.saintpatrickcentre.com
www.armagh.co.uk