Community Relations Unit OFMDFM

FESTIVAL EVENTS

Design: Activeware

CELEBRATING ST PATRICK
An exhibition of photographs and memorabilia relating to a pageant held at Audleystown in 1932 to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of St Patrick’s arrival in Saul.

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Monday - Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday & Sunday 1.00pm - 5.00pm St Patrick’s Day 10.00am - 6.00pm

Down County Museum, Downpatrick

Free

Mike King 028 4461 5218 - michael.king@downdc.gov.uk

Throughout March

COLUM SANDS & FRIENDS
Come along for an evening of traditional Irish folk music and storytelling. Organised by Newcastle Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

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8.00pm - 11.00pm

The Lodge/Dún Eigse, Castlewellan
£8 (concessions available)

Nicholas McCrickard 078 0267 5685

Saturday 7 March

ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL LECTURE
A lecture on the history of Down Cathedral by cathedral expert and author Fred Rankin. Organised by Lecale Historical Society.

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7.30pm

Down Cathedral, Downpatrick
Free

Berkley Farr 028 4483 0442

Monday 9 March

ST BRIGID’S PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENTS ASSOCIATION BRIDGE NIGHT
Duplicate pairs Bridge competition for players of all skill levels. Organised by St Brigid’s Primary School Parents’ Association.

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7.30pm

St Brigid’s Primary School, Downpatrick
£5

Michael Starkey 028 4461 2509

Tuesday 10 March

SIOPADÓIREACHT TRÍ MHEÁN NA GAEILGE (SHOPPING THROUGH THE IRISH LANGUAGE)
The shops taking part will dress their windows with labels and signage in Irish and carry out sales in basic Irish. Organised by Lecale Gaelic Society.

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Normal Shopping Hours

Shops in Downpatrick
Free

Joyce Gibson 028 4483 8681

Wednesday 11 - Tuesday 17 March

CONCERT OF CHORAL & INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
An orchestra, concert band, choirs, instrumental groups and soloists present a gala evening of music, performed by the students of Down High School. Organised by Down High School.

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7.45pm

The Great Hall, Downshire Estate, Downpatrick
£5 (concession £3)

Bertie Coffey 028 4461 2103

Thursday 12 - Friday 13 March

A DAY EXPLORING THE WORLD OF ST PATRICK  
Two talks about archaeological sites associated with St Donard and the ‘Slieve’ (Sliabh) place names of the Mourne Mountains, followed by lunch and a bus trip to Maghera and Ballaghanery Churches, near Newcastle.

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10.15am - 5.00pm

Down County Museum, Downpatrick
£15 (includes 2 morning talks, lunch and a bus trip)

Mike King 028 4461 5218 - michael.king@downdc.gov.uk

Thursday 12 - Friday 13 March

ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL TABLE QUIZ  
A festival table quiz organised by Dunmore Rural Association.

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8.00pm

Dunmore Orange Hall
£2

028 4062 2459

Friday 13 March

ST BRIGID’S PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION QUIZ
Organised by St Brigid’s Primary School Parents’ Association.

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9.00pm

Denvir’s Hotel, Downpatrick
£5

Michael Starkey 028 4461 2509

ART - OFF THE RAILS
Art - Off the Rails is a vibrant new idea for Downpatrick, selling art from railings at the front of The Saint Patrick Centre. Everyone and anyone is welcome to show and/or sell work of any kind*. The only rule is that the work is affordable and no piece will cost more than £150. If you would like to take part, come along with your work at 9.30am. To accompany Art - Off the Rails, Down Arts Forum has invited a drawing group called ‘Draw In’ to draw the event. Members of the public are encouraged to come along with their sketch books and pencils and join in! * Artwork displayed is at the artist’s own risk.  

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9.30am - 5.00pm

The Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick
Free

Down Arts Centre 028 4461 0747

Saturday 14 March

ALT PAT - ALL AGES ROCK GIG
Bring this year’s Paddy’s Day in with something a bit different. Take some of the best bands from around the country and party! Sinocence, Stone Crow, Circadian, Niyah Sky, 99miles, Outhouse to name but a few of the bands that will be performing at this all day, all ages event. Bring your attitude, earplugs, and your best band tee-shirt and tell your mum you won’t be home for dinner!  

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12.30am - 11.00pm

Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick

£5
Down Arts Centre 028 4461 0747

ST PATRICK THEMED CRAFTS FOR KIDS
St Patrick themed crafts and balloon modelling to help the family get ready for St Patrick’s Day.  

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2.00pm - 5.00pm
Down County Museum, Downpatrick

£3
Mike King 028 4461 5218 - michael.king@downdc.gov.uk

LOUGHINISLAND IRISH NIGHT
A family evening of music, song, dance and storytelling from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, followed by an adult ceili from 10.00pm until late with dancing to Oriel Ceili Band, Armagh. Everybody welcome. Organised by Loughinisland GAA Cultural Committee.

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7.30pm

Loughinisland GAA Club, Loughinisland
£5

Patsy Toman 028 4481 1548

JIMMY’S 10K ROAD RACE  
A 10km road race on foot through Downpatrick and the surrounding countryside, incorporating a 2 x 3 mile relay race for teams of two runners, and a walk. Organised by East Down Athletic Club.

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12.00 noon

Down Leisure Centre,  Downpatrick
Entry fee £10 pp/relay team

Joe Quinn 028 4461 4235 / 079 3321 4894

Sunday 15 March

ST PATRICK THEMED GUIDED WALK OF THE HILL OF DOWN
A guided walk taking in local connections with St Patrick and the history of the Hill of Down, starting at the Museum entrance.  

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2.00pm

Down County Museum,  Downpatrick
£3 (booking advisable)

Mike King 028 4461 5218 - michael.king@downdc.gov.uk

STORIES OF ST PATRICK TOLD IN IRISH
Famous and lesser known stories about St Patrick and his connections with County Down, told in Irish for beginners and experts alike. Organised by Down District Council in conjunction with Lecale Gaelic Society.

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3.30pm

Down County Museum,  Downpatrick
Free

Mike King 028 4461 5218 - michael.king@downdc.gov.uk

MUSICAL EVENING OF SONG & DANCE  
An evening of music, dance and fine cuisine to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and showcase local culture and traditions. Organised by Downpatrick Twinning Partnership.

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8.30pm

The Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle
£25 (includes dinner and music)

John Nobile 077 1156 1433

SETS CEILI
Come along to take part or just enjoy the craic of traditional Irish set dancing. Ashley Ray will call the sets, and will also be on hand from 7.00pm to help beginners with basic steps. Organised by Denvirs Hotel in conjunction with Down District Council.

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7.30pm - 10.00pm

Denvirs Hotel, Downpatrick
£3

Patricia O’Neill 028 4461 2012 / Ashley Ray 077 3672 7001

BRICFEASTA SLÁINTIÚIL (HEALTHY BREAKFAST FOR PARENTS AND TODDLERS IN THE IRISH LANGUAGE)  
Parents and toddlers will be offered a healthy breakfast, and then have a basic Irish lesson through structured play, rhyme and simple songs. Organised by Lecale Gaelic Society.

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9.30am - 10.30am

St Michael’s Parish Centre, Downpatrick
Free

Joyce Gibson 028 4483 8681

Monday 16 March

CONCERT WITH THE CARRICKMANNON TRADITIONAL GROUP
A St Patrick’s Eve concert with young traditional Irish musicians and singers, all of whom reside in the Carrickmannon/Darragh Cross area, with vocals by Bronagh Murray. Organised by the SEELB Library Service and Carrickmannon Traditional Group.

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8.00pm

Downpatrick Library, Downpatrick
Free (booking essential)

Valerie McMullan 028 4461 2895

PILGRIMAGE WALK TO DOWN CATHEDRAL
A walk organised by the Church of Ireland from St Patrick’s Church, Saul, to Down Cathedral, Downpatrick. Buses to Saul Church will depart from The Mall approaching Down Cathedral from 8.30am to 9.15am for the Ecumenical Service at 9.30am (see event below for details) and the walk at 10.30am.

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8.30am - 9.15am buses depart, 10.30am walk begins

St Patrick’s Church, Saul

Joy Wilkinson 028 4461 4922

Tuesday 17 March

OÍCHE STOBHAIGH (IRISH STEW NIGHT)
Participants will enjoy a bowl of stew, a glass of wine, and musical entertainment. Organised by Lecale Gaelic Society.

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8.00pm - 10.00pm

St Michael’s Parish Centre,  Downpatrick
£5

Joyce Gibson 028 4483 8681

STEW, MUSIC & YARNS AT THE LODGE
The best of traditional and folk music, and storytelling from the Bards. A concert for all at Castlewellan’s new cultural venue. Organised by Newcastle Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.  

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8.00pm - 11.00pm

The Lodge/Dún Eigse, Castlewellan
£8 (concessions available)

Nicholas McCrickard 078 0267 5685

ST PATRICK’S DAY

ECUMENICAL SERVICE
Organised by the Church of Ireland.

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9.30am

St Patrick’s Church, Saul

The Very Rev Henry Hull 028 4461 3101

CELEBRATION OF ST PATRICK
Visit the exhibition, IMAX presentation, café and shop at The Saint Patrick Centre. After the cross-community carnival parade, traditional music will be provided in the Centre from 4.00pm to 5.00pm by Voices of Lecale. Organised by The Saint Patrick Centre.

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8.30am - 9.15am buses depart, 10.30am walk begins

The Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick

Free to Centre. Exhibition, Adult £4.95, Child £2.55, Family £11.75

028 4461 9000

MASS IN IRISH
Mass celebrated in Irish, followed by presentation of Shamrock to local Scout group. Organised by the Parish of Downpatrick.  

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10.00am

St Patrick’s Church, St Patrick’s Avenue, Downpatrick

ST PATRICK’S DAY EVENTS AT DOWN ARTS CENTRE
From old folk favourites to traditional tunes, call into Down Arts Centre to hear live music from The Sheugh Band. Traditional craft demonstrations including wood-carving, basket-making and St Brigid’s crosses will also take place, while kids can come along and enjoy the antics of Herbie the Clown and friends. Whether you have an hour to pass, or just ten minutes, drop in anytime and soak up the atmosphere!

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10.00am - 5.00pm

Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick

Free

028 4461 0747

ST PATRICK’S DAY WALK
Join us on our annual walk through St Patrick’s country. Organised jointly by Down District Council and the Lecale Ramblers, the route includes a mixture of quiet country roads and green lanes. A wee dram of whiskey (or tea/coffee) is provided at a secret location along the route!

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Registration between 10.00am and 10.30am. Walk starts at 10.30am.

Castleward

Free

Dowpatrick Tourist Information Centre 028 4461 2233 downpatrick.tic@downdc.gov.uk

ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS AT DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
One of the highlights of St Patrick’s Day, a great day of family entertainment, including circus acts, outdoor entertainment, St Patrick treasure hunt, music and dancing.

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10.00am - 6.00pm

Down County Museum, Downpatrick

Free

Mike King 028 4461 5218 - michael.king@downdc.gov.uk

SHAMROCK STEAM TRAINS
Let the steam train take the strain - hop on at Inch Abbey Station to Downpatrick town to avoid the town centre. Parking on first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, after celebrating the patron saint’s day, take the train to see the best views of Down Cathedral, the grave of St Patrick, or visit the spectacular ruins of the 12th century Inch Abbey. First and last train will be heritage diesel, all other trains steam.  

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11.00am - 5.00pm, at approximately 40 min intervals (see timetable online at www.downrail.co.uk for specific train times)

Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Downpatrick

£5 Adult return, £4 Child/ Senior Citizen return, Free Children under 3 years  

Downpatrick and County Down Railway 028 4461 5779

INTERDENOMINATIONAL FESTIVAL SERVICE
Preacher: Professor Derick Bingham. Organised by the Church of Ireland Diocese of Down & Dromore.

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11.45am

Down Cathedral, Downpatrick

Joy Wilkinson 028 4461 4922

WREATH LAYING CEREMONY AT ST PATRICK’S GRAVE
Annual wreath laying ceremony at St Patrick’s Grave. Organised by the Church of Ireland Diocese of Down & Dromore.

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1.00pm

St Patrick’s Grave, Down Cathedral, Downpatrick

Joy Wilkinson 028 4461 4922

ST PATRICK’S DAY ENTERTAINMENT
There will be entertainment galore in St Patrick’s Square, and leading the celebrations will be U105’s George Jones and Julian Simmons along with a range of special guests marking the day in style with music, fun, games, craic and laughter geared towards creating that St Patrick’s Day feeling!

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12.00 noon - 5.00pm

St Patrick’s Square, Downpatrick

Free

Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre 028 4461 2233

FRIENDLY FACE PAINTING

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1.00pm - 4.00pm

St Patrick’s Square, Downpatrick

HISTORICAL COACH TOUR - THE LIFE & TIMES OF ST PATRICK
(Subject To Sufficient Numbers)
Sit back and enjoy an alternative to St Patrick’s Parade with a 2½ hour coach tour exploring the story of St Patrick and his life and times led by local historian Albert Colmer. Among the sites to be visited, depending on weather conditions, are St Patrick’s Grave, Down Cathedral, St Patrick’s RC Church, Mound of Down, Struell Wells and Saul Churches. As some walking is envisaged sensible walking shoes are recommended. Tea/coffee will be served en route. Organised by Down District Council.

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1.30pm - 4.00pm approximately

Departs from the front entrance of Down County Museum, Downpatrick

£1, tickets can be purchased from Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre, Downpatrick

028 4461 2233

VINTAGE VEHICLE CAVALCADE & STATIC DISPLAY
Organised by Downe Old Car Club, the cavalcade will assemble prior to 2.00pm at the car park, Down District Council Offices, 24 Strangford Road, Downpatrick, and then proceed at 2.15pm along Strangford Road, New Bridge Street, Church Street, Saul Way, Scotch Street, Fountain Street, John Street, Irish Street and Market Street to the car park at Down Leisure Centre for a static display. Suitable vehicles registered before 31 December 1988 are welcome to take part.

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2.15pm

Downpatrick

Free

Eugene Morgan to enter a vehicle 028 4483 0516 or visit www.aovc.co.uk

ST PATRICK’S DAY CROSS-COMMUNITY CARNIVAL PARADE
This cross-community event, the centre-piece of the festival, will be a spectacular cavalcade of fl oats, bands, people in fancy dress and lots of attractions! Parade theme: ‘The Sun, the Moon and the Stars’. The parade will assemble on the Ardglass Road at 1.00pm and depart at 2.30pm for the town centre where it will arrive at approximately 2.50pm. Parade route: Ardglass Road, Edward Street, John Street, Irish Street and Market Street. The closing date for parade entries is Friday 27 February 2009. Organised by Down District Council.

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2.30pm

Downpatrick

Free

Down District Council’s Community Relations & Development Section 078 0383 2508

VOICES OF LECALE: SONGS FOR ST PATRICK
Songs from County Down and other places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day - join in with the chorus and raise the rafters for Paddy! Organised by The Saint Patrick Centre.

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4.00pm - 5.00pm

The Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick

Free

Laura Plummer 028 4461 9630

DOWNTOWN RADIO LIVE BROADCAST FROM DENVIR’S HOTEL
To celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Downtown Radio’s Johnny Hero will be broadcasting his show live from Denvir’s Hotel.

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4.00pm - 6.00pm

Denvir’s Hotel, Downpatrick

Free

Patricia O’Neill 028 4461 2012

ST PATRICK’S DAY FOLK MUSIC
Live Irish and Country Folk music.

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4.00pm - 7.00pm

The Cuan Licensed Guest Inn, Strangford

Free

Damien O’Hare 024 4488 1222

ALTAN LIVE IN CONCERT
Altan’s exquisitely produced award-winning recordings range from the most sensitive and touching old Irish songs to hard hitting reels and jigs. Heartwarming, dynamic live performances, have seen Altan move audiences from Donegal to Tokyo to Seattle. Throughout, there has been an unwavering commitment to bring the beauty of traditional music, particularly  that of the Donegal fiddlers and singers, to contemporary audiences in a way that brings out every quality and destroys none. Presented by David Hull Promotions.

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8.00pm

Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick

£15
Down Arts Centre 028 4461 0747

MUSICAL EVENING OF SONG & DANCE
An evening of music, dance and fine cuisine to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and showcase local culture and traditions. Organised by Downpatrick Twinning Partnership.

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8.30pm

Downpatrick Cricket Club

£25.00 (includes dinner and music)

John Noble 077 1156 1433

Other Activities

Friday 16 January - Sunday 22 March

FLAGS AND BANNERS
A display of some of the most significant and decorative flags and banners in the Museum’s collection.

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Monday - Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm, Saturday & Sunday 1.00pm - 5.00pm, St Patrick’s Day, 10.00am - 6.00pm

Down County Museum, Downpatrick

Free

Mike King 028 4461 5218 - michael.king@downdc.gov.uk

Thursday 26 February - Saturday 28 March

BEVERLY CLELAND
Art without drawing is like a body without a mind, and life without a breath. It would seem we automatically assume textiles fall into the realm of domestic craft. It is Cleland’s intention to challenge this assumption. By using thread as a drawing tool Cleland blurs the boundaries between fine and applied art. Art can only draw breath when the observer observes. Through observation Cleland’s work becomes alive and evokes a sense of personal belonging.

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10.00am - 4.30pm

Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick

Free

Down Arts Centre 028 4461 0747

Monday 9 March - Tuesday 17 March

DIZZYLANDS FUNFAIR
Organised by Dizzylands Funfair

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Monday 9 - Friday 13 March, 7.00pm - 10.30pm, Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 March, 2.00pm - 5.00pm & 7.00pm - 10.30pm, Monday 16 March 7.00pm - 10.30pm, St Patrick’s Day 12.00 noon - 10.30pm

Car Park, Dunleath Park, Downpatrick

Free

Amanda Goss 077 2187 8448

Monday 9 March - Tuesday 17 March

INDIVIDUAL SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP
Organised by St Michael’s Snooker Club

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7.30pm - 10.30pm

St Michael’s Snooker Club, Downpatrick

Free

Thomas Burns 028 4461 3519

Thursday 12 March - Saturday 2 May
‘IMPASSE INVOLUTION EMERGENCY’ BY GERALYN MULQUEEN
This abstract collection reflects Geralyn’s personal journey over several years. Geralyn uses colour spontaneously in the emotional translation and captures the essence of reflection and emergence uniquely felt by the individual. The pieces are vital and honest always allowing for movement and growth.

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Monday to Friday 10.00am - 4.30pm, Saturday 9.00am - 4.30pm

Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick

Free

Down Arts Centre 028 4461 0747

QUIET PRAYER ROOM
Come in for a quiet time of contemplation and prayer. Everyone welcome

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10.00am - 5.00pm
Methodist Church, Scotch Street, Downpatrick

Helen Turner 028 4461 5610