Highlights

Christians have worshipped on the Hill of Down for over 1600 years. Down Cathedral, which has stood on the hill since 1183, is steeped in history and ministry. As you visit with us and discover the story of Patrick and the building’s points of interest, we encourage you pause and pray: Loving God, inspire us by the beauty of this holy place that we may go on our way with faith and hope made new.

Cathedral Grounds

St Patrick's Burial Place

The large Mourne granite slab marking the traditional burial place of St Patrick. A wreath is laid there each St Patrick’s Day.

Replica High Cross

A replica of an 8th century St Patrick’s High Cross. Note its unusual T-shape construction rather than the later ring of most Irish high crosses.

Original High Cross

This is also a replica. The original is preserved in an impressive permanent exhibition in the nearby Down County Museum.

Mourne Mountains

On a clear day, the view over the countryside to the Mourne Mountains is a sight to behold from the cathedral’s car park.

Inside Down Cathedral

Fragments of high cross

Three fragments of a high cross were moved to the cathedral aroudn 1900 and in 2014 were used as the basis for the replica cross

Baptismal font

This is the original base of 10th or 11th century cross. It was discovered in the yard of Denvir’s Coaching, as a watering trough for horses, by the late Col. R.H. Wallace.

The Organ

Rare 18th century organ loft: This organ, with a Georgian gothic oak case, was presented by George Ill to the Cathedral in 1802. Built by Samuel Green.

St Patrick's Window

Erected in 1937 in memory of 2nd Baron Dunleath. The scenes depict aspects of Patrick’s early life and subsequent ministry.

Bishop's Throne

The Bishop’s Throne is positioned in the middle of the congregation, signifying the shepherd surrounded by his flock.

Judge's Stall

In the days when the Church and Court were linked, courts of law may have been held in the cathedral, with the judge having this special seat.

Pillar Capitals

At the top of the columns, these stone carvings include vine and oak leaves with acorns, winged birds, cherubs, and human heads.

Box Pews

The box pews facing each other are an unusual layout for the nave. They reflect both the monastic heritage of the building and the families who funded its restoration.

Coats of Arms

Many coats of arms of prominent County Down families, who contributed to the restoration of the Cathedral in the 18th century, are displayed on the walls.

Canons' Stalls

Built into the choir/rood screen the Canons’ Stalls provide seating for the Cathedral Chapter members.

East Window and Cross

The East Window is a memorial window installed in 1898, funded by a number of families whose names are inscribed on brass tablets nearby. It was created by an Edinburgh company, Ballatine and Gardiner, and depicts Christ’s Ascension and several Saints.

Suspended above the communion table is the life-sized figure of Christ on the cross. He is depicted as a reversed silhouette – the risen Christ – through which the east window may still be seen. The cross was installed in 2019 as the culmination of a renovation and re-ordering process that began in 2014.