The St. Patrick Centre
The Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, CO Down, Northern Ireland is the only permanent exhibition in the world about Ireland's Patron Saint. It is the site of not only the patrons grave but also according to the Irish Annals, St. Brigid and St. Columcille also lie buried with St. Patrick. Marking this site the final resting place of Irelands most famous and revered saints, important to the history and story of Ireland. The Centre brings St. Patrick to life with the help of the voice of internationally renowned Irish actor, Ciaran Hinds. The Exhibition is available in six languages; English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and Irish. Below is excerpts from their website briefly outlining some of St. Patrick's life.
Saint Patrick's World
The exhibition opens with an exploration of Patrick’s Roman background and the world to which he would come – that of Celtic Ireland – literally ‘a land at the end of the World’.
Six Years A Shepard
Patrick introduces himself through his writings – the first words ever written in Ireland. Patrick describes how he was captured as a boy and sold into slavery in Ireland. His voice is uniquely brought to life by award-winning Irish Actor Cairan Hinds.
At Sea
Patrick escapes Ireland with sailors who were to become his first converts.
The Journey and Return
After months of travel and hardship Patrick returns to his parents and becomes a Cleric. Eventually one day he is called back to Ireland as a missionary – the place of his childhood nightmares.
God Before Me
Hagiographers
Discover the Mission of Patrick and those who sought to hijack his work and bring him home to Britain.
Learn about the monastic ‘spin doctors’ who wrote about Patrick’s life and turned him into an early Christian Superhero. Then hear modern academics give their take on the ‘Real’ Saint Patrick.
