Exciting new exhibition for Ireland’s patron saint

The only permanent exhibition dedicated to St Patrick in the world is getting set to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint in style this year.

Work has been ongoing over the last year to redesign the content of the Saint Patrick Centre in County Down, one of Northern Ireland’s most successful and enduring international attractions.

Located in the medieval town of Downpatrick, home to many legends and sites associated with St Patrick, the centre is working with leading exhibition designers and creative digital production teams to create a remarkable new exhibition fit for Ireland’s greatest spiritual and cultural export.

Entirely new exhibition panels, more interactive high-tech audio visual presentations, new story boards, new lighting and an amazing new children’s section are being prepared at the centre.

There will also be a giant immersive projection table in the shape of Ireland and new high definition video content with overhead projections, bringing the exhibition to life and showing the importance of Downpatrick in the development of Christianity on the island of Ireland.

Another highlight of the exhibition will be a new IMAX presentation, shot simultaneously on five cameras. The exhibition will also contain costume and uniforms from various global St Patrick’s Day Parades, including a unique Maori Irish dancing costume from the Auckland Parade in New Zealand.

There is nowhere better than Downpatrick to trace the tale of St Patrick and his intriguing journey from slave to saint.

The town and surrounding countryside is rich with connections, landmarks and legends associated with Ireland’s apostle. From the grave of St Patrick, the beautiful Down Cathedral, holy wells and bathhouses, to Saul Church, Patrick’s first in Ireland, and the tallest statue of St Patrick in the world atop Slieve Patrick, there is a huge St Patrick legacy to explore.

Following a visit to the new exhibition, it will be well worth trying out some of the excellent Saint Patrick’s Centre experiences that take in these sites and more. A range of coach trips, walking tours, canoe jaunts and even a stay in an Irish monastic foundation to learn about meditation, journaling and Celtic spirituality are available from the centre.

One of the most popular is the St Patrick’s Pilgrim Walk, a ‘Camino’ style 27km journey through stunning countryside and important sites in Patrick’s story. Starting from the Saint Patrick Centre, it is steeped in spirituality, history and beauty.

The paths have been scouted and are guided by Martina Purdy, a former BBC political correspondent, and former barrister Elaine Kelly, who were both Adoration Sisters before having to leave their order when their convent closed due to falling numbers.

www.ireland.com