If Ireland really is the land of Saints and scholars then the cradle of Irish Christianity lies within the ancient capitals of counties Down and Armagh.

Here it was that Saint Patrick began his mission to Ireland and established his first church. Indeed in a part of the world where every stony acre has a name, this largely undiscovered landscape abounds with ancient monuments which have a recorded connection with the Saint. Many of the legends which are told around the world were written in ancient texts such as the book of Armagh by the monks of this region who followed Patrick.

Get to know the real Patrick – the man behind the myths. Stand where he stood, feel as he felt, look at his world through his eyes. Learn about his life and his mission - first hand!

Our Discovering Saint Patrick's Trail tour starts in Belfast but soon enters the county of Down which has many more connections with Saint Patrick than any other part of Ireland. You will travel in a luxury 16-seater Mercedes-Benz minicoach to visit an Augustine Priory and enjoy guided tours of the sixth century monastery of Saints Comgall, Columbanus and Gall, and a twelfth century Cistercian Abbey. Following lunch (not included in price but available at very reasonable cost) in picturesque Portaferry, you will cross the narrows of Strangford Lough to enter the Lecale area and visit the site where Saint Patrick set up his first church. Your next call will be to the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick where you will learn about Patrick's life and times. Your journey of discovery will conclude with an opportunity to pay your respects to the Saint at the stone believed to mark his grave.

Other Patrician sites will be visited if time permits. Access to all sites may not be possible on every tour.

Tours start outside the Victoria Centre on Belfast's Chichester Street, at 9.30 a.m. sharp every Thursday. Book by email or phone (see Contact Us page) or through the Welcome Centre, Donegal Place, Belfast. Turning up without booking may lead to disappointment. Return time to Belfast is 6.00 p.m.

Adult £25  Child £18

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