Down Cathedral

Down Cathedral: The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity

The Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity sits on Cathedral Hill above the market town of Downpatrick. The church is built on the site where it is believed that the mortal remains of Patrick are buried. Although the site has been a centre of Christian worship dating back to the eighth century, work on the current building did not begin until 1790.

The Cathedral is first and foremost a place for mediation and worship; for the local congregation, for the diocese and for all in Ireland and beyond who cherish the Christian faith of Patrick. The Cathedral stands prominently and majestically as a memorial to our historic past. It is good that it should and that it is preserved as such.

But it stands for much more. An historic building such as this lifts us out of the changing realms of things and circumstances into the realm of things which are eternal and do not change; out of the world of passing fancy and fashion into the world of lasting value and intrinsic worth. It gives us a sense of perspective both in space and time.

Down Cathedral has an important place in the life and worship of the diocese. Each year it provides the focus for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations and is often used for Ordination services. The Cathedral is also part of the Lecale Group of churches and services are held there on Sundays in accordance with the pattern for worship in the group. There is also a regular Thursday morning service of prayer and a monthly evensong.

You will find a shop, toilet facilities & parking near to Cathedral as well as the burial Site of Saint Patrick in the graveyard.

Visit the cathedral website here 

Dean and Chapter

Dean: The Very Rev T Henry Hull (Rector of Lecale Group of Churches)
Archdeacon: The Ven Philip F Patterson (Rector of Knockbreda)
Chancellor: The Rev Canon Tom Keightley (Rector of Belvoir & Moneyreagh)
Precentor: The Rev Canon Walter JR Laverty (Rector of Orangefield)
Treasurer: The Rev Canon John RL Bowley (Rector of Ballywalter)

Prebendaries
Dunsford: The Rev Canon David L Brown (Rector of Knocknagoney)
Talpestone: The Rev Canon Robert C Neill (Rector of Drumbo)
St Andrews: The Rev Canon Kenneth Higgins (Rector of St Donard's)Organist: Mr M McCracken