St. Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral & Saul (A Small Group Tour)

7.75 hours | Belfast | B F S - 1 1 0
Average Guest Rating
Book Now
From
$ 139.95
Shorex Best Price Guarantee
Find a better price for any excursion we offer and we will refund you 110% of the price difference.

Points of Interest

  • Downpatrick
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:

Downpatrick
Named from the Irish Dún Pádraig, which means "Patrick's stronghold," this traditional Northern Ireland town and its shops are lovely to explore on your own. Upon arriving, you'll get oriented with a visit to the St. Patrick's Centre for an interactive experience that chronicles the epic story of Ireland's Patron Saint. Your visit includes a 20-minute IMAX virtual helicopter ride with stunning aerial photography of the Irish countryside.

Down Cathedral
Perched atop Cathedral Hill, a fortified point occupied since Neolithic times, you'll find Down Cathedral. Witness the unique Regency box-pews and the bishop's throne, which faces the judge's box, a reminder of the days when trials were held in the cathedral.

Grey Abbey
Reached by a short ferry ride, much of Grey Abbey remains in good condition today. The abbey was founded in 1193 by Affreca, daughter of Godred, the Norse king of the Isle of Man, and wife of John de Courcey, the Norman knight who conquered Ulster.

What you will see along the way:
Gaze out the window as you travel a scenic route across rolling drumlins to Downpatrick. Later in the day, your tour continues with a ferry ride across the short crossing to Portaferry on the Ards Peninsula. You'll travel alongside the banks of Lough Strangford and enjoy entertaining views of the countryside and farm villages before reaching Grey Abbey.

Photo Opportunity:

St. Patrick's Grave
According to long-established tradition, St. Patrick was buried near where Down Cathedral stands today. Traditionally, emigrants leaving Ireland took with them a handful of the 'auld sod' from Patrick's grave. Today, a massive granite stone marks his grave and is the site where people from all traditions leave wreaths every March.

Saul Church
A replica of an early Christian church stands on the site where legend has it that Patrick preached his first sermon in Ireland.

Lunch:
While exploring Downpatrick, grab a bite to eat (at your own expense) in one of the many friendly pubs or cafés.

Special Notes:

It is recommended that passengers carry local currency for lunch.

Child Price:

12 & under reduced

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship and travel via Belfast City for a visit to the St. Patrick Centre

Transport type:
Non Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
45
Travel time:
01:30
Time at site:
01:15
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Steps:
40
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No

Free time in Downpatrick (Lunch on own)

Transport type:
Non Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
45
Travel time:
00:15
Time at site:
00:45
Free time at site:
45
Air conditioned:
No
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes

Guided tour of Down Cathedral

Transport type:
Walking
Time at site:
00:45
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
600
Steps:
5
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No

Inside visit of Saul Chuch

Transport type:
Non Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
45
Travel time:
00:15
Time at site:
00:30
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
300
Steps:
5
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No

Drive to Strangford for ferry ride from Stangford to Portaferry

Transport type:
Non Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
45
Travel time:
00:30
Time at site:
00:30
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
10
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No

Re-board your motorcoach and return to your ship stopping briefly at Grey Abbey en route

Transport type:
Non Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
45
Travel time:
01:00
Time at site:
00:30
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Steps:
8
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes