Celebrate the legacy of St. Patrick in Armagh and Downpatrick with two specially designed tours led by Armagh Guided Tours Blue Badge Guide Barbara Ferguson.

This year, Barbara's perennially popular St. Patrick’s Guided Walk takes place on Sat 15 March. The two-hour tour departs from Armagh City Hotel at 11:00 and visits St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Cathedrals before finishing back at Armagh City Hotel at 13:00 with a bowl of stew and hot toddy to toast “St. Patrick’s Visit to Armagh”.

The following day, on Sun 16 March, St. Patrick's links with Downpatrick will be celebrated with a full-day tour. The coach leaves Armagh City Hotel at 10:00 for the scenic drive through the Mournes to Down Cathedral whose hilltop setting was the site for Christian worship since St. Patrick's time in the 5th Century. A guided tour of the Cathedral will include a visit to the nearby burial stone of St. Patrick, St. Brigid and St. Columba.

Next, you'll visit the St. Patrick Centre where  21st century technology – including a 180 degree film - depicts the story of Ireland’s patron Saint. Buy lunch at the Centre's cafe, and peruse its craft shop and art gallery, before travelling to nearby Saul Church – site of St. Patrick’s first Christian Church in Ireland.

Glimpse the massive Saint Patrick statue on nearby Slieve Patrick before heading to the preserved Struell Wells, said to have been blessed by St. Patrick. The tour finishes back in Armagh at around 17:00.

The Armagh tour costs £10pp and includes a sprig of shamrock, bowl of stew and cathedral donation. The Downpatrick tour costs £18pp and includes entrance to the St. Patrick Centre. 

There's a lot of outdoor activity, so bring suitable clothing and footwear. Struell Wells can be viewed from the coach but Saul Church has a short flat walk of approx. 50 yds. The small coach ensures personal attention, but spaces are limited so book early to ensure you experience the places St. Patrick called home.