President of Ireland visits Saint Patrick Centre to mark 25th anniversary
The President of Ireland Catherine Connolly visited the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, County Down, today (30th September 2026) to mark its 25th anniversary. She was welcomed to the Centre by its Director, Dr Tim Campbell and Board Chair Emma O’Neill.
The Centre is home to the world’s only permanent exhibition dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint and welcomes more than 150,000 visitors each year locally, nationally and internationally.
Established in 2001, the Saint Patrick Centre is a charitable organisation dedicated to educating people locally and globally about the story and legacy of Saint Patrick.
Through its education and tourism programmes, the Centre welcomes visitors from across Ireland and around the world and provides opportunities to engage with Ireland’s heritage and history.
Today, it employs more than 30 local people and plays an important role in welcoming visitors from across Ireland and around the world.
Emma O’Neill, Chair of the Board of Directors and Trustees of the Saint Patrick Centre, said: “The President has committed to visiting every county in Ireland during the first year of her presidency.
“We are delighted that the Irish President has chosen to visit the Saint Patrick Centre and see the work we do here in Downpatrick.
“As a small charity, we have a huge impact, both in Northern Ireland and around the world.
“We are particularly excited about strengthening our links with sister sites across Ireland, from Croagh Patrick to Lough Derg, as we look ahead to the major celebrations in 2032, marking the 1,600th anniversary of Saint Patrick bringing Christianity to Ireland.”
During her visit to Downpatrick, the President also visited Down Cathedral, where she met with the Dean and members of the Cathedral Board before paying her respects at the graves of Saint Patrick, Saint Brigid and Saint Columcille.
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