NIFRS says old Convent of Mercy fire on Irish Street, Downpatrick, was a “deliberate ignition”
A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson said: “A large building fire on Irish Street, Downpatrick, [old Convent of Mercy] has now been dealt with.
The initial call was received at 7.01pm on yesterday evening (Sunday 28 June 2026).
“At the height of the incident 70 firefighters were involved.
“A total of 10 Appliances attended from Downpatrick, Newcastle, Dromore, Ballynahinch, Comber, Carryduff, Banbridge, Newtownards and Rathfriland Fire Stations, supported by 2 Aerial Appliances from Knock and Springfield Fire Stations, a Command Support Unit from Lisburn Fire Station and a Water Tanker from Warrenpoint Fire Station.
See Down News Fire Photos Here
“Our Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the duration of the incident to ensure that the fire was brought under control and extinguished.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience whilst we dealt with the incident.
“The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 10.03am.”
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Police assisted with traffic management as Convent fire roared
Police received a report of a large fire in the Stream Street area of Downpatrick just after 7.10pm on Sunday, 28th June.
Officers attended to assist colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service with traffic management until the blaze was extinguished in the early hours.
Fire Service have stated that ignition may have been deliberate and as such a scene is being held this morning, Monday 29th June, to allow for further investigation.
“We would appeal to anyone with information to contact police using our witness appeal form at:
https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals – quoting reference 1509 28/06/26.
You can also contact us on 101.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at:
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The old Convent of Mercy Building belonged to the Mercy order. It was sold recently to Ciaran Fitzpatrick and Frank Boyd.
Ciaran has opened a Columbarium (for retaining ashes of the deceased.) This section of the building has not suffered major damaged by the fire.
In the meantime, Fr Eugene from St Patrick’s has said that masses will be heard at St Colmcille’s Chapel in Downpatrick until the site at the old Convent of Mercy is declared safe. He has advised everyone to keep away from site for the present as there is a danger of falling masonry or even a collapsing building.
Engineers will be assessing the fire-damaged premises in due course.
 Spokesperson said: “A large building fire on Irish Street, Downpatrick, [old Convent of){kind=link}