Down Cathedral, Northern Ireland

After three days in Belfast, we headed south toward Dublin. On the way, we made our last stop in Northern Ireland at the Down Cathedral in the town of Downpatrick. Our main objective was to see the gravesite of Saint Patrick, but we found much more. 

The light and airy atmosphere coupled with the simple design of this church creates a peaceful ambiance. The photo above of the altar illustrates that feeling, I hope. It felt like such a worshipful place to me. 

Originally built as a Benedictine monastery over 800 years ago, it fell into decay after King Henry VIII abolished monasteries. In 1609 King James I transformed it into a cathedral by issuing a Royal Charter. In the late 1700s it was restored. This is when the remarkable box pews pictured above were installed. In all the churches and cathedrals we visited in our Europe travels, these are the only box pews we ever saw. 

This stained-glass window illustrating an angel telling both Marys that Jesus is no longer in the tomb stood out to me among the many beautiful and well-preserved windows. At first the women were afraid; later they rejoiced when they understood Jesus was resurrected.

In the cemetery on the other side of the hedge, we visited St. Patrick's grave marked by a worn granite slab. After years as a slave in Ireland, he escaped, went home to Britain, and then later returned to his captors in Ireland to tell them about the love of Jesus Christ. Pictured above is a replica of St. Patrick's cross. The original was probably created soon after the monastery was established, but then it was broken sometime in the late 1800s. Based on the remaining pieces, a few drawings, and one late 19th century photograph, the new cross was created.

View of the back of Down Cathedral with the front of our motorhome peeking in from the right. The Cathedral is located on English Street, and the road conveniently loops around the church. Free parking was available at the back with plenty of room for our 7-meter-long motorhome. Very handy!