Down Cathedral, Downpatrick
posted in Down, Indoors, Outdoors |Off in search of something to do…
We actually ended up walking around the Cathedral as we had be pointed at a Museum which was closed for the next 2.5 hours. St Patrick’s Grave was where we headed. The kids were very impressed with the old headstones in the graveyard though thought it all looked a bit creepy. The signs to St Patrick’s grave were good and it was not what I expected to see. The Children did not really get too buzzed by this even though I did try to explain what I could. I think they need to be a bit older. I even tried the tale of St Patrick chasing all the snakes out of Ireland.
As we passed the Cathedral doors we could see inside and the kids wanted to go in. I was very hesitant about this to be honest; two kids in a quiet and serene place like that?
Inside we were all very impressed. The windows are stunning and both kids were taken in by their colours and subjects. There are fantastic box pews which are characteristic of the Regency period. The kids loved sitting in them. There are Thrones in the centre which were used by the Bishop and the Judges. It is all very impressive. The organ pipes were impressive and above you as you walk into the main part of the church (built on a pulpitum). We all nearly jumped out of our skins when the organ gave us a blast! It was re-built in 1913, enhanced in 1966, then cleaned and voiced to concert pitch in 1987.
The Cathedral has a gift shop which has some very nice gifts. We got talking to the lady at the shop and she was very informative. She came up with lots of suggestions as to were to go and what we could see in Downpatrick. We also got a really cool pair of fold-away binoculars from the gift shop for our sight-seeing.
It is free to get in but they do ask for a donation for the running costs and upkeep.
WOW Overview
Kids Say
6 year old: I liked the big metal pipes on the bridge (the organ i think!) also the precious things in the shop.
5 year old: I liked the shop and the boxes that you can shut yourself in and kneel on a cushion
Stress Level 3 (Lots to touch!!)
Fun Level 2 (It was very interesting but I think they may have been a bit young to understand the concept of what they were seeing)
Cost Level 1 (Gift shop was very reasonable. Binoculars cost £1.50 I think. Donation is voluntary so it is up to you what you give)
