Down County Museum
With a National Art Pass you get
Down County Museum is a restored 18th-century gaol complex, adjoining the traditional burial place of Patrick, patron saint of Ireland.
Established in 1981, the museum boasts an impressive collection artefacts and photographs, chronicling the county's story from its earliest inhabitants to the present day.
Unveiling County Down's past
Explore the museum's permanent exhibition housed within the Governor's Residence. Here, over 1,100 artefacts paint a vivid picture of the county's diverse past. You'll encounter fascinating objects from the Mesolithic period (roughly 9,000 years ago), delve into the story of the iconic Downpatrick High Cross, and learn about the traditional ways of life through farming and fishing exhibits.
Diverse collections
The museum’s Medical collection including surgical items, home remedies, plus archive material and equipment from the Downe Hospital, whilst the Textiles collection charts the changing fashions of ladies’, men’s and children’s clothes. A large photography archive of around 50,000 photographs, negatives and glass plates provides a significant resource for anyone studying the history of the area.
Visitor information
Address
The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH
02844 615218
Opening times
Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.