St. Patrick's Footsteps Driving Tour

• By: Editor
• On: 05/Mar/2009
• In: Ireland Travel Tips

The following are some of the places in Ireland that are perennially linked to St. Patrick. Although the land of his birth is disputed by some, he was probably born in modern day Wales, and was the son of wealthy parents, of whom his father was a deacon. At the age of sixteen he was abducted by raiding Irish Pirates and sold into slavery.

Slemish Mountain, County Antrim and Killala Bay, County Mayo
When sold into slavery, there are two theories as to where Patrick was enslaved by the chieftain Miliucc. One theory is that he tendered herds of sheep on Slemish Mountain, County Antrim and during his isolation here, he found renewed his faith in God.  Slemish Mountain is the remains of an extinct volcano, and is located near Ballymena, County Antrim. The Mountain is located within an Enviromentally Sensitive Area. It is a great place for birdwatchers, and has a strong geological interest for geographers due to its volcanic history.

Another theory was that the young Patrick was brought to Killala Bay to herd sheep for another local chieftain, at a place called Fochill. This may have some credence as it is said that the boat he set sail in, whilst escaping his life of bondage, left from Mayo.

Hill of Slane, County Meath The Hill of Slane is the place where one of the most dramatic scenes of St. Patrick’s life took place. The tradition of the time was that the High King of Laoghaire would light the first fire in the land at the Royal Palace on the Hill of Tara – St. Patrick had beaten him to it. According to legend the fire could not be extinguished by anyone but St. Patrick, and it was here that he explained the holy trinity mystery, using Ireland’s national emblem the Shamrock, and this is worn on March 17th, St.Patrick’s Day.

Croagh Patrick, County Mayo Croagh Patrick, in County Mayo, is the mountain, which St. Patrick climbed and fasted for 40 days. The miracle of the "banishing of the snakes" is supposed to have occurred on Croagh Patrick! In reality there has never been snakes in Ireland but the tale is symbolic of St. Patrick converting the Irish natives to Christianity and banishing the Druids, whose symbol was the snake. Croagh Patrick, with its height of 765 feet, attracts thousands of pilgrims who make the trek to the top on the last Sunday in July. Find out more about Croagh Patrick.

Lough Derg, County Donegal Lough Derg in County Donegal is a place where St. Patrick slew a large monster according to legend! The area has had a shrine erected in memory of St.Patrick on Station Island, and during each August, pilgrims spend three days fasting and praying on the Island. Find out more about Lough Derg.

Armagh Town One of the most prominent religious places in Ireland associated with St. Patrick is Armagh Town. According to legend, it is here that St. Patrick constructed a stone church around AD 445 and proclaimed it to being the most holy church in Ireland, and thus founding the See of Armagh. Armagh is today the primary seat of both the Catholic and Protestant Churches in Ireland and both cathedrals in the town are named after St. Patrick.

Down Cathedral, Downpatrick County Down Another important place, not too far from Armagh is the small village of Saul in County Down, located 2 miles from Downpatrick. The name Saul (translated into Irish is Sabhall, meaning a barn) derives its name from how St. Patrick established his first Irish church in a barn, which was donated to him by one of his first converts, a local chieftain called Dichu. Saul has a replica round tower and church at the approximate spot where St. Patrick had his first church. On Slieve Patrick Hill there is a statue commemorating the Saint.

Legend has it that when St. Patrick died in the latter half of the 5th Century AD, his body was laid onto on ox drawn cart, and to be rested in the place that he revered the most. The cart made its way to Saul, and St. Patrick’s final resting place is believed to be a shrine in the grounds of Down Cathedral. The grave of St. Patrick is believed to be shared by Ireland’s other main Saints, St. Brigid and St. Columba. A visit to the St. Patrick Centre close to Downpatrick Cathedral is well advised, to learn more about the life of Ireland’s patron saint. 

So there you have it – a guide to the places you should visit as part of a driving tour to discover the places most associated with Ireland’s National Saint. Interested in exploring the areas that are associated with the Patron Saint of Ireland during your stay in Ireland? You will need a car, so book Car Rental Ireland from Nova.

Have you been to Ireland and the places that are linked with the life of St. Patrick? Have you any useful tips on what is there to do in these areas, or anywhere else in Ireland that you could learn about the Great Saint? Please let us know - we appreciate your comments!