Saint Brigid was born in the year 451 near Dundalk to a pagan Gaelic Chieftain named Dubtach and a Christian slave mother named Brocca. She was baptized by Saint Patrick and later became his friend. Brigid's friendship with Saint Patrick was well documented in the "Book of Armagh".
Together with a small group of women, Brigid formed the first ever female Monastic community in Ireland in 468. There were many stories of Brigid's purity and charity. Despite having limited resources she continually helped the poor.
Brigid died in 525 on February 1st. Her feast-day is now celebrated on this day and her memory is marked with the traditional creation of the Saint Brigid's Cross.
Brigid is buried in Downpatrick next to Saint Patrick and Saint Colmcille - "In County Down, three saints one grave do fill: Patrick, Brigid and Colmcille".
Immersive, hands-on ancient Irish cultural heritage experience in the Saint Patrick Centre Downpatrick.
The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. The History of Ireland starts here in Patrick’s words, which guide you through our amazing multimedia exhibition. Located 2 Hours north of Dublin and 35 minutes south of Belfast beside Saint Patrick’s Grave with a fantastic Craft Store and incredible Garden Cafe. This needs to be your first stop in Ireland.
Down Cathedral, a Cathedral of the Church of Ireland with magnificent stain glass windows, box pews and beautiful organ case was built in 1183 as a Benedictine Monastry. The patron saint, Patrick is believed to be buried in the nearby graveyard.
