Downpatrick Cross

Handcrafted Stonecast Cross from Downpatrick, Co. Down, Ireland St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, landed near Downpatrick at Saul in 432, and was reputedly buried in Downpatrick. The present cathedral dates mainly from the early 19th century, though it incorporates remains of earlier churches that were built, destroyed and rebuilt of 14 turbulent centuries of Irish history. Although there were Christian missionaries in Ireland before Patrick’s arrival, he was able to convert most of the entire island in 30 years, by working converting the local chieftains. The much loved St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland today. On the outskirts of Downpatrick, Struell Wells, believed to be a former pagan place of worship that the saint blessed, has a ruined church. The lamb in the center of the cross represents Christ – The Lamb of God.