St. Patrick's Church

The cathedral-like proportions of St. Patrick's Church in Downpatrick stop you dead when you walk in. Built in the 19th century, it's a proper statement of Victorian Gothic architecture - all soaring ceilings, pointed arches, and that particular shade of stone that only gets more impressive with age. The interior is surprisingly grand for a parish church, with stained glass that catches the light beautifully if you time it right.

It's worth an hour of your time if you're already in Downpatrick, though you won't need much longer than that unless you're really into ecclesiastical detail. The real draw here is the setting - it sits in the heart of the town, and the craftsmanship is genuinely striking. Families with older kids who can appreciate architecture will get more from it than younger ones, but it's free to pop in and have a look around.

If you're basing yourself at one of the camping spots near Tollymore - and there's a glut of them within walking distance - this makes a decent rainy-day or evening wander before dinner. Tollymore Forest Park itself is the proper draw for the area, but if you're exploring Downpatrick's centre anyway, the church deserves a few minutes. Just check ahead for opening times, as these places can be unpredictable about access.