Saint Patrick - Places Associated With Saint Patrick

Places Associated With Saint Patrick

  • Slemish, County Antrim and Killala Bay, County Mayo
When captured by raiders, there are two theories as to where Patrick was enslaved. One theory is that he herded sheep in the countryside around Slemish. Another theory is that Patrick herded sheep near Killala Bay, at a place called Fochill.
  • Saul, County Down (from Irish: Sabhall Phádraig, meaning "Patrick's barn")
It is claimed that Patrick founded his first church in a barn at Saul, which was donated to him by a local chieftain called Dichu. It is also claimed that Patrick died at Saul or was brought there between his death and burial. Nearby, on the crest of Slieve Patrick, is a huge statue of Saint Patrick with bronze panels showing scenes from his life.
  • Hill of Slane, County Meath
Muirchu moccu Machtheni, in his highly mythologized 7th century Life of Patrick, says that Patrick lit a Paschal fire on this hilltop in 433 CE in defiance of High King Laoire. The story says that the fire could not be doused by anyone but Patrick, and it was here that he explained the holy trinity using the shamrock.
  • Croagh Patrick, County Mayo (from Irish: Cruach Phádraig, meaning "Patrick's stack")
It is claimed that Patrick climbed this mountain and fasted on its summit for the forty days of Lent. Croagh Patrick draws thousands of pilgrims who make the trek to the top on the last Sunday in July.
  • Lough Derg, County Donegal (from Irish: Loch Dearg, meaning "red lake")
It is claimed that Patrick killed a large serpent on this lake and that its blood turned the water red (hence the name). Each August, pilgrims spend three days fasting and praying there on Station Island.
  • Armagh, County Armagh
It is claimed that Patrick founded a church here and proclaimed it to be the most holy church in Ireland. Armagh is today the primary seat of both the Catholic and Protestant Churches in Ireland and both cathedrals in the town are named after Patrick.
  • Downpatrick, County Down (from Irish: Dún Pádraig, meaning "Patrick's stronghold")
It is claimed that Patrick was brought here after his death and buried in the grounds of Down Cathedral.

Other places named after Saint Patrick include:

  • Ardpatrick, County Limerick (from Irish: Ard Pádraig, meaning "high place of Patrick")
  • Patrickswell or Toberpatrick, County Limerick (from Irish: Tobar Phádraig, meaning "Patrick's well")
  • St Patrick's Chapel, Heysham
  • St Patrick's Island, County Dublin
  • Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, Scotland from "Cill Phàdraig," Patrick's Church, a claimant to his birthplace
  • St Patrick's Isle, off the Isle of Man
  • Llanbadrig (church), Ynys Badrig (island), Porth Padrig (cove), Llyn Padrig (lake), and Rhosbadrig (heath) on the island of Anglesey in Wales
  • Templepatrick, County Antrim (from Irish: Teampall Phádraig, meaning "Patrick's church")
  • St Patrick's Hill, Liverpool, on old maps of the town near to the former location of "St Patrick's Cross"

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