
When you think of Saint Patrick, the mental association that comes most easily is undoubtedly the one with the city of Dublin.
This is thanks to the presence in the city of a Cathedral dedicated to the Saint but above all to the historic St. Patrick's Parade which runs through the streets of the city center every March 17th.
However, the wholeIreland expresses great devotion to its Patron Saint, with demonstrations throughout the country.
So here is a guide to the places of St. Patrick in the various Irish counties, not just in Dublin.
Slemish Mountain, County Antrim
St Patrick was captured as a teenager and was used as a slave, practically "deported" to Slemish Mountain. His existence among these places was characterized by herding activity for about six years and his hagiography tells of a great reliance on God precisely to resist this situation.
Saul Church, County Down
It is here that Saint Patrick began his work of conversion for thousands of people: having returned to Ireland, he arrived in this county where a recently converted man decided to make his barn available to him. In fact, construction for agricultural purposes became a place of worship, known as Saul Church, which eventually also became the place where Saint Patrick remained until his death.
St Patrick's Cathedrals, Armagh City
Armagh is undoubtedly one of the places to visit if you are interested in the life of Saint Patrick as there are two churches dedicated to the Saint here. The first is the Church of Ireland Cathedral, built on the basis of an ancient church desired and built by Saint Patrick during his existence. The second is from the medieval era and is the Roman Catholic Cathedral.
Ireland: see also
Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary
This place is definitely very important: better known as "St. Patrick's Rock", this hill saw the baptism of Aenghus - king of Munster - by St. Patrick. The event - of great spiritual but also historical significance - effectively marked the end of paganism in these territories, with a clear opening to Christianity.
Croagh Patrick, County Mayo
Place of pilgrimage par excellence, whose visit is recommended at the end of July: during the last Sunday of this summer month, in fact, thousands of devotees arrive here on pilgrimage, barefoot. The path is impervious, as it is a scree peak but it is done as a sign of devotion since Saint Patrick decided to fast on this peak for 40 days during Lent, as a journey symbolically similar to Christ's ordeal in the desert.
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