When thinking of Saint Patrick, the mental association that most easily comes to mind is undoubtedly with the city of Dublin.
This is thanks to the presence in the city of a Cathedral dedicated to the Saint but especially to the historic Saint Patrick’s Parade that every March 17th marches through the streets of the city center.
However, all of Ireland expresses great devotion to its Patron Saint, with events across the country.
Here is a guide to the places of Saint Patrick in the various Irish counties, not just in Dublin.
Slemish Mountain, County Antrim
St. Patrick as a teenager was captured and was used as a slave, practically “deported” to Slemish Mountain. His existence in these places was characterized by shepherding activity for about six years, and his hagiography tells of a great reliance on God precisely to endure that situation.
Saul Church, County Down
This is where Saint Patrick began his work of conversion for thousands of people: upon returning to Ireland, he arrived in this county where a recently converted man decided to make a barn available to him. In fact, the agricultural building 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, City of Armagh
Armagh is undoubtedly one of the places to visit if you are interested in the life of St. Patrick since here stand two churches dedicated to the Saint. The first is the Church of Ireland Cathedral, built on the site of an ancient church founded and built by St. Patrick during his lifetime. The second is medieval in era and is the Roman Catholic Cathedral.
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
A place of pilgrimage par excellence, whose visit is recommended at the end of July: on the last Sunday of this summer month, in fact, thousands of devotees arrive here on pilgrimage, barefoot. The path is rough, as it is a scree summit, but it is undertaken as a sign of devotion because Saint Patrick decided to fast for 40 days during Lent on this peak, symbolically similar to Christ’s ordeal in the desert.
