When thinking of Saint Patrick, the mental association that most easily comes to mind is undoubtedly with the city of Dublin.
Thanks to the presence in the city of a Cathedral dedicated to the Saint but above all to the historic Saint Patrick’s Parade that every March 17th walks through the streets of the city center.
However, all of Ireland shows great devotion to its Patron Saint, with events throughout the country.
Here is a guide to the places of Saint Patrick in the various Irish counties, not only in Dublin.
Slemish Mountain, County Antrim
Saint Patrick as a teenager was captured and used as a slave, practically “deported” to Slemish Mountain. His existence in these places was characterized by shepherding activities 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: 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 stayed 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 because here stand two churches dedicated to the Saint. The first is the Church of Ireland Cathedral, built on the basis of an ancient church desired and built by St. Patrick himself during his lifetime. The second is instead medieval and is the Roman Catholic Cathedral.
Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary
This place is definitely very important: better known as the “Rock of St. Patrick,” this hill witnessed 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 pilgrimage site par excellence, whose visit is recommended at the end of July: during the last Sunday of this summer month, thousands of devotees arrive here on pilgrimage, barefoot. The path is arduous, being a scree summit, but it is undertaken as a sign of devotion because St. Patrick decided to fast on this peak for 40 days during Lent, a journey symbolically similar to Christ’s ordeal in the desert.
