The Cuan: Strangford Co. Down

Explore every aspect of the life and times of Irelands most famous saint.

The Cuan offers a unique location from which to learn about the life and times of The patron saint of Ireland - Saint Patrick

When St Patrick came to Ireland in 432 he meant to sail up the coast to county Antrim where, as a young slave, he had tended flocks for six years on Slemish mountain. But strong currents swept his boat through Strangford's tidal narrows and he landed where the Slaney river flows into the lough.

Nothing daunted by this change of plan, Patrick set about his missionary business, starting with Dichu, the local chieftain. Dichu was quickly converted and gave him a barn (sabhal pronounced 'saul' in Gaelic) for holding services. Over the next 30 years Patrick converted the Irish to Christianity. He died at Saul in 461 and was buried in Downpatrick.

According to the 8th-century hymn of St Fiacc, Patrick received his last communion from St Tassach. You can see the ruins of St Tassach's church, one of Ireland's earliest Christian buildings, at Raholp near Saul. At Saul itself a replica of an early church with a round tower marks the place where Patrick preached his first sermon to the Irish.

All of these famous sites are within 10 minutes drive of The Cuan. Visit these sites and many more while enjoying the wonderful hospitality at The Cuan.

For more information use some of the links below:

http://www.saintpatrickcentre.com/

http://www.saintpatrickcentre.com/saint_patrick.php

http://www.saintpatrickcentre.com/saint_patrick.php