Down County Museum

The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down BT30 6AH
Tel: (028) 4461 5218
Fax: (028) 4461 5590
Email: mail@downcountymuseum.com
Website: www.downcountymuseum.com

The museum collects, conserves and exhibits artefacts relating to the history of County Down from the earliest times until today. Our aim is to enhance appreciation of the history, culture and environment of the County through the organisation of exhibitions, activities and events which are informative, accessible and relevant to the local community and our visitors.

The museum is located in the historic buildings of the eighteenth century County Gaol of Down. The Down Gaol was opened in 1796 and until its closure in 1830 housed many thousands of prisoners. Our new online prisoners database allows you to search for details of prisoners.

In those harsher times executions took place at the door of the gaol and many prisoners were transported to the penal colonies of Australia. Today you can visit restored cells complete with displays on prison conditions.

The museum's permanent exhibitions include galleries dedicated to the history of the County, the story of the Norman conquest of Down and the history of the gaol.

A programme of temporary exhibitions deals with everything from the Victorians to local artists.

Our logo

The Down County Museum symbol is based on a coin minted by John de Courcy, about 1190, probably in Downpatrick. It has the name of Patrick, with a crozier, on one side and of de Courcy on the other. It was a symbolic linking of the religious and political associations of the area and because it did not bear the head of Prince John, Lord of Ireland, it was a declaration of independence by de Courcy.

The museum is opened daily and admission is free. Groups can pre-book guided tours of the museum buildings or of the local area. The shop and tearoom are also opened daily.