Downpatrick

Downpatrick, or simply DOWN, the capital of County Down, situated near the influx of the Quoyle into the south-west end of Long Strangford, 27 miles SE. of Belfast, and 140 NNE. of Dublin by rail. Downpatrick takes its name from St Patrick, and is the seat of the diocese of Down, which was united with that of Dromore in 1842. It returned a member to parliament till 1885. Vessels of 100 tons reach the quay a mile from Downpatrick. Its chief manufacture is sewed muslin. Pop. (1871) 3621; (1891) 3132.