The Armagh Down Saint Patrick's Festival is the largest celebration of Irish people's patron saint held in Northern Ireland. The ancient counties were the cradle of the local Christian culture, now known as Saint Patrick's Country. Celebrate in style as you experience a host of fantastic events which include plays, music concerts, conferences, exhibitions and children's entertainment.

This truly international festival now includes 70 events over a 12 day period. The main attraction for most visitors is the colourful and high energy carnival parade and pageant in Armagh City and Downpatrick on St Patrick's Day (17 March). Thousands of people line the streets to enjoy the dozens of floats, costumes and entertainment.

In the grounds of Downpatrick Cathedral, a large stone slab marks the grave of three saints, St Colomb, St Bridget and St Patrick, who between them were responsible for converting the pagan Irish to Christianity. St Patrick is the most famous of them all and in honour of his memory the town of Downpatrick holds an annual parade, drawing more than 15,000 people. St Patrick's Day in Downpatrick begins with services in the cathedral and a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of the saints at 12.30pm.

At 2.30pm the carnival parade sets off, led by a local man dressed as the great saint himself, wearing an oatmeal-coloured toga and carrying a wooden staff. Following the saint come spectacular floats, bands, American and vintage cars. Catholics and Protestants alike march in wild fancy dress. The streets are lined with people wearing plenty of green in honour of the saint. The parade lasts about an hour and finishes below the cathedral.

Downpatrick is the ancient main city of Down County and is believed to originate from St Patrick's first efforts to spread Christianity here. When St Patrick came from France in the 432AD, he sailed up Strangford Loch (the name means "violent fjord" and was coined by the Vikings). From there, the saint sailed up the River Cqoile to a place called Saul, where we know he founded a church and converted the local chieftain Dichu. Nearby was the settlement of Downpatrick, where St Patrick settled and was eventually buried.

Visitors can enjoy concerts, take part in ceilidhs, attend lectures on the history of St Patrick, enjoy sporting events including cycle rides, fun runs, guided walks as well as taking coach tours around Down County. So much is going on, why not make a weekend of it?

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
14 March - Singer Songwriter evening featuring Claire Sproule and Kevin Doherty
15 March - At the Racket and Celtic Whisper in Concert
16 March – St Patrick’s Conference
16 March – Kieran Goss in Concert
16 & 17 March – Christie Hennessey in Concert
18 March – Armagh Pipers Club Annual Concert
19 March – Scribes and Monk Family Day

Source:http://travelguides.lastminute.com
          http://www.st-patricksdayfestival.com