Visitor Information

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.

Opening Hours
The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm.

Admission
Admission to the museum is free of charge. There is however a charge for some special events and for guided tours. Please contact us for more details.

Finding the museum
The museum is located on the Mall, English Street Downpatrick and is within easy walking distance of the town centre. There are many other places to visit nearby and you can see these on our interactive visitors map of Downpatrick

Guided Tours for Groups
Guided tour of the museum and old gaol
Walking tour of Downpatrick
Bus tour of sites of 1798 Rising
Bus tour of Lecale
Bus Tour of Churches and Religious Sites of Lecale

Click on our Events and Exhibitions page for details of special events which your group might be interested in attending. Click on our Thomas Russell page for details of that programme of events.

Facilities for Groups
The museum tearoom serves lunches and snacks. Contact us for details or for an all in price for tours and catering. Tour leaders and bus drivers can avail of free tea/coffee/scone. The museum shop sells a wide range of local crafts and souvenirs.

The restored cell block and temporary exhibition area are accessible to disabled visitors as are the shop and tearoom. Groups may also be interested in booking our conference room for functions or meetings.

Disabled Access
Until 2004-2005 disabled access to the museum is limited to the cell block building. Please let us know if you have a disability so that we can help you plan your visit to make the most of our resources.

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