Saul, County Down
| Saul | |
| County Down | |
|---|---|
 Saul church | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | J513464 |
| Location: | 54°20’38"N, 5°40’26"W |
| Data | |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Newry, Mourne and Down |
Saul is a hamlet and townland (and civil parish) on the Lecale peninsula of County Down. Its name is from the Gaelic Sabhall Phádraig; "Patrick's barn",[1] recalling its legendary foundation.
The townland lies immediately to the east of Downpatrick. Like the bigger town, Saul has strong links with St Patrick. It is claimed that when Patrick came to Ireland in 432, strong currents swept his boat through the Strangford Lough tidal narrows and he landed where the Slaney River flows into the lough. The local chieftain, Dichu, was quickly converted and gave him a barn for holding services. Local legend has it that Patrick died in Saul on 17 March 461 and is buried in nearby Downpatrick. The modern "Saint Patrick's Memorial Church" is built on the reputed spot of this building and includes a replica round tower.
Close by, on the crest of Slieve Patrick is a massive statue of St Patrick with bronze panels showing scenes from his life.
