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School children in Downpatrick make crosses for St Brigid's Day.
Summary
School children in Downpatrick made crosses for St Brigid's Day, and the town hosts a weekend festival at Down Cathedral near the grave of the three patron saints.
Content
School children in Downpatrick made traditional crosses as part of local observances for St Brigid's Day. Downpatrick is noted for its association with Ireland's patron saints and the grave at Down Cathedral. Tour guide Brigid Watson said St Brigid's remains were brought to Downpatrick in 878 AD after Viking attacks. Some relics from St Brigid were later moved elsewhere, including a skull reported to be kept near Lisbon.
Key details:
- School children made crosses for St Brigid's Day in Downpatrick.
- Downpatrick is said to be the burial place of St Patrick, St Brigid and St Colmcille at Down Cathedral.
- Brigid Watson said St Brigid's remains were relocated to Downpatrick in 878 AD because of Viking attacks.
- Relics from St Brigid, including a skull, were taken to other locations and one is reported near Lisbon.
- St Brigid's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland but not in Northern Ireland.
- A weekend festival at Down Cathedral takes place near the saints' grave to mark the feast day.
Summary:
Local observances, including school-made crosses and a weekend festival at Down Cathedral, reflect the increasing prominence of St Brigid's Day in the area. Undetermined at this time.
