Ryeland Family Tree

The Genealogy of the Ryeland and connected Families

Downpatrick, , Down, Northern Ireland

Notes:
Downpatrick (Dún Phádraig in Irish, meaning Fort of Patrick) is one of Ireland's most ancient and historic towns. It takes its name from a dún (fort), which once stood on the hill that dominates the town and on which the cathedral stands. Ptolemy about the year AD 130 includes it as "Dunum" in his list of towns of Ireland. The old name of the town was "Rath Celtair". It was superseded by the name "Dun-leth-glas" which in turn gave way in the 13th century to the present name of Downpatrick - from the town's connection with the patron saint of Ireland.



Saint Patrick was reputedly buried here in 461 on Cathedral Hill, within the grounds of Down Cathedral. His grave is still a place of pilgrimage on St Patricks Day (17 March).

Latitude: 54.316667, Longitude: -5.7