St. Patrick, Saul, Stormont and Ulster-Scots (Day 3)

The third day of our trip was incredibly busy, and luck was with the Young Ambassadors as it was an absolutely gorgeous day.

We began by visiting Saint Patrick's grave which was located just up the hill from the Saint Patrick Centre. His grave is marked by a really large boulder. It's a really unique experience to be able to know that you're walking on the same grounds that a saint would have once walked on. The cemetery also contained several other graves, and Tim noted that the centre continues to find bodies each time it renovates the cathedral or digs within the grounds.

After visiting Saint Patrick's grave and the cathedral once again, we drove over to Saul. Saul is thought to be the first place that Saint Patrick began a parish, and where Saint Patrick converted the local chieftain (Dichu) and was given a barn to be used as his first church. Today there is a commemorative church as the site that was built in 1932, and it's so beautiful and peaceful.

After Saul, we stopped by Killgleah Castle, a pretty castle which is actually a private home that is occupied - unfortunately, that meant no tours! Then we headed to Stormont, Northern Ireland's Parliament buildings. Stormont hosted a "Family Fun Day" while we were there. Families from all over Northern Ireland were invited to come take tours of Stormont and there were rides, games and exhibits all along about a mile stretch of grass, sidewalk and road leading up to the main building. We bought savory crepes from a food vendor (I had mango chicken), which were delicious!


At Stormont we also met Basil McCrea for the first time. Basil is an MLA (member of the legislative assembly) and a member of the Ulster Unionist Party. He was absolutely charismatic and so friendly! He gave us a private tour of Stormont and brought us back to his office for tea and sweets. He also introduced us to two of his wonderful staff members, Karen and Jamie.

After a really informative and fun afternoon at Stormont, we traveled to a town called Kilkeel to attend a fair celebrating the Queen's Jubilee. We heard some great bands and saw traditional Scottish dancing. We also met Maynard Hana of the Ulster Scots Agency. He was also a really nice guy who brought us into his sons house to warm up and enjoy some treats. It was a cold night!

We did not get home till nearly 11:30pm, but we had a great and really jam packed day.