Home / Disasters and Accidents / Massive Fire Devastates Downpatrick Convent
Massive Fire Devastates Downpatrick Convent
29 Jun
Summary
- A major fire broke out at the Convent of Mercy on St Patrick's Avenue.
- Ten fire appliances and a water tanker were dispatched to the scene.
- The historic convent, built in the 1870s, was recently listed for sale.
Firefighters were battling a substantial blaze at the Convent of Mercy on St Patrick's Avenue in Downpatrick, County Down, on Sunday evening, June 28. Thick smoke and visible flames indicated the roof was severely alight.
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service deployed ten fire appliances and a water tanker to control the fire. Police advised the public to keep clear of the area for safety. The building is adjacent to St Patrick's Church.
According to SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith, who was present, the fire appeared to be contained within the convent building. This historic structure, dating back to the 1870s, was placed on the market in October of the previous year with an asking price of £400,000.
Colin McGrath, a Member of the Legislative Assembly, shared his dismay on Facebook, calling the convent a "beautiful and iconic part of our town's skyline." He expressed his thoughts were with the firefighters working to bring the extensive fire under control and hoped for their safety.
