Downpatrick Library

Downpatrick Library

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Events

 

Events

Event Name Event Details Start Date and Time End Date and Time Booking
Got IT  
Ideal for those with no or little computer experience, one to one.
 
Contact the library to book one to one iPad classes.
 
t: 028 4461 2895
01/05/2026 9:30am 30/06/2027 10:00am See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Tea and Newspapers  

Every Friday 10:00am – 12 noon.

Tea and Newspapers groups give adults the opportunity to meet new people, socialise and discuss local and national affairs in the newspapers while enjoying complimentary tea/coffee and biscuits.

01/05/2026 10:00am 25/06/2027 12 noon See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Rhythm and Rhyme  
Every Saturday from 11:00am - 11:30am.

Rhythm and Rhyme sessions introduce parents and children aged 0 - 4 years to the wonder of rhymes, songs and stories.

Each session offers an entertaining opportunity for children to engage with others, provides a good foundation to develop their reading, listening and language skills and of course to have lots of fun!
02/05/2026 11:00am 26/06/2027 11:30am See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Storytime  
Every Saturday at 2:00pm.
 
For children aged 4 - 8 years old; Children must be accompanied by an adult. 
 
Booking not required. More info:
02/05/2026 2:00pm 26/06/2027 2:30pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Duplo Club  
Every Tuesday from 2:30pm - 3:30pm.
 
For Children aged 8 and under they must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Booking essential.
t: 028 4461 2895
05/05/2026 2:30pm 29/06/2027 3:30pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Rhythm and Rhyme  
Every Wednesday from 11:00am - 11:30am.

Rhythm and Rhyme sessions introduce parents and children aged 0 - 4 years to the wonder of rhymes, songs and stories.

Each session offers an entertaining opportunity for children to engage with others, provides a good foundation to develop their reading, listening and language skills and of course to have lots of fun!
06/05/2026 11:00am 30/06/2027 11:30am See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Lego Club  
Lego Club every Monday from 3:30pm - 4:30pm.
 
For children aged 6-10 years, children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Booking not essential.
11/05/2026 3:30pm 28/06/2027 4:30pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Knit and Natter  
Every Thursday from 11:00am - 1:00pm.

Knit and Natter groups are for adults who enjoy knitting, crochet, cross stitch and other crafts. They are free of charge to attend and participants have the opportunity to share hints and tips, swap patterns, meet new people and learn new skills. Members can bring along a project they are already working on or can start something new.
28/05/2026 11:00am 24/06/2027 1:00pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Creative Writing Group  

Come along to our monthly creative writing group that takes place on the first Tuesday of each month; the event is hosted by local writer Drew Bassett, where you can create and share your own poetry with other members.

Booking not required.
t: 028 4461 2895
e: downpatrick.library@librariesni.org.uk 
 

01/09/2026 6:00pm 06/07/2027 7:00pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Teen Reading Group  

Commencing Saturday 10 October
From 3:00pm – 4:00pm
 

Will run every 4 weeks, please contact the library for dates.
 

Teenage Reading Groups are a great way for young people aged 12+ to explore a wide range of new books, authors and to make new friends along the way. Members are asked to read a chosen book before each meeting, which will be available to borrow for free from the library catalogue.
 

Ask staff for details.
t: 028 4461 2895
e: downpatrick.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

10/10/2026 3:00pm 26/06/2027 4:00pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
PRONI On Tour Drop in Event  

Downpatrick Heritage Gallery presents PRONI on Tour. PRONI staff will be in the library to answer all your research questions. You can drop in anytime between 10.00am and 4.00pm. Booking not required.
t: 028 4433 3980 / 028 4461 2895
e: localstudies.down@librariesni.org.uk 

04/12/2026 10:00am 04/12/2026 4:00pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
PRONI on Tour Workshop  

Join us at Downpatrick Library for an introduction to using PRONI for family and local history research. Are you thinking of starting your family history, or local history research? We are delighted to be on tour at Downpatrick Library to hold an onsite workshop. This workshop has been designed to help you get started using PRONI's own online services and other resources. It is also a chance for you to ask your questions directly to PRONI staff!
Book your spot by visiting https://bit.ly/4Bghyxw or scan the QR code available on library posters. Booking is essential.
Ask staff for details
t: 028 4433 3980 / 028 4461 2895
e: localstudies.down@librariesni.org.uk 

04/12/2026 12:30pm 04/12/2026 1:30pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Now We’re Talking: Presentation and Special Screening of Sam Hanna Bell Footage  
Join us at Downpatrick Library for a special screening of films relating to the life and career of folklore collector, Sam Hanna Bell. PRONI on Tour has taken PRONI collections and staff members all over Northern Ireland to speak with people about their family and local history research. During our visit to Downpatrick Library, the Now We're Talking Project will feature a presentation and special screening of films relating to Sam Hanna Bell, writer, broadcaster and prolific folklore collector.
Book your spot by visiting https://bit.ly/4isrEUO or scan the QR code available on library posters. Booking is essential.
Ask staff for details
t: 028 4433 3980 / 028 4461 2895
e: localstudies.down@librariesni.org.uk 
04/12/2026 2:00pm 04/12/2026 3:00pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Elves on the Bookshelves  

Join us for a picture hunt and try to find the elves hiding on the shelves.
During library opening hours.
Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking not required.
 

t: 028 4461 2895
e: downpatrick.library@librariesni.org.uk 

05/12/2026 9:30am 23/12/2026 5:00am See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Downpatrick Jobs and Benefits Support Sessions  
Downpatrick Jobs and Benefits Office staff along with support agency, USEL, will be in Downpatrick Library to give support and information. Everyone welcome. Booking not required.
t: 028 4461 2895
e: downpatrick.library@librariesni.org.uk 
10/12/2026 10:30am 10/12/2026 12 noon See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Christmas Storytime and All Day Crafts  

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!
Join us for a special Storytime at 3pm. Why not come in fancy dress or Christmas pyjamas!
Christmas crafting will also be available throughout the day.
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking not required.

t: 028 4461 2895
e: downpatrick.library@librariesni.org.uk 

22/12/2026 9:30am 22/12/2026 5:00pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Robert Burns: The Man behind the Poetry  

Join us in Downpatrick Library to discover all things 'Burns'.
Booking not required.
 

t: 028 4461 2895
e: downpatrick.library@librariesni.org.uk  

19/01/2027 6:30pm 19/01/2027 7:30pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Children's Mental Health Week - Gratitude Chain  

Children are invited to write down something they are grateful for and help build a ‘Gratitude Chain’ which will be displayed in Downpatrick Library.

During Library Opening Hours.
Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking not required.
 

t: 028 4461 2895
e: downpatrick.library@librariesni.org.uk  

01/02/2027 9:30am 06/02/2027 5:30pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Children's Mental Health Week - Leaf the Library Laughing!  

Join us in Downpatrick Library to share one funny thing you heard, saw or did during the day. Write it down on native tree leaf stencils for display.

During Library Opening Hours
Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking not required.
 

t: 028 4461 2895
e: downpatrick.library@librariesni.org.uk 

01/02/2027 9:30am 06/02/2027 5:30pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Heritage Week 2027  

Behind Closed Doors: Forgotten Houses, Prisons & Hidden Tunnels

Join Abandoned NI photographer and author Rebecca Brownlie on a fascinating journey through Ireland’s abandoned mansions, historic gaols, prisons and hidden underground passages, including the forgotten tunnel beneath Downpatrick that once connected its historic gaol buildings.

From magnificent country houses once filled with wealth and grandeur to humble cottages that hold extraordinary stories of incredible men and women who survived unimaginable hardship.  Rebecca uncovers the human stories behind Ireland’s forgotten buildings.

Through her photography and research, discover the secrets, tragedies, resilience and remarkable lives hidden behind these walls.
 

The date and time is Tuesday 9 March 2027, 6:00pm to 7:15pm.

 

09/03/2027 6:00pm 09/03/2027 7:15pm See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.