By Lisa Ramsden
FORMER convent, which dates back over 150 years, has been left in a dangerous state after it was set alight on Sunday.
The blaze, at the now derelict Convent of Mercy in Downpatrick, was spotted just after 7pm.
Such was the scale of the fire, and the derelict building’s close proximity to other property, including St Patrick’s Church, that people have been asked to stay away from the grounds until further notice.
Seventy firefighters, including crews from Warrenpoint, Newcastle and Rathfriland, were among those involved in tackling the fire, with some firefighters on scene for 12 hours.
The listed building, which is currently for sale, dates to the 1870s.
According to a 2024 update in the Department for Communities’ ‘Heritage at Risk’ register, “the building is a key part of the ecclesiastical complex of the Conservation Area of Downpatrick with the adjacent church”.
Planning permission was secured, in March 2023, for “a premium residential development” consisting of 39 units, suitable for the over-55 community.
Downpatrick Family of Parishes issued an update after firefighters left the scene, in which it thanked the emergency services for their “heroism and skill”.
In a statement, they said: “We are relieved that the fire which destroyed the old convent last night was prevented by the heroism and skill of the Northern Ireland Fire Service from reaching St Patrick’s Church.
“Firefighters worked through the night to protect St Patrick’s and to them we owe an enormous debt of gratitude.
“Coming at the end of a wonderful day in the life of the parish family – the Ordination to the Priesthood of Fr Thomas Hampton – when the parish came together in a tremendous act of hospitality and welcome, it is particularly sad that so beautiful a building has been destroyed.
“Let us be thankful that no lives were lost. And remind ourselves of the indelible influence for good in Downpatrick of the Mercy Order, whose sisters have graced this parish for over 150 years.”
