Episode 16 ñ Interview with Dr. Tim Campbell

Dr. Campbell is the Director of the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, County Down. He was kind enough to sit down with us for a few moments during Milwaukee Irish Fest 2009, and he told us about the Centre and several of its programs, which include local outreach events and an international ambassador program.

The following information appears on the centreís website (http://www.saintpatrickcentre.com/):

The Centre is an exciting interpretative exhibition which tells the fascinating story of Ireland’s Patron Saint. Through Patrick’s own words a light is shone on the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and its development through his mission. A series of interactive displays allow visitors to explore how Patrick’s legacy developed in early Christian times and reveal the fabulous artwork and metalwork which was produced during this Golden Age. The exhibition also examines the major impact of Irish missionaries in Dark Age Europe – a legacy which remains to this day.

The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World†dedicated to†Ireland’s Patron Saint and one of the top tourist destinations in Ireland. Situated in the heart of Saint Patrick’s Country, beside Down Cathedral and Patrick’s Grave,†we are just 2 hours north of Dublin and 40 mins south of Belfast. The Centre provides a cutting edge interactive exhibition about the life and legacy of Patrick and is a central hub on the new Saint Patrick’s Trail through Counties Armagh and Down. As a non-profit organisation we provide reconciliation†education programs to thousands of children in Northern Ireland every year as well as†running cross border and international youth programs. The Friends of Saint Patrick is a support†organisation which is growing around the World to make people aware of our work and the new Northern Ireland.

Bernd Biegeís article (and many others about travel to Ireland) on About.com can be found at http://goireland.about.com/od/countydown/gr/patrick_centre.htm.