Downpatrick Courthouse


Downpatrick Courthouse is a judicial facility on English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is a Grade B+ listed building.

History

The building, which was designed in the Neoclassical style, dates from 1735 but was substantially rebuilt after a major fire in 1855. A tunnel was built from courthouse to the basement of the town gaol in 1857. The building was originally used as a facility for dispensing justice but, following the implementation of the Local Government Act 1898, which established county councils in every county, it also became the meeting place for Down County Council. The county council continued to use the courthouse as its headquarters until the county council was abolished in 1973.