Arson investigation launched after fire destroys historic Downpatrick convent interior

A major fire has severely damaged the interior of the 150-year-old former Convent of Mercy building in Downpatrick, County Down.

The blaze occurred on Irish Street, also known as St Patrick's Avenue, on the evening of Sunday, 28 June 2026. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) deployed approximately 70 firefighters and 10 fire appliances to tackle the well-developed fire, battling the incident for roughly 12 hours. The fire was successfully extinguished by 7:00 AM on Monday, 29 June 2026.

Both the NIFRS and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have declared the cause of the fire as deliberate ignition. Authorities are officially treating the incident as arson.

While the interior of the historic convent building was almost completely destroyed by the flames, firefighters managed to save the adjacent church building. The site, situated near the burial site of St Patrick, has been secured by authorities to facilitate further investigation. Members of the public have been advised to avoid the immediate vicinity while active inquiries into the origin of the fire continue.