The Grove

This area was planted by Edward Southwell in 1740. It connects the town centre to Down Cathedral. Originally the Strangford Lough washed up at the base where the Carpark is today. In 1745 a radical drainage scheme created the land on which Market Street is built. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was a place of recreation.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, preached in ‘The Grove’ on several occasions. Stones embedded in the path contain excerpts of his diary. The garden of the Saint Patrick Centre has a gateway which opens into the park. You can access the café through this.