The building that houses the County Downdownpatrick.html Museum was once a local jail dating back to 1789. Now painstakingly restored, it houses exhibits centered around the life of St. Patrick, carved crosses from the 8th and 10th centuries, a selection of audiovisual presentations, and agricultural exhibits that include old farm implements and details about animals raised on local farms.
Historical items on display include Bronze Age weapons, pottery, implements and tools, along with domestic crafts from the 19th century. There is a special section focusing on artifacts from the 1798 uprising.
A building on the grounds is dedicated to the history of the prison itself. It was made famous as the place where Thomas Russell was executed in 1803. Over the years, it has had a rich history of serving as a barracks in the two world wars.