Ex-convent back on the market

Ex-convent back on the market

8 October 2025

THE former Convent of Mercy in Downpatrick has been put on the market with an asking price of more than £400,000.

Listed building consent to transform the residential block into apartments has already been granted.

The Irish Street structure has a three-storey residential block with 39 bedrooms and a two-storey chapel linked to St Patrick’s Church.

This chapel — which is not part of the sale — has been turned into a columbarium, a building used for storing ashes and funeral urns.

The 1870s property was sold to a private buyer for £225,000 in 2017, six years after it was vacated by the Order of Mercy.

The building was designed by Mortimer Thomson of Belfast, who was also behind the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Crossgar.

The convent retains many of its original details, including stained glass windows and intricate joinery.

The Ulster Architectural Society said the B1 listed building was built in Flemish Belfast brick and Scrabo sandstone, and was added to the at-risk register in 2020.

Peter Fitzpatrick and Sons Estate Agents are in charge of the sale, which went live in June.

Listed building consent was granted in 2023 after an application was lodged with Newry, Mourne and Down Council the previous year.

According to the application, the property has been vacant since 2011 but is well maintained.

The proposed development “endeavours to retain the structure and fabric” and where practical, “the works will be of a repair nature, as opposed to replacement”.

The application suggested the roof was sound but also anticipated that “slate repairs will be required where necessary and some lead flashing replaced”.

“Internally, there would appear to be considerable wet/dry rot, and woodworm treatment will be required to all timbers,” it added.

The document continued: “The refurbishment of this currently vacant building will help resurrect and enhance this historic part of Downpatrick, as well as helping to provide accommodation for those in most need due to various circumstances, most often outside of their control.”

A Fitzpatrick Estate Agent spokesperson  said the redevelopment of the former convent “represents a unique opportunity to combine heritage preservation with modern residential demand”.

“With planning secured, this property has the potential to deliver significant social and economic benefit to the local community.

“We are already seeing strong levels of interest from private individuals, investors and public sector bodies who recognise the value of high-quality, well-located residential accommodation,” the spokesperson added.