In situ since 1981
Patrician Youth Centre is the parish youth centre for Downpatrick and the principal youth provider for the whole catchment area. Our door is open to every child and young person, without distinction.
From dance hall to youth centre
Long before we arrived, this corner of John Street was the Canon's Hall, the dance hall where showbands packed the floor every week through the 50s and 60s. Many a Downpatrick romance began right here.
The hall was lost to fire and demolished, but the site would not stay quiet for long. The Centre opened here in October 1981 as a purpose built home for young people, and we kept the dancing going. Our legendary discos drew teenagers from near and far, and yes, a few more romances blossomed along the way.
We are one of fourteen purpose built centres established across the Diocese of Down and Connor to serve young people in their parishes. That heritage shapes our values: welcome, care and community. Our membership, our programmes and our welcome are for everyone, regardless of background, tradition or belief.
The Canon's Hall after the fire
Our purpose, in our own words
Patrician exists to provide, maintain and promote facilities and activities of a social, spiritual, educational and recreational nature, improving the conditions of life of children and young people without distinction of sex, political, religious or other opinion. We are fully committed to the care, welfare and safety of every young person who takes part.
A safe place
A registered charity with professional youth workers, clear safeguarding and child protection policies, and a warm welcome six days a week.
Real development
We work to the Department of Education's Priorities for Youth policy and Model for Effective Practice, delivering non-formal education that builds social skills, wellbeing and confidence.
Cross community
Programmes like Amplify bring young people together across schools and traditions, alongside long running links with clubs in Ballykinlar, Holywood, Belfast and beyond.
Management and staff
Management committee
The Centre is governed by a Management Committee appointed by the Centre Trustees, keeping us accountable to our members and our community.
Professional youth workers
Two professionally qualified full time youth workers, a Senior Youth Worker and a Centre based Youth Worker, lead delivery day to day.
Part time team & volunteers
A panel of part time youth workers, specialists and volunteers make the programme possible. Many of our volunteers grew up in the Centre themselves.
Safeguarding comes first
Patrician Youth Centre is fully committed to ensuring the care, welfare and safety of every young person who takes part in our Centre. We carry out that responsibility in a caring, supportive and safe environment, valuing young people as individuals with unique gifts and talents, and we take all necessary and reasonable measures to protect the young people in our care. All staff undertake safeguarding training.
Yvonne Maguire
Senior Youth Worker. Designated Child Protection Officer and Adult Safeguarding Champion.
Paddy Watters
Youth Worker. Deputy Designated Officer and Appointed Person.
Raising a concern with the Centre
Enquiries should be directed to the Designated Child Protection Officers and Adult Safeguarding Champions at Patrician Youth Centre, John Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6HS, or by calling 028 4461 5488 or 07545 660661.
Concerned about a child
Contact the Down Gateway Team on 0300 100 0300, or out of hours on 028 9504 9999.
Concerned about an adult
Contact the Adult Protection Gateway Team on 028 9250 1227, or out of hours on 028 9504 9999.
Registered charity
Patrician Youth Centre is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, charity number NIC102388. All programmes are delivered within the Department of Education NI youth service framework: Priorities for Youth and the Model for Effective Practice.
Safeguarding statement last updated April 2026.
Come and see for yourself
The best way to understand the Centre is to walk through the door. We're on John Street, open Monday to Saturday, 2pm to 10pm.