Arson destroys historic Convent of Mercy in Downpatrick

A historic former convent in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, was destroyed in a major fire on Sunday, June 28, which authorities have determined was deliberately set. The blaze at the 150-year-old former Convent of Mercy required a massive emergency response, with around 70 firefighters working through the night to prevent the flames from spreading to the adjacent St. Patrick's Church.

The fire was reported shortly after 7 p.m. on Stream Street, also known as St. Patrick's Avenue. Fire crews from multiple stations, using ten appliances including an aerial platform, battled the intense blaze until it was extinguished just after 10 a.m. on Monday. Officials asked residents to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed due to the heavy smoke. No injuries were reported.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service stated the cause was a deliberate ignition. The building, which had been derelict for some time, was a listed structure dating to the 1870s and was a prominent feature of the Downpatrick skyline. It had most recently been listed for sale with planning permission for residential conversion.

Local officials and community members expressed sadness at the loss. Colin...