DOWN and CONNOR, DIOCESE OF. — In Ireland. The name D. derives from the Gaelic *Dún*, meaning fort. C. likewise derives from the Gaelic *Connaire*.
Within the territory of D. there were numerous episcopal sees later absorbed by the see of D., founded by St. Fergus in the 6th century. The city that gave its name to the diocese is today called Downpatrick.
There rest the relics of St. Patrick, together with those of other Irish patron saints, Brigid and Columba. Within the bounds of this diocese was situated the ancient and celebrated monastery of Bennchor (Bangor), where St. Columban of Bobbio received his early religious formation (v. CONGALL).
C. was founded toward the end of the 5th century by St. Macniss and in turn absorbed several ancient dioceses. A bishop of C. was St. Malachy, who became archbishop of Armagh in 1134. Some years later, after resigning from Armagh, he became bishop of D. The two sees were united in 1441.
The two dioceses together cover 2,419 sq. km., contain 62 parishes, 124 churches, 208 diocesan priests, 51 religious, 1 seminary, 7 male religious communities, and 30 convents of nuns. Of a total population of 755,382 (1949), Catholics number 183,047.
The diocese is a suffragan of Armagh; the bishop resides in Belfast.