DOWNPATRICK, County Down -- St. Patrick, that patron of the Irish, landed in Northern Ireland twice -- once as a terrified 15-year-old slave and again, in 423 A.D., at this hilltop above Strangford Lough, where he returned as an ordained Christian to help his adopted people.

		If you go St. Patrick Centre The St. Patrick Centre, Downpatrick, County Down, (www.stpatrickcentre.com) is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays in winter; extended spring and summer hours include Sunday. Last admission is 90 minutes before closing time. Adult admission: 4.50 pounds (almost $7). The complex includes a restaurant (including a roof terrace) and gift shop.

That familiar story gains wings -- literally -- at the St. Patrick Centre, which brings the Irish patron's legacy vividly to life in a 180-degree virtual helicopter ride over the country.

Rising near his traditional gravesite and the Anglican cathedral that bears his name, the ?10 million museum wants to extend the saint's example of forgiveness to the newly reconciled Irish. The contemporary center, an easy half-hour drive from Belfast, sponsors programs to urge Catholics and Protestants to recognize their common Christian culture.

"St. Patrick crosses boundaries. He reaches out to everybody," says George Patton, a prominent Orangeman, in the video.

The vaulting glass and wooden structure built into a hillside opens with exhibits contrasting the world of Patrick, a Roman born in England, with the Celtic fifth century. The accompanying narration -- in English, not Patrick's native Latin -- comes from Patrick's own Confessions.

As he began to preach to the pagans, Patrick adopted their symbol, a circle, and added his cross. The resulting symbol of Celtic faith can be seen throughout the country. He also melded pagan holidays and customs to the Christian calendar.

The later role of Irish monks in preserving literature, arts and learning during the Dark Ages is emphasized even in hands-on activities -- children can become Book of Kells scribes with quill pens. Visitors pass over a Time Bridge to examine contemporary debates about the saint, ending with the dazzling, and sometimes dizzying, screen feature. The flyover highlights the sites of pilgrimage and preaching identified with Patrick.

Each year, Downpatrick commemorates March 17 with a parade but asks that those who join march under only one flag -- the banner of St. Patrick himself, a white field with a red cross. The ecumenical procession begins at Saul, the barn at which St. Patrick preached his first sermon, and continues into Downpatrick. (While the 17th is the traditional day of his death, the year is unclear, about 451 A.D.)

More than 120,000 people visit the center each year. A small percentage receive free admission: those who can prove that their name is Patrick.