Downpatrick was opened in March 1859 by the Belfast and County Down Railway, as the terminus of their line from Queen's Quay station.

The station itself was an elaborate affair with a large brick building and an overall glass roof covering the Northern section of the main platform and its associated run-around loop.

The bay platform and its loop were covered by a shorter wooden canopy which adjoined the main building.

The station and yard were situated on Market Street, roughly where The Grove shopping centre stands today.

The ground floor hosts the ticket office, shop, model railway room and toilets, the latter two of which are accessed from the platform.