Armagh – The Ecclesiastical Capital

Updated On: April 07, 2024 by   Noha Nabil

Armagh is known as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland or the religious capital of Ireland (the city of saints and scholars). You will be astonished by the scientific and historical places, enjoyable events, various activities, and more. The city offers museums, cathedrals, and a planetarium in its beautiful Gregorian streets. How about digging deep into the Irish culture and heritage? Stay tuned for everything about County Armagh, from historical information, mythology and how they’re widespread in Ireland to attraction sites and things to do in Armagh.

Armagh was originally called Ard Macha after the ancient Irish goddess Macha of wars, horses and sovereignty. It’s a city of light, learning and a blend of cultures, making it a unique destination. Armagh is the oldest and most venerated Irish City with a long Christian heritage.

County Armagh enjoys an oceanic climate and is strongly affected by the Gulf Stream, with damp, mild winters and temperate, wet summers. The overall temperature during daylight hours rarely drops below freezing, though in November to February, frost is not infrequent. Even in the elevated southeast of the County, snow rarely falls for longer than a few hours. Summers are sunny daylight, lasting almost 18 hours during high summer. Generally, they are mild and wet although accompanied by sunshine, showers often intersperse them.

Being introduced to the whole world

County Armagh’s population is just under 160,000, with the north of the county located on the banks of Lough Neagh. Armagh is known as Orchard County due to the extreme fertility of the land, which is ideal for the growth of apple trees. The county’s capital city, also called Armagh, has a population of less than 15,000. Nonetheless, it was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994. This city is the smallest in Northern Ireland and the fourth smallest in the UK in terms of population.

This astonishing city is run by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council from the Palace Demesne. That local authority was established on 1 April 2015. It replaced Armagh City and District Council, Craigavon Borough Council and Banbridge District Council. Gareth Wilson is the current Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, who promises to continue to build on the development of the City.

“During my term, I pledge to do all I can to maximise opportunities to see all parts of the borough develop socially and economically .. The key message I will convey to all I meet during my tenure as Lord Mayor is that our borough is an open, inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to live, work, invest and visit”.

Nicholas James Alexander, 7^th Earl of Caledon and the son of the 6^th Earl of Caledon, has been Lord-Lieutenant of County Armagh since 1989. Since that time, he has represented the British Monarch in the county.

Contemporary Armagh, known as the “Irish Rome”, has been the seat of the Catholic Primacy of all Ireland since the foundation of St. Patrick’s Church. Ironically, the city is also the seat of the Protestant Church of Ireland’s Archbishop of Armagh.

History of Armagh

The magic of Armagh stems from an ancient past when Ard Macha was the earliest capital of Ulster and the seat of power for Ireland’s kings and queens. Archaeological evidence from 5000 years ago has shown how farmers tilled and worked the land around the grassy slopes that constitute the city.

Red Branch

Long ago, Armagh was the territory of Ulaid (a Gaelic over-kingdom in northeast Ireland). It was ruled by the Red Branch (the name of two of the three royal houses of the king of Ulster), and Navan Fort was the capital. The Red Branch was eventually driven out of the area by the Three Collas, the fourth-century sons of Eochaid Doimlén, son of Cairbre Lifechair. They were Áed Colla Menn, Cairell Colla Uais, and Muiredach Colla Fo Chrí. When they invaded in the 4^th century, they held power until the 12^th century and ruled the area known as Airghialla or Oriel for 800 years.

Three Collas

Thomas Francis O’Rahilly, an Irish scholar of the Celtic Languages, claimed that the Three Collas’ traditional story was not historical. He argued that events like the breaking of the power of the Ulaid, the destruction of Emain Macha, and the rising of the kingdoms of Airgialla (English: Oriel) were done by the three sons of Niall Noígiallach, Conall, Endae and Eógan. They established two kingdoms, Tir Eógan and Tir Conaill, in north-western Ulster in the mid-5^th century. T.F. O’Rahilly believed that the Three Collas were doublets of the three sons of Niall, and their story of the Airgialla was just a genealogical fiction to give the kingdoms a noble pedigree. Other historians tried to understand the origin of The Collas. Donald Schlegel, an Irish scholar, explained that the name “Colla” may have descended from the Trinovantes, a Celtic tribe of Britain.

The chief Irish septs of the county were descendants of the Collas: the Uí Néill, the MacCanns, and the O’ Hanlons. Armagh was divided into several baronies: Armagh, Oneilland East, Lower Fews, Upper Fews, Orior Upper, Orior Lower, and Tirrany. The O’Rogans held Armagh, descended from one of the septs of Oriel that originated in Counties Monaghan and Armagh. O’Neill of the Fews held Lower Fews, and the O’Larkins ruled Upper Fews. Later, the MacCanns (lords of Clanbrassil) ruled instead of the O’Larkins. The MacCans displaced the O’Garveys from their territory in the Oneilland East and the O’Neill from theirs in Oneilland West. For Orior Lower and Upper, they were under the governess of O’Hanlon, and Tiranny was under that of Ronaghan. In 839 and 869, the Vikings raided the monastery in Armagh to acquire valuables that could be found in monasteries and even churches.

For the pagan sanctuary, it was converted into a Christian one after Christianity spread to Ireland. So, Armagh became the site of an important monastery and church. After the foundation of Saint Patrick to his main church there, Armagh became the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland.

Book of Armagh

In the 9^th century, the Book of Armagh came to light to be shared with the world, containing some of the oldest surviving specimens of old Irish manuscripts. It contains texts of Saint Patrick, texts of the New Testament, and texts of Saint Martin. Since then, Armagh has been called “the city of saints and scholars” for being a great educational centre.

That was only a part of the Irish history of Armagh. We’d like to leave you to discover the rest while touring the county.

Mythology

Many varying stories were told of the foundation and naming of Armagh. However, it’s not sure if all of them are correct. One of them tells the story of how Queen Macha, a pagan warrior queen and the daughter of Aodh Ruadh, who was the founder of Emain Macha (Navan Fort) on the hill and, thus, named that hill after herself, Ard Macha (i.e., Hill of Macha). From there, and for 300 years, Queen Macha and her descendants ruled Ireland. After the rule of the Macha family, the rule moved across the Callan River to Emania.

Story of Macha

Another story entails another mysterious Macha. It says that one morning, after a stormy night, Crunniac, a chieftain, woke up to find a beautiful woman outside his house with long, flowy hair who could run faster than a horse. They fell in love. However, she did not tell him her name. After they got married, they were invited by the King of Ulster to attend a sumptuous feast at Emania. Knowing the woman’s speed, he ordered her to race his fastest horse or see Crunniac beheaded. Reaching the finish line, the woman cried, “Macha .. my name is Macha!” She had twins and died, but before she died, she cursed the men of Ulster. She said, “My twins will give you strength and power. The curse will make you weak when you most need to be strong”. Ever since, the place was called Emain Macha, which is believed to mean ‘twins of Macha’ in old Irish.

The Ulster Cycle

The Ulster Cycle is one of the most incredible sets of Irish Mythology tales related to Armagh. It presents the medieval legends of heroes of the Ulaid, a kingdom in north-eastern Ireland, before the 1st century CE. These stories are about King Conchobar mac Nessa, who rules the Ulaid from Navan Fort, or Emain Macha, which means Macha’s Twins in the stories of Celtic mythology. Conchobar’s nephew Cúchulainn is the most prominent hero of the cycle. In it, there is a conflict between the Ulaid and the Connachta.

The Connachta were a group of medieval Irish dynasties led by their queen Medb, her husband, Ailill, and Fergus mac Róich, a former king of the Ulaid in exile. Táin Bó Cúailnge, or “Cattle Raid of Cooley” is the most important story of the cycle, in which Medb invades the Cooley peninsula and steals the Ulaid’s prize bull with an enormous army that opposes Donn Cúailnge by the seventeen-year-old Cúchulainn. Other tales are also found that tell the characters’ births, conflicts and deaths.

Places to visit in Armagh

Visiting Armagh, especially Armagh City, is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. There are many stunning places you have to pay a visit to.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Church of Ireland)

Take a tour of the heartland of St. Patrick in Armagh City and be introduced to the main church he founded. The hill of Armagh originated the metropolitan cathedral in 445 CE, from which a monastic community developed, and there has been a Christian church on the site ever since. Since St. Patrick’s era, the Church has been the central Church of Ireland.

History of St. Patricks Cathedral

Although the church itself has been destroyed, rebuilt, and renovated 17 times—the last restoration was in 1834—the basic shape of the Cathedral is still the same design created by Archbishop O’Scanlon in the 12th century CE. The Cathedral holds a Celtic Cross dating back to the 11th century and several exciting sculptures dating from the Iron Age to the 20^th century. Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, was also buried at the site of the Cathedral.

Tour of the Cathedral

For visiting tours, the place provides schools. It groups a three-fold visit to Armagh’s ancient hill that is illustrated by three representatives showing them the treasures of this historical site. First, tour the Cathedral guided by the Cathedral Steward and get introduced to the silverware dating back to 1796, the various stone carvings dating from 500–1000 BCE, and the unusual staircase to the bell tower. Second, No.5 Vicars’ Hill is also in the tour visit. Its importance lies in holding records for the Cathedral and Armagh Diocese in its octagonal rooms.

Things to See

Many collections can be found there, too: ancient coins, significant prints, early Christian artefacts, and gems. The last station is Armagh Public Library, and the Assistant Keeper leads this part of the tour. There are many things to do there, like viewing the 1835 Ordnance Survey Maps, which shows how towns or villages in Ireland looked over time. This tour may take at least two and a half hours. The cathedral administration also organizes concerts, recitals, and other musical events.

St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral

There are two St. Patrick cathedrals in Armagh other than the one in Dublin and the other one in Trim, County Meath. The Cathedral is famous for its twin spires, which overlook the City from an elevated height. This is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland, which was established on a hill. Many architects were involved in the design of the Cathedral. That’s why the change in architectural style is evident in the exterior, where you can see a variation in design in the entrance doorways and aisle windows from the rest of the edifice. On the other hand, the interior changed over the years by order of Vatican II to remove much of the original intricate altars and fittings.

Armagh Planetarium

This astonishing place is easily found at College Hill, Armagh. It seeks to promote knowledge and understanding of astronomy and related sciences. Armagh Planetarium offers a unique magical experience. It takes you on a journey in our mesmerizing space at the Digital Theatre, where you will learn about the wonders of the Universe. It provides this type of education for all ages. During a night tour at the Digital Theatre, you can also take a virtual tour around the planet and beyond and discover the myths behind the stars. In the exhibition area, interactive displays will teach you more about the cosmos, and there you can touch one of the oldest things in the whole world: a 4.6 billion-year-old meteorite.

Things to Check out at Armagh Planetarium

Armagh Planetarium has been developing since its official inauguration on 1 May 1968. Extensions have been made since the largest telescope in Ireland was placed for public use. Armagh Planetarium is the first planetarium to project videos on its dome. At the beautiful natural setting of Armagh Astropark, discover some fantastic phenomena in the Solar System, the Milky Way, and beyond. You can also take a virtual tour around it or visit its unique features: the Solar System, the Hyper-Cube, the Hill of Infinity and the Stone Calendar.

So, how about visiting the place where other planetaria worldwide followed its steps?

Armagh Observatory

An astronomical research institute in Armagh City. Around 25 astronomers are at the observatory, studying stellar astrophysics, Solar System astronomy, the Sun, and Earth’s climate. It is located adjacent to the Armagh Planetarium and in about 14 acres (57,000 m²) of landscaped grounds known as the Armagh Astropark. That fantastic place was founded in 1789.

There, you will find fantastic scale models of the Solar System and the Universe, historic telescopes, two sundials, telescope domes and other outdoor exhibits. The Human Orrery, launched in 2004, is the latest addition to the grounds of Armagh Observatory, which provides a unique investigation of planetary motion.

Don’t hesitate to look closer at one of the British Isles’ unique collections, including some scientific instruments and artefacts, the Observatory’s specialist library and archives.

Navan Centre and Fort

Go directly to 81 Killylea Road, Armagh, Northern Ireland and experience the places where myth and reality meet. Visit the legendary Emain Macha, home of the famous Red Branch Knights and Ulster Cycle tales. There, one can get close to the Celtic life. How exciting would it be to have such an experience? You can cook Celtic meals, dress up in Celtic costumes, try the heddle loom, prepare for battles, learn Celtic survival skills, and do some willow weaving.

Activities at Navan Centre and Fort

You can also do some indoor and outdoor archaeological activities at the Archaeology Discovery Room to learn how to uncover the history of Navan. Moreover, audio-visual shows are displayed to give you a closer look at the famous mystical characters of the Ulster Cycle of Irish Mythology, such as King Conchobar mac Nessa, Cúchulainn, and Queen Mebh.

Other activities make this place more enjoyable. Take a tour around the remaining mounds, banks, and ditches of the archaeological site guided by a map provided for a safe tour. Moreover, you will get a prize when you complete the Navan Fort Trail.

Children will enjoy face painting like the Celts. Many services and facilities are found there, like the Navan Centre Coffee Shop, gift shop, parking, wheelchair access, and Centre for Celtic Spirituality, where one can re-discover his/her ancient Christian roots.

The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre

It is an Irish state-of-the-art venue and conference centre. The best in arts and entertainment is presented at affordable prices in beautiful surroundings that suit everyone’s taste. Armagh people are not the only ones attracted by the programmes and facilities here; those from Craigavon, Banbridge, Newry, Tyrone, and down to Cavan, Monaghan, Dundalk, and beyond go too.

Enjoyable programmes are held for schools, nursery, primary, and post-primary stages. They are offered many creative learning opportunities through a life theatre show, world-class art exhibitions, and workshops by professional artists. Exhibitions are also presented in the main gallery and foyer spaces throughout the year. They are held in all types of media, with annual calls for submissions.

The Theatre Brochure is published three times a year: a January to June Season, a July & August season, and September to December. You can read about the seasonal shows and some special ticket offers for students, groups, disabled patrons and the unemployed.

Armagh County Museum

Armagh County Museum is the oldest county museum in Ireland. It was officially opened in 1937 near St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral. It’s one of the most distinctive buildings in the city for its unique architecture. It holds various stories about the people who worked, lived and connected with the historic county throughout the centuries. You will be introduced to prehistoric artefacts and household items from bygone ages. Wedding dresses, military uniforms, ceramics, natural history specimens, and more exist. Impressive art collections of well-known Irish artists are there, too. You can find the works of John B. Vallely, AE Russell, John Luke and others.

Workshops at Armagh County Museum

Relying on the collections in the museum, various learning programmes for pupils have been designed to meet the requirements of the new NI Curriculum. Workshops are held to explore cultural heritage and discover the relationship between individuals and places. Such activities enable them to explore their identity and place in society. The sessions occur at the Museum, each ranging from 90 to 120 minutes. There are 3 workshops to develop creativity, communication skills, thinking skills and teamwork: World War II, Playing through Time, and Homes from the Past.

Slieve Gullion

Ireland’s Mountain of Mystery, Slieve Gullion or Sliabh grilling, which means Irish mountain of the steep slope, is a mountain in the south of County Armagh. It is at an elevation of 573 m (1,880 ft). A prominent role is evident for this mountain in history and mythology, like that in the legends of Cúchulainn and Finn McCool. Take a mountain walk exploring the Slieve Gullion Special Area of Conservation and the Ring of Gullion, a geological formation and area officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that centres the mountain.

Slieve Gullion is the highest point in the County. A small lake is found at the summit, and there are two burial cairns. One of them is considered the highest surviving passage grave, a passage tomb consisting of a narrow passage made of large stones and burial chambers covered in earth or stone.

So Much to See at Slieve Gullion

Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers walking trails, a scenic drive, an Adventure Playpark, a Giant’s Lair children’s story trail and a Courtyard with a coffee shop. The perfect start to a family trip to the Forest Park starts at Adventure Playpark, where children of all ages will be thoroughly entertained. It includes a specially designed toddler’s area, adventure and play equipment for older kids, the “Slieve Gullion ZIP” and even a trim trail for adults.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit a place that offers a spectacular view atop the mountain.

William McCrum Park

This is where William Mc Crum invented the penalty kick rule, which revolutionized sport forever. William McCrum Park, a football pitch long ago, is located on William Street in Milford Village in County Armagh. The Park was unveiled in 2010 by former footballer Gerry Armstrong. You will find information panels explaining the story of the penalty kick and the extraordinary model village of Milford, which was created by the McCrum family, one of Ireland’s leading linen manufacturing dynasties.

Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum

The Museum collection covers the history of five regiments, all raised in Dublin in 1793. As part of the British Army’s response to the Napoleonic War that took the Fusiliers through Europe, South America, Egypt, Canada and the West Indies. The Royal Irish Fusiliers—known as the “Faughs” from their Battle Cry “Faugh-a-Ballagh” (i.e., Clear the Way)—served for almost 200 years. The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum holds both Victoria Crosses won by the Regiment. The Museum offers a platform for talks and workshops for schools and other groups.

The Argory

The Argory is a 19th-century Victorian mansion with furnishings similar to those of the early 20^th century. It was once the home of the MacGeough-Bond family. It has a stable yard with horse carriages, a harness room, an acetylene gas plant and laundry. You can also take a delightful tour around the mansion gardens, along the woodland and riverside way-marked trails, and enjoy the splendid views.

Ardress House

Need a place to relax for the whole family? Ardress House, the 17^th-century farmhouse re-modelled in Georgian times, is your haven. The house is established in the countryside at 64 Ardress Road, Annaghmore, Portadown, County Armagh, with an area of 100 acres. You will find riverside walks, charming woodlands, and beautiful apple orchards there. And to revive the spirit of a working farmyard, small animals were put there.

While you are there, embark upon the 18^thcentury cottage, Frizzell’s Cottage, and explore the early 19th-century iron fireplace with the hob grate and beaded timber mantle in the west gable wall, the brace beam across the central bay and the jamb wall with spy hole. Also, walk along the short Lady’s Mile walk, which guides you through a belt of woodland surrounding Ardress.

Sloan’s House Museum & Interpretive Centre

The historically significant Sloan’s House marks the history of the formation and heritage of the Orange Order. The Orange Order was founded at a meeting held in James Sloan’s House. After the Battle of the Diamond that took place in 1795. The institution holds an exhibition telling the story of its early days. Along with a replica parlour scene, which gives visitors a glimpse into that time. The Museum also plays an educational role, where the Museum Outreach program for the Museums of Orange Heritage offers lessons to schools, community groups and historical societies. Lectures on Orange History are delivered as well.

Dan Winter’s Cottage and Ancestral Home

It’s a farmhouse from the early 18^th century and was restored in 2000. Over the years, the cottage has been maintained by the Winter Family. You will find relics from the Battle of the Diamond and old farming and dairy artefacts displayed. This cottage is probably one of the last to be built with Irish Oak. This was discovered after dating the original timber used to build the cottage.

The Winter ancestral home in the farmyard was the birthplace of the Orangemen. There you will find old muskets and other interesting artefacts. The other farm buildings now hold vintage farming artefacts and machinery. The garden was also restored. And you can have a cup of tea and other refreshments at the tea room that opened in 2008.

Armagh Events

You can never get bored in Armagh. There are always tons of stuff to do. Many events are consistently organized in County Armagh. Some are free, and some are paid. So, you can enjoy your time by going to exhibitions and festivals, getting to know the Armagh heritage, listening to music, admiring the arts and theatre, or communing with mesmerizing nature.

Armagh International Road Race:

It is one of the most significant events organized by Armagh Athletic Club as part of the International Sport and Cultural Week. Hundreds of local athletes from the UK and Ireland participated in this event. As well as athletes from all over the world, including Russia, America, Africa, and Europe.

Saint Patrick’s Festival (10^th – 20^th March):

Armagh proudly celebrates St. Patrick, who founded the first stone church in Ireland at the location of the current Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral. The Festival includes events across Armagh and Downpatrick suitable for all ages. So enjoy the drama, tours, walks, art, traditional and classical music, and comedy with your family and friends.

Tommy Makem International Festival of Song (28^th, 29^th, 30^th April):

Held in honour of Tommy Makem, the internationally celebrated Irish folk musician, artist, poet and storyteller, this Festival gathers music lovers worldwide. It aims to get people to understand the dynamics of the song tradition further. As well as how it’s the core of cultures all over the world.

Apple Blossom Festival (May):

The Apple Blossom Festival is held annually in May at the Manor Estate and County Park, Loughgall. It celebrates the full blooming white and pink blossom of Bramley apples covering every hillside in County Armagh in early May. The beautiful, high-quality Armagh Bramley Apple was awarded the Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status in 2012. A fun cooking of the famous apple takes place in the event.

John Hewitt International Summer School (July):

Taking place in the lovely surroundings of the Marketplace Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh. The event adopts a specific theme each year. It provides a safe space to experience a wide range of activities. From creative writing workshops, readings and discussions to music, drama and visual arts.

Georgian Fanfare (25 November):

Explore the history and language of fans in Georgian times and make your fan at the workshop with the guidance of an experienced tutor.

Road Bowls (August):

One of the fun events was held in Armagh. Road bowlers throw an 800-gm cast-iron sphere resembling a small cannonball—so much fun. Fans in Armagh call it a ‘bullet’. However, in County Cork, it’s called a ‘bowl’.

Charles Wood Summer School (August):

The Summer School commemorates Charles Wood, the famous musician and composer born in Armagh in 1866. It celebrates his rich legacy of over 250 musical works.

7 Hills Blues Fest (August):

Experience musical therapy suitable for all ages at this event, which is held annually. Be there for top-class international acts from various destinations.

The Bard of Armagh Festival (November):

The Bard of Armagh Festival of Humorous Verse provides performers a platform to entertain sell-out audiences with funny and satirical poems and stories. A festival spokesman says,

“Over the years, there was an exuberance and a high energy that kept things going, thanks to some of the great performers and their memorable verses”.

William Kennedy Piping Festival (November):

The Festival is organised by the Armagh Pipers Club as part of “Armagh Together.” A year-long initiative proposed by Armagh City and District Council. It is held in honour of William Kennedy, the uilleann piper and pipe maker of the 18^th century.

Winter Solstice Festival (December):

Celebrating the arrival of the Winter Solstice, enjoy the various events of the Winter Solstice Festival. Enjoy the morning meditation in a nurturing space to unwind from the stresses of the Christmas rush. Make your unique piece of traditional Christmas craft at the Willow Wreath Workshop. Children can create straw craft decorations while learning the history and traditions of straw craft in Ireland at the Children’s Christmas Crafts Workshop.

Mock Trials & Courthouse Tour (November):

Armagh’s Georgian Courthouse holds this unique event in which the rigid Georgian legal system is revived through comedy trial acts. You can even participate as a part of the jury yourself.

Halloween Crafts & Games Club (October):

Take your children to the Halloween Craft & Games Club at the Palace Stables and see the artists they become. It’s a great chance to enjoy the Halloween school holidays, where they can create Halloween crafts themselves.

A Mid-Winter Tale (December):

A Celtic-themed celebration of the arrival of Mid-Winter and the Winter Solstice—the shortest and darkest day of the year. The event is for children over 6 years.

Many other events will keep your visit pretty much occupied and enjoyable.

Activities

Armagh is full of adventurous activities you will enjoy.

• Kernan Aviation: Enjoy a leisure flight experience around Ireland’s North, South, East and West coasts. at the approved flying school based close to Tandragee.
• Fishing & angling: Armagh is full of lakes and rivers for fishing enthusiasts.
• Hugglebugs: It’s the largest indoor play area in the heart of Armagh City, suitable for children up to 10 years old. It has ball pools, 3 slides, zip lines and much more!
• Gosford Karting: Separate karts are provided for children, adults and Grand Prix to enjoy racing.
• Brian Russell Fly Fishing: Top guiding service for fly fishing in counties Armagh, Antrim and Down. All you need is to contact Brian; he will arrange everything from transport to accommodation to make your fishing trip in Ireland enjoyable and exceed your expectations.

Further activities are available at other places like Orchard Leisure Centre, Tandragee Golf Club, Loughgall Country Park and Golf Course, Hillview Lodge Golf Driving Range, County Armagh Golf Club, Phils Farm, Lurgaboy Adventure Centre, and Armagh City Centre Public Art Trail.

How to Get to Armagh

Moving around the County is comfortable for everyone when using different ways, and it will be for the future means, too. One can travel through County Armagh by two major highways. The M1 linking Belfast to Dungannon crosses the north of the county. The A1/N1 from Belfast to Dublin runs in the far south-east. It has also several local roads connecting settlements in the county. Today, only Newry (Bessbrook), Portadown, Poyntzpass, Scarva and Lurgan are served by rail.

The most extensive public transport system within the county is provided for bus service, including frequent daily bus transfers from most towns to Belfast. Northern Ireland Railways provides connections to Belfast in little over forty minutes. And Dublin in a little over an hour, several times daily.

There are also some plans for a railway re-opening from Portadown railway station to Armagh railway station.

You will want to return once you have visited County Armagh and seen all the marvellous places there.

Have you ever visited the beautiful place of Armagh? Any stories you have, we would love to hear!

Also, don’t forget to check out other places and attractions around Northern Ireland: Downpatrick Town| Village of Saintfield| Carrickfergus| Glens of Antrim| Exploring Belfast City| Lough Erne