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Navan Fort
Armagh, County Armagh

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Activities & Attractions in County Armagh

Places to go, people to see

County Armagh is big on adventure, even though it’s Northern Ireland’s smallest county. But that just makes getting from one place to another a walk in the park. We’ve plenty of those by the way – and a whole lot more besides.

Here and there with St. Patrick

The hilltop cathedrals that overlook Armagh city are both dedicated to St. Patrick. This is where he founded his original stone church in 445AD. Today, Armagh is the ecclesiastical capital – the seat of two Archbishops – the Roman Catholic and the Church of Ireland Primates of Ireland.

The hill on which the Church of Ireland Cathedral stands gave its name to the city. Ard Mhacha means the Height of Macha. For the record, Macha was a legendary goddess. She’s also associated with nearby Navan Fort, well worth a trip in itself. Beneath the Cathedral lies a crypt housing a collection of carved figures and stone ornaments – pieces of history with many tales to tell.

A deer’s tale

The twin-spired Catholic Cathedral has its claim to fame too, reflected in the Cathedral’s great east window. The story goes that St. Patrick and his companions were once startled by a deer and her fawn. His companions planned to kill the fawn, but St. Patrick saved it, carrying it all the way to Tealach na Licci where, 1400 years later, the present Cathedral stands. Coincidence? We’ll leave that one with you.

Given their location, naturally the views from either building reward all that climbing effort. And give you a good excuse to stop off for some refreshment when you’re done.

The sky’s the limit

For heavenly bodies of another sort, nothing beats a trip to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. A leading centre for astronomical research, it’s also a star attraction for kids. Look out for the largest meteorite in Ireland – it weighs 152kg – and check out the digital theatre, a window to the wonders of the universe.

Back to earth and back in time

Navan Fort or Emain Macha - yes, we’re back with the goddess – is not just a very important archaeological site, it’s also a very cool place to visit.

A former pagan ceremonial site, it’s been the ancient seat of Kings, Ulster’s earliest capital, and the sacred stronghold of legendary heroes Cuchulainn and the Red Branch Knights.

It’s hard to imagine all that’s gone on here. But you don’t have to. You can live the history here with an interactive experience that gets you down and dirty with the Celts. Well, that’s what happens when you go digging in Iron Age herb beds.

Book yourself into a library or three

No. 5 Vicar’s Hill stands opposite the main entrance door to St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral. A Grade A listed building, it’s the former home of the Diocesan Registry which held the Church records. Some of these are still on display, along with ancient coins, gems and old Armagh maps. There’s plenty for children to do too. Such as learning to write their name in Ogham, the earliest form of the Irish language.

Encountering Jonathan Swift’s own copy of Gulliver’s Travels from 1726, with corrections in his own hand, is just one of the reasons to stop off at the Archbishop Robinson Library. Books line the walls from floor to ceiling in this classical library, built so that the public could enjoy the 18th century Archbishop’s own collection of books and fine art. Though with some 42,000 printed works to get through, it may take you some time.
A more recent addition to the city is The Cardinal Tomas O Fiaich Memorial Library and Archive. It’s a treasure trove of important collections on Irish and church history, and includes many of the Cardinal’s own books and papers.

To the manor born

Brownlow House in Lurgan is a stunning country manor, designed by Edinburgh architect, William Henry Playfair. It’s a Calendar House, built with four wings, one for each season of the year. Oh, and 12 external corners, 52 chimneys and 365 rooms. You get the idea.

One of its most noted residents is Master McGrath, the only dog to win the Waterloo Cup three times. There’s a statue to him in Lurgan town centre.

The house itself played a part in World War II’s D-Day landings. The Brownlow HQ Museum will fill you on that. After which you can enjoy a spectacular afternoon tea overlooking the equally spectacular grounds.

Speaking of spectacular grounds, Brownlow House overlooks Lurgan Park, Northern Ireland’s largest and most beautiful urban park, and the second biggest Park in Ireland (250 acres). Located around an expansive man-made lake, it boasts 5km of pathways through mature woodland and open grassland. The park was once in fact part of the Brownlow estate and whilst these two locations are no longer formally linked, you can still make it a part of your visit.

This is Orchard County

You may have spotted that you don’t get very far in Armagh without meeting a Bramley Apple. And we do like to put them to good use.

From blossom to bottle is the promise of the Armagh Cider Company. The Troughton family have been growing apples on their farm near Portadown for four generations. With a brief 20 year diversion into a very successful stud business. But that’s another story.

Inspired by the Rev. W Brooke who, in 1682, wrote from Portadown that cider was being sold at 30 shillings a barrel, they decided to revive the art and created their own top quality, hand-crafted cider. They’d be delighted to welcome you for a tour and a tasting. So you can put that claim to the test.

Meet your hero

The humble crisp is elevated to something very special in the hands of Mr. Tayto. Larger than life, Mr. Tayto has travelled the world, bringing a taste of home to those who’ve left our shores. The star of his own advertising campaigns – and, indeed, many lunchboxes – you can see how he does it at Tayto Castle in Tandragee. A guided factory tour will let you in on the secrets – or most of them anyway.

If that’s left you with a taste for further adventures, there are plenty more in store. In this little county where nothing is too far away. And nothing is ever too much trouble.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure information is correct, we strongly advise checking in advance before you travel to your intended destination to ensure its open and book tickets if applicable.

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Celtic Pendant Woodturning Experience

Newry

Address

Tullymacreeve Road, Mullaghbawn, Newry, County Down, BT35 9RE

Telephone
+44 (0) 283 088 9104

Price
Price £80.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and courses

Expert woodturner and storyteller Padraig Carragher is ready to welcome you to his private woodland forest for an exciting and memorable experience teaching you the ways of an ancient Irish craft.

Price
Price £80.00 Activity

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Unearthing Macha

Armagh

Address

Market Hill Theatre, 9 Market Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7BW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7990 575 630

info@donnafoxtours.com

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

Part city-centre walking tour, part guided tour of the Hill of Armagh, Unearthing Macha is an exciting three hour fusion of history, storytelling, and food, following in the footsteps of a legendary figure from Northern Ireland’s past

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Xhale: Awaken Your Senses

Newry

Address

St. Moninna Park, Killeavy, Newry, County Down, BT35 8SL

Telephone
+44 (0) 7816 835 147

ann@xhale.biz

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Deepen your Mindfulness Practice through forest bathing in the magic of the Ring of Gullion.

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Journey into Stillness

Gilford

Address

Elmfield Courtyard, 23 Moyallan Road, Gilford, County Armagh, BT63 5JX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3883 2400

jane@janeshaw.co.uk

Price
Price £85.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Health & Wellbeing

Begin a journey of self-discovery on this rejuvenating meditative experience.
International educator and psychologist Jane Shaw illuminates a path to wholeness and health by facilitating an experience of deep peace and calm for her guests. This…

Price
Price £85.00 Per Ticket

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Booley and Butter Experience

Forkhill

Address

11A Cloughinney Road, Forkhill, County Armagh, BT35 9RY

Telephone
+44 (0) 3538 7224 3176

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Price
Price £67.50 Activity

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Join a seventh-generation farmer, Brian on a journey to the heart of Irish myth, legend and old country folkways. You’ll see original butter-making tools used by Brian’s great-grandparents. Theirs is the magic that brings you up-close and personal…

Price
Price £67.50 Activity

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Long Meadow Cider Farm Tour and Tasting Experience

Portadown

Address

Long Meadow Farm, 87 Loughgall Road, Portadown, County Armagh, BT62 4EG

Telephone
+44 (0) 7876 684 993

info@longmeadowcider.com

Type

Type:

Food Tour

Pay a visit to the family run Long Meadow Cider orchard and learn how they make their award-winning apple cider, from plant to pour.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
127 reviews
St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral

Armagh

Address

Cathedral Close, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 3142

admin@stpatricks-cathedral.org
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Cathedral

Saint Patrick founded his chief church here on the Hill of Armagh in 445AD, and there has been a Christian church on the site ever since. The present building dates from the 13th Century and was last restored in 1834.
More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
25 reviews
No 5 Vicars' Hill

Armagh

Address

5 Vicars' Hill, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 3142

admin@armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Built in 1772 as the Diocesan Registry to hold records for the Church of Ireland Diocese, this Grade A listed building has been restored and was formally opened to the public in March 2011. Fully accessible. Interactive displays for all ages.
Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking available on Cathedral grounds
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviews
Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle

Newry

Address

Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4034

noreen.cunningham@nmandd.org

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Bagenal’s Castle located in historic Newry is a 16th century fortified house and adjoining 19th Century warehouse, and has been sympathetically restored to house Newry & Mourne Museum and Newry Visitor Information Centre.
Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
205 reviews
The Argory

Moy

Address

144 Derrycaw Road, Moy, County Armagh, BT71 6NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8778 4753

argory@nationaltrust.org.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

The National Trust

The Argory was built in the 1820s and its hilltop location offers wonderful views over the gardens and 320 acre wooded riverside estate.
More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
13 reviews
Museum of Orange Heritage - Sloan's House

Loughgall

Address

Sloan’s House, 84/86 Main Street, Loughgall, County Armagh, BT61 8HZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3889 2048

info@sloanshousemuseum.co.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Sloan’s House Museum holds a unique role in Irish history and has over the years accumulated many original artefacts from 1795, both from the Battle of the Diamond and from the very first meeting held in the Parlour.
More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
145 reviews
Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Adventure Playpark and Fionn's Giant Adventure

Killeavy

Address

89 Drumintee Road, Killeavy, County Armagh, BT35 8SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

slieve.gullion@nmandd.org
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Slieve Gullion is Ireland's Mountain of Mystery. The Forest Park offers walking trails, a scenic drive, an Adventure Playpark, Fionn's Giant Adventure children's story trail and Courtyard with coffee shop.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024
More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
49 reviews
Armagh Robinson Library

Armagh

Address

43 Abbey Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 3142

admin@armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Established in 1771, Armagh Public Library is one of the oldest libraries in Ireland, holding rare and valuable books, ancient Irish artefacts, and print, gem and coin collections. Visitors and researchers, individuals and groups, are all welcome.
Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking available at Cathedral Grounds
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
434 reviews
Tayto Tours

Tandragee

Address

Tandragee Castle, Tandragee, County Armagh, BT62 2AB

Telephone
02838840249

tours@tayto.com

Price
Price £12.50 Per Ticket
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Factory

A 'Taste of Home', Tayto crisps have been part of growing up in Northern Ireland. Come and see how we make such tasty crisps and snacks!

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times
Price
Price £12.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
53 reviews
Armagh County Museum

Armagh

Address

The Mall East, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 3070

acm.info@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The oldest county museum in Ireland is set in Armagh’s beautiful Georgian tree lined Mall. Its collections capture centuries of stories relating to the people who lived, worked and had connections with this famous city and historic county.
Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
438 reviews
Navan Centre and Fort

Armagh

Address

81 Killylea Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 4LD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 9644

navan@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Navan Centre, located just two miles from the Cathedral City of Armagh, interprets one of Ireland’s most important ancient monuments, Navan Fort; the ancient capital and seat of the Kings of Ulster.
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
116 reviews
Brownlow House

Lurgan

Address

Windsor Avenue, Lurgan, County Armagh, BT67 9BJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 6049

info@brownlowhouse.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Brownlow House is Located in the centre of Lurgan adjacent to Lurgan Public Park, a grade A listed building now open for viewing.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Loughgall Country Park Golf Course

Loughgall

Address

11 - 14 Main Street, Loughgall, County Armagh, BT61 8HZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3889 2900

info@loughgallcountrypark.co.uk

Type

Type:

Golf Course

Appealing & challenging course at fantastic prices. Designed to provide all golfers with a test of skill and composure.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Camlough Lake

Camlough

Address

Newtown Road, Camlough, County Armagh, BT35 7JJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

This is a large disused reservoir, well stocked with small to medium pike, bream, roach and perch.

More Info
Craigmore Viaduct

Bessbrook

Address

Belfast to Dublin railway line, Bessbrook, County Armagh, BT35 6JR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3031 3170

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Railway

This 18 arch viaduct, close to Newry, is a prominent feature of the south Armagh landscape.

Price
Free

More Info