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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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Number of results: 100

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31 reviews
The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum

Armagh

Address

Sovereign's House, The Mall, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9DL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 2911

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Museum collection covers the history of five regiments, all of which were raised in 1793. The Royal Irish Fusiliers served for almost 200 years and is known as the “Faughs” from their Battle Cry “Faugh-a-Ballagh”.

Price
Free

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Newry Cathedral of St Patrick and St Colman

Newry

Address

38 Hill Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 1AT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3026 2586

office@newrycathedralparish.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Cathedral

This is undoubtedly the most commanding building in Newry and is arguably the most important work executed by Newry's greatest native architect, Thomas Duff. Built in 1829 of local granite at a cost of £8,000, it was the first Catholic Cathedral.

Price
Free

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The Market Place Theatre And Arts Centre

Armagh

Address

Market Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7BW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 1821

boxoffice@marketplacearmagh.com

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

The Market Place is a state of the art cultural facility in the centre of Armagh City encompassing a 397 seat auditorium, 100 seat studio, art gallery, workshop spaces, cafe, restaurant and bar.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Slieve Gullion Electric Bike Experience

Killeavy

Address

Drumintee Road, Killeavy, County Armagh, BT35 8SY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3088 8352

ringofgullioncyclehireltd@outlook.com

Price
Price £29.00 to £127.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Cycle Hire & Holidays

Electric bike and standard bike hire to explore Slieve Gullion's breath taking mountain views and surrounding areas with our self-guided tours supplied and explained by our very helpful staff. All bikes come with helmets, locks and the option to add…

Price
Price £29.00 to £127.00 Activity

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Loughgall Country Park

Loughgall

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3889 2900

info@loughgallcountrypark.co.uk

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

Loughgall Country Park is a rural haven of relaxation and recreation. A diverse spectrum of activities ranging from golf to walking, fishing to tennis make this spacious complex a mecca for families, sports enthusiasts and those in search of…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking charges apply
Ring of Gullion

Killeavy

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

Type

Type:

Landscape/View

Slieve Gullion Forest Park is in the heart of the Ring of Gullion. The Ring of Gullion is a unique geological landform – unparalleled elsewhere in Ireland or the UK – and was the first ring dyke in the world to be geologically mapped. The ring of…

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Ballymoyer Woodland

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Lowland woodland paths

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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.

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South Lake Watersports Centre

Craigavon

Address

1 Lake Road, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT64 1AS

Telephone
0330 0564 411

sllc@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Water Sports

At South Lake Watersports, Craigavon, say hello to unforgettable ”whoopeeee’ water and land-based adventure and ‘total wipeout’ style fun, whatever your age, experience and ability, all set within the stunning grounds of Craigavon City Park and…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Craigavon Lakes

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

An extensive network of walking and cycling paths are set within the Parkland around the Craigavon Lakes and are suitable for disabled users and families and incorporate the National Cycle Network Route 9. The route around the two lakes is 3 miles,…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Saint Patrick's Way: The Pilgrim's Walk

Armagh

Address

The Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh, Co Armagh, BT60 4LD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 1800

vic@armagh.co.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Long (20> miles)

Starting at the Navan Centre in Armagh, this 82 mile signed walking trail takes you through some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenic landscapes before ending at Saint Patrick’s final resting place, in the grounds of Down Cathedral.

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Lowry's Lake

Armagh

Address

50, Ballnahonemore Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 1HY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3751 1738

afl@talktalk.net

Type

Type:

Game Fishing

Lowry's Lake is a favourite with members and visitors. The lake is stocked regularly and due to location fished hard. The trout become educated and a thoughtful approach is required for success. Hotspots are Kildarton Shore and The Ramper area.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
St Patrick's Cathedral (Roman Catholic)

Armagh

Address

Cathedral Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7QY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 2813

armaghparishoffice@gmail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Cathedral

This imposing cathedral, on an elevated site, was started in 1840, but work was suspended during the Great Famine of 1845-48 and recommenced in 1854 when J. J. McCarthy was appointed architect. It was dedicated for worship in 1873.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Annaghmare Court Tomb

Crossmaglen

Address

Annaghmare Road, Crossmaglen, County Armagh, BT35 9BJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

The court tomb at Annaghmare is one of the best preserved examples of its type, with many of its features preserved in good condition after they were first revealed during excavation in 1963-64.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Argory Blackwater River Walk

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Follow the River Blackwater around the estate and cross the industrial age-Bond’s Bridge.

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Ashfield Golf Course

Cullyhanna

Address

44 Cregganduff Road, Cullyhanna, County Armagh, BT35 0NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3086 8180

ashfieldgolfclub@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Celebrating 30 years of Golfing in South Armagh. Well worth a visit, with something for golfers exploring home courses and visitors too.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Carleton Street Orange Hall Tours

Portadown

Address

Carleton Street Orange Hall, 6a Carleton Street, Portadown, County Armagh, BT62 3EN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3833 2010

portadownheritagetours@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

Our trained community tour guides will offer you the unique opportunity, through a guided tour, to explore a community based, working and functioning Orange Hall that is bursting with history and heritage.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
24 reviews
Edenvilla Park

Portadown

Address

The Log Cabin, 10 Bachelors Walk, Portadown, County Armagh, BT63 5BQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3833 7207

parksdevelopment@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Edenvilla Park is a town park based in the Bachelors Walk area of Portadown. It is 25.5acres of maintained grass land and forest.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
290 reviews
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

Armagh

Address

College Hill, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9DB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 3689

reception@armagh.ac.uk

Type

Type:

Observatory / Planetarium

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is “the place for space”. Watch an amazing Full Dome Theatre show and explore the Universe. Immerse yourself in the latest scientific research in the exhibition area and take a relaxing walk through the Astropark…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Famine Wall Walk - Mountain Ways Ireland

Meigh

Address

Slieve Gullion Forest Park, 89 Drumintee Road, Meigh, County Armagh, BT35 8SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3057 0220

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Join our guides for a fascinating walk visiting the Famine Walls on Armagh’s highest mountain, Slieve Gullion. We will examine the famine and its impact in the area. Great views along the way over the historic Gap o the North.

More Info