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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: 101

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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.

More Info
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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Airtastic Entertainment Centre Craigavon

Craigavon

Address

Unit 4B, Marlborough Retail Park, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT64 3AD

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 174 2933

craigavon@air-tastic.com

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

Bounce down to Airtastic Craigavon for some fantastic fun! Check out our Trampoline & Ninja Park, Bowling Alley, Mini Golf Course, Soft Play Centre and Amusement Arcade! Feeling Hungry? We also have delicious food at our American Style NY Kitchen.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ardress House - Ladies Mile

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

The short Ladies Mile Walk is a circular, relatively flat, beautiful woodland walk. The degree of difficulty is easy to moderate. Some small bridges and stiles have to be traversed.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Nature and Foraging Tours with HartyCulture

Moy

Address

65 Tullyroan Road, Moy, County Armagh, BT71 6NF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7490 974 421

jono@tullyroan.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Everything that grows in our environment has its place and purpose, be it edible, medicinal, practical or poisonous. From the roots in the earth to the leaves of the trees above, nature provides a bounty, just waiting to be discovered by all of us.

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Ballymacdermot Court Tomb

Newry

Address

Bernish Road, Newry, County Armagh, BT35 8QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3031 3170

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

This monument is an extremely well preserved Neolithic burial site with three chambers. It can be dated between 4000 and 2500 BC.

Price
Free

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Aonach Mhacha

Armagh

Address

74-76 Upper English Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7LG

Telephone
+44(0) 28 3799 8111

failte@aonachmhacha.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Centre

Is ionad cultúrtha í Aonach Mhacha atá suite i gcroílár Ard Mhacha. Cuirimid imeachtaí Gaeilge, ealaíne agus cultúrtha ar fáil a fhreastalaíonn ar ghach duine sa phobal. Is féidir bualadh isteach chuig Siopa Macha le bronntanais a fháil nó Caifé…

Dates

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
118 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
Portadown Golf Club

Portadown

Address

192 Gilford Road, Portadown, County Armagh, BT63 5LF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3835 5356

info@portadowngolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Nestled in the heart of Orchard County since 1900, Portadown Golf Club offers a course of exceptional beauty and elegance, placed in a partial woodland setting. Conveniently located just 2 miles from Portadown and 20 miles from Belfast.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
The Palace Demesne Public Park

Armagh

Address

Palace Demesne, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 4EL

Telephone
0300 0300 900

parksdevelopment@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk"

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Situated within walking distance of the City Centre, for over two hundred years the undulating parkland of the Palace Demesne has been one of the glories of Armagh.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Armagh Cider Company

Portadown

Address

Ballinteggart House, 73 Drumnasoo Road, Portadown, Counrty Armagh, BT62 4EX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3833 4268

info@armaghcider.com

Type

Type:

Tailor-made Tours

Armagh Cider Company is a family business based at Ballinteggart House where apples have been grown for five generations. Walk through the orchards, experience the cidery and bottling plant before tasting our award winning ciders and juices.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
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.

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Armagh Franciscan Friary

Armagh

Address

Friary Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 4FR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Ruins of the longest Friary church in Ireland (163 ft.). Founded by Archbishop Patrick O'Scanail in 1263. Open all year.

Price
Free

More Info
Xhale Mindfulness

Meigh

Address

37 St. Moninna Park, Meigh, County Armagh, BT35 8SL

Telephone
+44 (0) 7816 835 147

ann@xhale.biz

Type

Type:

Health & Wellbeing

Ann inherited her great love of the landscape from her mother, who was born on Slieve Gullion Mountain. She has practiced meditation for over 20 years & delivers immersive, mindfulness experiences, courses & retreats using meditation &the landscape.

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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
Panoramic Ireland

Armagh

Address

250 Newtownhamilton Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 2RE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7789 758 934

booking@panoramicireland.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

Northern Ireland is full of world class landscapes and vibrant cities, Panoramic Ireland will show you the best that this unique corner of Europe holds. Make better images with Panoramic Ireland photography experiences.

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Lesser Spotted Gullion - Mountain Ways Ireland

Mullaghbawn

Address

Forest Road, Mullaghbawn, County Armagh, BT35 9SA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3057 0220

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

This walk initially follows unused forestry tracks traversing and zig zagging up Slieve Gullion's western slopes. A great day full of history, heritage, flora and fauna.Knowedgeable local guides take you on the less travelled natural paths and…

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Newry Leisure Centre

Newry

Address

Newry Leisure Centre, 60 Cecil Street, Newry, County Down, BT35 6AU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3031 3190

poolreception@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

Newry Leisure Centre is a new multi-million pound complex located in the city centre and is Northern Ireland’s latest state of the art leisure complex in the heart of Newry City.

More Info
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

More Info