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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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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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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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Derrymore House

Bessbrook

Address

Camlough Road, Bessbrook, County Armagh, BT35 7EF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8778 4753

derrymore@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

The National Trust

A National Trust Property, Derrymore House is an elegant thatched cottage that stands amid a picturesque landscape estate less than 2 miles from Newry.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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, Alien Invasion Laser Tag, Bowling Alley, Mini Golf Course, Soft Play Centre and Amusement Arcade! Feeling hungry? We also have delicious food at our…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Kinnego Marina

Craigavon

Address

Kinnego Marina, Annaloist Road, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT66 6NJ

Telephone
03300561190

kinnego.marina@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

Situated on Lough Neagh beside the Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Kinnego Marina is the largest marina on the Lough. There is a range of associated amenities on site and instruction on watersports and water safety.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Poets and People of Creggan

Newry

Address

Newry Visitor's Centre, Bagenal's Castle,, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3031 3170

newryvic@newryandmourne.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Explore the ancient churchyard at Creggan, where some of Ireland's greatest Gaelic poets are buried. Walk the Walled Garden, the Poet's Glen and follow the Poet's Trail around the Ring of Gullion, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

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Ballymacdermot Court Tomb

Newry

Address

Bernish Road, Newry, County Armagh, BT35 8QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Ballymacdermot Court Tomb, lying on the southern slopes of Ballymacdermot Mountain close to Newry City, is an extremely well preserved Neolithic burial site with three chambers. It can be dated between 4,000 and 2,500 BC.

Price
Free

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Foraging in the Foothills - Mountain Ways Ireland

Forkhill

Address

11a Cloghinny Road, Forkhill, County Armagh, BT35 9RY

Telephone
+353 (0)872 243 176

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Brian from Mountain Ways Ireland is a wild food enthusiast and folklorist and have been for all of his life. Tapping into a lifetime love for the outdoors, centuries old tacit knowledge handed down through his family and years of my his research and…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Slieve Gullion Tour - Mountain Ways Ireland

Killeavy

Address

Slieve Gullion, Killeavy, County Armagh, BT35 8LN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3057 0220

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

W.B. Yeats called it Ireland's most mystic mountain and this is where the team at Mountain Ways Ireland is proud to call home.We have an in depth knowledge of this sacred mountain and all of her moods as the seasons change.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
43 reviews
Ardress House

Portadown

Address

64 Ardress Road, Portadown, County Armagh, BT62 1SQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8778 4753

ardress@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Ardress is nestled in the apple orchards of County Armagh and offers afternoons of fun and relaxation for everyone. Built in the 17th century as a farmhouse, Ardress was remodelled in Georgian times.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Millennium Court Arts Centre

Portadown

Address

5 -7 William Street, Portadown, County Armagh, BT62 3NX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3835 0935

info@millenniumcourt.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

Millennium Court Arts Centre contains two purpose built gallery spaces providing a platform for showcasing contemporary works by local, national and international artists.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Silverwood Golf Club

Lurgan

Address

16 Turmoyra Lane, Lurgan, County Armagh, BT66 6NG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 5380

silverwoodgolfclub@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Silverwood Golf Club, established in 1984 is a picturesque 18 hole parkland course conveniently located on the outskirts of Lurgan.
Well irrigated, features superb sand-based greens, incorporating lakes in the third and tenth holes.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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)
Tandragee Golf Club

Tandragee

Address

Markethill Road, Tandragee, County Armagh, BT62 2ER

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3884 1272

office@tandragee.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Tandragee Golf Club is situated within the historic walls of the Duke of Manchester’s estate. This well wooded parkland course is a good test of golf for any golfer who cares to visit.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Clontygora Court Cairn

Killeen

Address

Ferryhill Road, Killeen, County Armagh, BT35 8NX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Known locally as the ‘King’s Ring’, this court tomb has a prominent position in the southeast part of the rugged Slieve Gullion ring-dyke.

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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Newry Canal Way

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Quiet, easy route mostly on the canal side path

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Gosford Karting

Markethill

Address

92 Gosford Road, Markethill, County Armagh, BT60 1RH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3755 1248

gosford.karting@talk21.com

Type

Type:

Motor Sports and Karting

Experience the thrill of racing on our outdoor tarmac track. Ideal for corporate/group bookings. Birthday parties, family days out. Full track tuition. Helmets and suits in immaculate condition. Picnic area inside or out. A warm welcome awaits you.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
292 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…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking charges apply