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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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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)
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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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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Experience Gullion Tours

Newry

Address

Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Drumintee Road, Newry, County Down, BT35 8SW

experiencegulliontours@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Come and discover the ancient burial chambers over 5,000 years old, early Christian sites, Lord Mountjoys pursual of the last defender of ancient Ulster, Hugh O’Neill and uncover the legends amid the backdrop of mountain ranges & lakes.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Killevy (Killeavy) Old Churches

Killeavy

Address

Church Road, Killeavy, County Armagh, BT35 8LF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

The site contains two early churches situated back to back. Even earlier, it was the site of a monastery founded by St. Moninna (517) as one of the most important monasteries for nuns in Medieval Ireland.

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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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)
Portadown Town Tours

Portadown

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3833 2010

portadownheritagetours@gmail.com

Price
Price £5.00 to £7.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Portadown is steeped in a rich industrial and cultural history dating back over 400 years. Join us on a journey as we guide you through a living culture and colourful past, learning the history of a once thriving market town.

Price
Price £5.00 to £7.00 Per Ticket

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Portadown People's Park

Portadown

Address

51 Park Road, Portadown, County Armagh, BT62 1DS

Telephone
0300 0300 900

parksdevelopment@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

For a fun family day out in Portadown come on down to the People’s Park and discover all of the unique attractions, activities and events on offer.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Clare Glen

Craigavon

Address

Craigavon, Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A delightful walk along the banks of the River Cusher

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Brack Tours Northern Ireland

Newry

Address

6 Margaret Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 1DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3044 5060

info@bracktours.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Our bespoke customized tours are carefully planned to offer the best value and memorable touring experience, in conjunction with unique accommodation providers and immersive, cultural experiences delivered by our “Giant Hosts” and Experience…

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Navan Fort

Armagh

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

The Navan Fort, located just two miles from Armagh City, is a place where myth and reality meet. As the ancient seat of Kings and the earliest capital of Ulster, there is plenty to explore.

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
River Blackwater

Armagh

Address

5 Dobbin Street, Corporation, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7QQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 2335

des396v@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Game Fishing

This stretch of the River Blackwater, which lies mainly upstream of Blackwatertown Bridge, is available to Department permit holders on the right (Co. Armagh) bank.

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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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
124 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
Cardinal Tomas Ó Fiaich Memorial Library And Archive

Armagh

Address

15 Moy Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7LY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 2981

eolas@ofiaich.ie

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Cultural Centre

Cardinal Ó Fiaich's papers and books form the nucleus of the collection along with the Catholic church records for the archdiocese of Armagh. The archive holds special collections on the Irish overseas, Gaelic sports and 20th century Irish history.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
365 reviews
Gosford Forest Park

Markethill

Address

7 Gosford Demesne, Markethill, County Armagh, BT60 1GD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3755 1277

Gosfordforest@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Start your adventure and have a great day out any time of year. With some 240 acres of diverse woodland and open parkland set in gentle rolling drumlin countryside, Gosford Forest Park is an adventure paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - A parking charge is payable on arrival at Gosford Forest Park. Annual passes are also available. Please see up to date pricing at this link - Gosford Forest Park Markethill - Get Active ABC – At busy times, overflow carparking is available. Weekends are generally busier at the forest. The weblink provides information on opening times.
Cloverhill Golf Club

Mullaghbawn

Address

Lough Road, Mullaghbawn, County Armagh, BT35 9XP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3088 9374

info@cloverhillgolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

One of Armagh’s foremost golfing experiences, Cloverhill is an 18 hole parkland gem which enjoys unspoilt views of gorgeous scenery.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site