Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Navan Fort
Armagh, County Armagh

You are here: Home > Destinations > County Armagh > Activities & Attractions in County Armagh

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.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 100

, currently showing 21 to 40.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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

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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Darkley Forest - Mountain Lodge Trail

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Darkley Forest Walk

More Info
Armagh Road Bowling

Armagh

Address

Tomas Ó Fiaich Library, 15 Moy Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7LY

Telephone
07732114781

roadbowlingexperience@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

Led by expert Chris Mallon, dive into the history and cultural significance of road bowling in Armagh. Explore memorabilia and artwork and witness a champion bowler in action. Under expert guidance enjoy a hands-on opportunity to master the…

Dates

More Info
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.

More Info
Lough Neagh Discovery and Conference Centre

Craigavon

Address

Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Annaloist Road, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT66 6NJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 2205

oxford.island@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Enjoy four miles of footpaths, five birdwatching hides, woodland, ponds, wildflower meadows, picnic and play areas and seasonal innovative exhibitions at The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. Enjoy stunning, panoramic views of the Lough from the…

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
GI Stores

Armagh

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 2335

des@gistores.com

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

G.I. Stores are leading stockists of fishing equipment, camping gear, work wear, army surplus, etc.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Oxford Island Nature Reserve

Craigavon

Address

Discovery Centre, Annaloist Road, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT66 6NJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 2205

kinnego.marina@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Oxford Island National Nature Reserve is a peninsula created by successive lowering of Lough Neagh. Four miles of footpaths, five birdwatching hides, woodland, ponds, wildflower meadows, picnic and play areas.

More Info
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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
County Armagh Golf Club

Armagh

Address

7 Newry Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 1EN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 5861

info@golfarmagh.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

The Club is one of the oldest in Ireland, formed in 1893. County Armagh Golf course is widely considered one of the best parkland courses in Ireland.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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
Landlords, Saints and Outlaws Tour - Mountain Ways Ireland

Meigh

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3057 0220

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Listen to how Landlordism in South Armagh replaced old Gaelic Kingdoms, visit one of the earliest and best-preserved Christian sites in the country where saints, lawmen and outlaws from Irelands past all lie side by side.

More Info
Ballykeel Portal Tomb (Dolmen)

Mullaghbawn

Address

Ballykeel Road, Mullaghbawn, County Armagh, BT35 9UA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

This Neolithic burial site, dated between 4000 and 2500 BC, has a huge capstone, supported on upright stones, over an octagonal burial chamber. It is known as the 'Hag's Chair'.

Price
Free

More Info
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.

More Info
Bann Boulevard - Portadown

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Starting point for the Newry Canal Towpath.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Clare Glen

Craigavon

Address

Craigavon, Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A delightful walk along the banks of the River Cusher

More Info
Darkley Forest - Aughnagurgan Trail

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Darkley Forest Walk

More Info
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.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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
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