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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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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
Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre

Lurgan

Address

Turmoyra Lane, Lurgan, Armagh, BT66 6NG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 6606

golfski@craigavon.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Adventure Sport Centre

Situated in beautiful wooded surroundings, the centre is Northern Ireland's only outdoor artificial ski slope. The 300 ft main slope, nursery slope and snow tubing facilities ensure the whole family is catered for.

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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
Two Stacks Whiskey Tour

Newry

Address

59 Chancellors Road, Newry, County Down, BT35 8PX

Telephone
+44 (0)28 3005 3174

whiskey@twostackswhiskey.com

Price
Price £45.00 Activity to £75.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Brewery/Distillery Tour

Discover the unique story of Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and the history of blending and bonding in Ireland. Learn about the true art of blending whiskey and enjoy exclusive access to Two Stacks ultra-rare casks, extracting and tasting the whiskey…

Price
Price £45.00 Activity to £75.00 Per Ticket

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Facilities

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

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
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)
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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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.

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Brian Russell Fly Fishing

Address

2 Velton Lawns, Laurelvale, Tandragee, Co Armagh, BT62 2PB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 388 41740 / 077 161 2044

b.russell147@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Ghillies & Guides

Full time Flyfishing River/Lough guide providing quality days on running and still water for trout, salmon, pike and roach.
Experience method tuition one to one or as part of a group.

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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 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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 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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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.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Armagh Ancestry

Armagh

Address

40 English Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 1800

info@visitarmagh.com

Type

Type:

Ancestry / Tracing Your Routes

Armagh Ancestry offers a comprehensive genealogical service to those whose ancestors came from Armagh.
We are able to offer an efficient and accurate service, for a reasonable cost and in a short time.
Pre-booking is essential.

More Info
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)
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
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

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Hillview Golf Driving Range Armagh

Armagh

Address

33 Newtownhamilton Road, Ballyheridan, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 2PL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 2000

info@hillviewlodge.com

Type

Type:

Driving Range

Floodlit Driving Range open until 20.00 weekdays and 16.30 weekends. £3.00 for bucket of 30 balls

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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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
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