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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
151 reviews
Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm

Lurgan

Address

100 Silverwood Road, Lurgan, County Armagh, BT66 6LE

Telephone
0300 0300 900

parksdevelopment@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Open Farm

Gardens around this Georgian farmhouse. Experience old Irish gate, tree and sculpture trails. Rare Breeds Farm which includes Irish Moiled and Dexter cattle, Galway and Jacob Sheep, Saddleback, Tamworth and Gloucester Old Spot pigs.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
33 reviews
Lurgan Park

Lurgan

Address

Windsor Avenue, Lurgan, County Armagh, BT67 9BG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 3795

parksdevelopment@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Lurgan Park is the second largest public park in Ireland, and is enjoyed by as many as 2000 people every day. The beautifully landscaped parkland contains a number of well maintained paths which provide excellent walking and running ground.

Price
Free

More Info
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

More Info
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.

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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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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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

Tapping into a lifetime love for the outdoors, centuries old tacit knowledge handed down through his family and years of my his research and experimentation, Brian will guide you on a foraging journey that reveals the hidden potential in even the…

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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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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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Slieve Gullion Mountain Walk

BT35 8SW, Killeavy

Address

Drumintee Road, BT35 8SW, Killeavy, Co Armagh, BT35 8SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A mountain walk linked with forest tracks and minor roads

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Saint Patrick's Way: The Pilgrim's Walk

Armagh

Address

The Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh, Co Armagh, BT60 4LD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 1800

vic@armagh.co.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Long (20> miles)

Starting at the Navan Centre in Armagh, this 82 mile signed walking trail takes you through some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenic landscapes before ending at Saint Patrick’s final resting place, in the grounds of Down Cathedral.

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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)
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)
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.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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
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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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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
South Lake Watersports Centre

Craigavon

Address

1 Lake Road, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT64 1AS

Telephone
0330 0564 411

sllc@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Water Sports

At South Lake Watersports, Craigavon, say hello to unforgettable ”whoopeeee’ water and land-based adventure and ‘total wipeout’ style fun, whatever your age, experience and ability, all set within the stunning grounds of Craigavon City Park and…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
113 reviews
Peatlands Park

Dungannon

Address

33 Derryhubbert Road, Dungannon, County Armagh, BT71 6NW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3839 9195

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

We invite you to come and explore Peatlands Park. This beautiful area has a wonderful wilderness appeal and is situated near the shores of Lough Neagh just off the MI at exit 13 south of Dungannon.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - The car park operates a traffic plate system on the exit so vehicles may still leave the car park after site closure. Please note that car parks may be temporarily closed at times to support social distancing if sites become particularly busy or crowded. Make sure that you follow Public Health Agency guidelines and maintain social distancing at all times.