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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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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

More Info
Celtic Pendant Woodturning Experience

Newry

Address

Tullymacreeve Road, Mullaghbawn, Newry, County Down, BT35 9RE

Telephone
+44 (0) 283 088 9104

Price
Price £85.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Expert woodturner and storyteller Padraig Carragher is ready to welcome you to his private woodland forest for an exciting and memorable experience teaching you the ways of an ancient Irish craft.

Price
Price £85.00 Activity

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Clonlum Cairn

Meigh

Address

Ballintemple Road, Meigh, County Armagh, BT35 8LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

This unusual megalithic monument is set on the eastern edge of a low ridge, overlooked by Slieve Gullion to the west and around 750m south of the badly disturbed remains of Clonlum court tomb.

Price
Free

More Info
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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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
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…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking charges apply
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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.
Ballymoyer Woodland

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Lowland woodland paths

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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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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.

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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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Armagh Franciscan Friary

Armagh

Address

Friary Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 4FR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Ruins of the longest Friary church in Ireland (163 ft.). Founded by Archbishop Patrick O'Scanail in 1263. Open all year.

Price
Free

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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

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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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
Loughgall Country Park Golf Course

Loughgall

Address

11 - 14 Main Street, Loughgall, County Armagh, BT61 8HZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3889 2900

info@loughgallcountrypark.co.uk

Type

Type:

Golf Course

Appealing & challenging course at fantastic prices. Designed to provide all golfers with a test of skill and composure.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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
Lurgan Golf Club

Lurgan

Address

The Demesne, Windsor Avenue, Lurgan, County Armagh, BT67 9BN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 2087

admin@lurgangolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Beautiful Parkland course bordering on Lurgan Lake, just 2 miles from Lurgan junction of M1 motorway. The club has produced some great amateur and professional golfers over the years which are a testament to the quality of the course.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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
Darkley Forest - Mountain Lodge Trail

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Darkley Forest Walk

More Info