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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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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
Darkley Forest - Mountain Lodge Trail

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Darkley Forest Walk

More Info
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)
Slieve Gullion Tour - Mountain Ways Ireland

Killeavy

Address

Slieve Gullion, Killeavy, County Armagh, BT35 8LN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3057 0220

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

W.B. Yeats called it Ireland's most mystic mountain and this is where the team at Mountain Ways Ireland is proud to call home.We have an in depth knowledge of this sacred mountain and all of her moods as the seasons change.

More Info
Airtastic Entertainment Centre Craigavon

Craigavon

Address

Unit 4B, Marlborough Retail Park, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT64 3AD

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 174 2933

craigavon@air-tastic.com

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

Bounce down to Airtastic Craigavon for some fantastic fun! Check out our Trampoline & Ninja Park, Bowling Alley, Mini Golf Course, Soft Play Centre and Amusement Arcade! Feeling Hungry? We also have delicious food at our American Style NY Kitchen.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Armagh Guided Tours

Markethill

Address

Beechlodge Farm, 41 Coolmillish Road, Markethill, County Armagh, BT60 1SH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3755 1119

info@armaghguidedtours.com

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

Armagh Guided Tours was set in the year 2000 ago by Barbara Ferguson, a local person born and bred in the County of Armagh. The business has expanded and we now have three local guides.

More Info
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
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum

Armagh

Address

Sovereign's House, The Mall, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9DL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 2911

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Museum collection covers the history of five regiments, all of which were raised in 1793. The Royal Irish Fusiliers served for almost 200 years and is known as the “Faughs” from their Battle Cry “Faugh-a-Ballagh”.

Price
Free

More Info
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)
Slieve Gullion

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A mountain walk linked with forest tracks and minor roads

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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
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
Lesser Spotted Gullion - Mountain Ways Ireland

Mullaghbawn

Address

Forest Road, Mullaghbawn, County Armagh, BT35 9SA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3057 0220

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

This walk initially follows unused forestry tracks traversing and zig zagging up Slieve Gullion's western slopes. A great day full of history, heritage, flora and fauna.Knowedgeable local guides take you on the less travelled natural paths and…

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.

More Info
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

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Craigavon Lakes

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

An extensive network of walking and cycling paths are set within the Parkland around the Craigavon Lakes and are suitable for disabled users and families and incorporate the National Cycle Network Route 9. The route around the two lakes is 3 miles,…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Milford House

Armagh

Address

Milford House, 3 Victoria Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9DS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 5467

milfordhouse57@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Milford House, the former home of the extraordinary McCrum family who revolutionized the world of business and sport. Mass kidnappings, letters to Stalin, you'll be amazed at the story of this house.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
41 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
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