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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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
365 reviews
Gosford Forest Park

Markethill

Address

7 Gosford Demesne, Markethill, County Armagh, BT60 1GD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3755 1277

Gosfordforest@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Start your adventure and have a great day out any time of year. With some 240 acres of diverse woodland and open parkland set in gentle rolling drumlin countryside, Gosford Forest Park is an adventure paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - A parking charge is payable on arrival at Gosford Forest Park. Annual passes are also available. Please see up to date pricing at this link - Gosford Forest Park Markethill - Get Active ABC – At busy times, overflow carparking is available. Weekends are generally busier at the forest. The weblink provides information on opening times.
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)
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
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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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
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.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Bann Boulevard - Portadown

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Starting point for the Newry Canal Towpath.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
124 reviews
Brownlow House

Lurgan

Address

Windsor Avenue, Lurgan, County Armagh, BT67 9BJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 6049

info@brownlowhouse.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Brownlow House is Located in the centre of Lurgan adjacent to Lurgan Public Park, a grade A listed building now open for viewing.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Millennium Court Arts Centre

Portadown

Address

5 -7 William Street, Portadown, County Armagh, BT62 3NX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3835 0935

info@millenniumcourt.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

Millennium Court Arts Centre contains two purpose built gallery spaces providing a platform for showcasing contemporary works by local, national and international artists.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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)
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
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

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
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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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…

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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
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.
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
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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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