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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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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.

More Info
Carleton Street Orange Hall Tours

Portadown

Address

Carleton Street Orange Hall, 6a Carleton Street, Portadown, County Armagh, BT62 3EN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3833 2010

portadownheritagetours@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

Our trained community tour guides will offer you the unique opportunity, through a guided tour, to explore a community based, working and functioning Orange Hall that is bursting with history and heritage.

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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

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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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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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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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The Market Place Theatre And Arts Centre

Armagh

Address

Market Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7BW

Telephone
03300 561 025

boxoffice@marketplacearmagh.com

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

The Market Place is a state of the art cultural facility in the centre of Armagh City encompassing a 397 seat auditorium, 100 seat studio, art gallery, workshop spaces, cafe, restaurant and bar.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Ardress House - Ladies Mile

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

The short Ladies Mile Walk is a circular, relatively flat, beautiful woodland walk. The degree of difficulty is easy to moderate. Some small bridges and stiles have to be traversed.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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,…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Craigmore Viaduct

Bessbrook

Address

Belfast to Dublin railway line, Bessbrook, County Armagh, BT35 6JR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3031 3170

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Railway

This 18 arch viaduct, close to Newry, is a prominent feature of the south Armagh landscape.

Price
Free

More Info
The Argory Lime Tree Walk

Moy

Address

144 Derrycaw Road, Moy, County Armagh, BT71 6NA

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Lime Tree Walk takes you along the avenue of pollarded lime trees under-planted by snowdrops and spring flowers. This walk passes The Argory Oak Plantation, returning to the house by the main drive. Wheel chair friendly.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Darkley Forest - Aughnagurgan Trail

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Darkley Forest Walk

More Info
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
Lowry's Lake

Armagh

Address

50, Ballnahonemore Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 1HY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3751 1738

afl@talktalk.net

Type

Type:

Game Fishing

Lowry's Lake is a favourite with members and visitors. The lake is stocked regularly and due to location fished hard. The trout become educated and a thoughtful approach is required for success. Hotspots are Kildarton Shore and The Ramper area.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Dan Winter's Cottage

Loughgall

Address

1 Derryloughan Road, Loughgall, County Armagh, BT61 8PH

Telephone
+44(0) 7714 849 729

cwinter1795@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Dan Winter’s Cottage, focal point of the Battle of the Diamond and birthplace of the Orange Order. It was in this cottage that Dan Winter and his family stood to protect their hearth and home. The original lead balls are still embedded within the…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
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
Portadown Golf Club

Portadown

Address

192 Gilford Road, Portadown, County Armagh, BT63 5LF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3835 5356

info@portadowngolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Nestled in the heart of Orchard County since 1900, Portadown Golf Club offers a course of exceptional beauty and elegance, placed in a partial woodland setting. Conveniently located just 2 miles from Portadown and 20 miles from Belfast.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site