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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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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
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
The Market Place Theatre And Arts Centre

Armagh

Address

Market Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7BW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 1821

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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
24 reviews
Edenvilla Park

Portadown

Address

The Log Cabin, 10 Bachelors Walk, Portadown, County Armagh, BT63 5BQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3833 7207

parksdevelopment@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Edenvilla Park is a town park based in the Bachelors Walk area of Portadown. It is 25.5acres of maintained grass land and forest.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ballymoyer Woodland

Address

Co Armagh

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Lowland woodland paths

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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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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.

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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

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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

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
326 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.

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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.
Cloverhill Golf Club

Mullaghbawn

Address

Lough Road, Mullaghbawn, County Armagh, BT35 9XP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3088 9374

info@cloverhillgolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

One of Armagh’s foremost golfing experiences, Cloverhill is an 18 hole parkland gem which enjoys unspoilt views of gorgeous scenery.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
150 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
The Palace Demesne Public Park

Armagh

Address

Palace Demesne, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 4EL

Telephone
0300 0300 900

parksdevelopment@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk"

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Situated within walking distance of the City Centre, for over two hundred years the undulating parkland of the Palace Demesne has been one of the glories of Armagh.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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)
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
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)
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