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Explore Armagh

Venture into the history behind our stunning Georgian architecture. Live our Celtic myths and legends in the ancient site of Navan Fort. Taste local flavours in one of the leading culinary destinations. Embark on an epic journey to the home of St Patrick. Discover our culture and weave your own story of Armagh. Play in our orchards and savour world-leading artisan ciders. Experiences, wonderful walks, food on the go, family fun and time with friends.

Fly direct to Belfast International Airport or Belfast City George Best Airport from many UK cities. Dublin International Airport services a multitude of locations; one and a half hours drive from Armagh. Click for more information.

Regular scheduled ferry services operate between Northern Ireland and the UK, bringing foot passengers and vehicles into the area via Belfast and Larne. Ferry services also operate into Dublin’s two ports; Dublin Port and Dun Laoghaire. Click for more information

Why not start your journey today by planning your next visit with us.

Created in official partnership with Warner Bros., the world’s first and only Game of Thrones Studio Tour has arrived in Northern Ireland.

Located at the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Game of Thrones Studio Tour invites you to experience the world of Game of Thrones like never before.

Located just 30 minutes from Belfast (90 minutes from Dublin), this is an unbelievable opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in an expansive collection of costumes, props, sets and weapons, and to discover the artistry that designed the Seven Kingdoms and brought the story of Game of Thrones to life on screen.

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.

Step back in time by 2000 years to meet the Celts going about their daily lives and bringing history to life. Discover how they survived and thrived as they engage you in this highly interactive and unique experience.

After meeting real life warriors, learn more about the stories of the bravest of them all – Cú Chulainn and the Red Branch Knights.  With archaeological evidence of the site dating back to 95BC, the experienced tour guides will accompany you to what is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most famous sites, Emain Macha (Navan Fort).

The Argory was built in the 1820s and its hillside location has wonderful views over the gardens and 320 acre wooded estate bordering the River Blackwater. This former home of the MacGeough–Bond family has a splendid stable yard with horse carriages, harness room, acetylene gas plant and laundry. Take a stroll around the delightful gardens or for the more energetic along the woodland and riverside way-marked trails.

  • Fascinating courtyard displays
  • Garden, woodland and riverside walks with wonderful sweeping views
  • Snowdrop walks and superb spring bulbs
  • Adventure playground and environmental sculpture trail
  • Enjoy afternoon tea and scones in The Courtyard Café

The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is Northern Ireland’s leading astronomical research and education facility. It offers visitors a unique experience which makes it “the place for space”.

In the Planetarium’s Digital Full Dome Theatre you can sit back, relax and experience the wonders of our Universe. Take a tour of the night sky, and discover how the scientific research has impacted the field of astronomy.

Explore the exhibition area and learn more about the rich heritage of both the Armagh Observatory and the Armagh Planetarium. Look Closer and get to know the depth of the scientific research with hands on activities and workshops. You can also touch Ireland’s largest meteorite! Relax and discover the wonders of space in the Sensory Space.

Take a stroll around the Astropark, which is 14 acres of attractive, landscaped grounds. Experience the ‘Cosmo, Lost in Space’ trail that takes you on a journey around the grounds and woodland. Find out about astronomical objects such as the Owl Nebula, and meet the sculptures along the way.

Discover the scale models of the Solar System and the Universe and a wide range of flora and fauna. Of particular interest are the Observatory building, Human Orrery, two sundials, and historic telescopes and telescope domes.

Join the McKeever family on their orchard farm for an unforgettable experience.

You’ll hear all about their family traditions, developed over three-generations of apple farming, the heritage of apple growing in County Armagh, and witness first-hand how the family make their high quality apple juices, cider and cider vinegar on site.

There’s a walking tour of the orchard, during which you’ll marvel at the pink blossom in May, or if you’re in luck, taste the freshest Irish apples you’re ever likely to get your hands on – picked straight from the tree! Heading on to the bottling plant and press room you’ll witness how the apples are processed and pressed, before being stored in cold storage facilities.

Enjoy the Orchard/Cider tour experience and cooking demo with Granny’s traditional griddle breads. Watch a cooking demo of the traditional breads being made and then enjoy them hot off the griddle, available on selected dates.

St Patricks Cathedral

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St Patrick’s Cathedral (Roman Catholic)

Enjoy touring this twin-spired, imposing cathedral, on an elevated site, was started in 1840, but work was suspended during the Irish Famine of 1845-48. Work recommenced in 1854 when J J McCarthy was appointed architect. It was dedicated for worship in 1873 but the magnificent interior decoration was not completed until early in the 20th century. The cathedral was finally consecrated in 1904.

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St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral

Saint Patrick founded his main church here on the Hill of Armagh in 445AD. There has been a Christian church on the site ever since. Although the building has been renovated many times, the basic shape of the Cathedral is still as conceived by Archbishop O’Scanlon in the twelfth century. Take a guided tour of the Cathedral where you will find an unbroken line of bishops since Saint Patrick. Then visit the Cathedral crypt which is part of the 13th century foundations and learn about the people who are entombed there.

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Armagh Robinson Library 

Push open the great Georgian door, climb the stairs, and step into the 18th Century! This Library, founded by Archbishop Robinson in the heart of the City, was built to display his own collection of books and fine art for public use.

Light from elegant Georgian windows illuminates this classical library, lined from floor to ceiling with rare and beautiful books, the largest on the lowest shelves, the smallest at the top. There are some 42,000 printed works, covering subjects such as early medicine, science, history, law, politics, theology and travel, as well as maps and atlases.

Discover some of the Library’s many treasures, including Jonathan Swift’s own copy of Gulliver’s Travels, 1726, with corrections in his own hand.

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F.E. McWilliam

The F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio is dedicated to the memory of Banbridge-born sculptor Frederick Edward McWilliam, one of Ireland’s most influential and successful artists. Frederick Edward McWilliam was born in Banbridge on the 30th April 1909. He died in London in 1992 and the executors of his estate donated the sculptor’s studio and its contents to the town of his birth.

The Gallery and studio houses the collection in a superb exhibition facility of Gallery, sculpture garden and reconstructed studio. It also provides a café, craft shop and a tourist information point.

Gallery Talks and Tours: Gallery staff are on hand at all times to assist the public with information and to respond to enquiries. Group tours may be arranged by appointment.

Festivals

Armagh City is the “Home of St Patrick,” the place where Patrick began his mission. We celebrate St Patrick with an exciting festival of music, art, theatre, film and dance. This is a chance to reflect on the legacy of St Patrick and have fun celebrating his influence on history and culture.

The Armagh Food and Cider weekend, takes place right in the heart of the Orchard County. Brimming with fine foods, foraged lunches, cider tasting, tours, talks and fiction amongst the apple-laden orchards. Combine all this with award winning ciders and the most stunning surroundings and you are in for a harvest season treat.

Step back in time at our Georgian Festival. Delve into the Georgian history of Armagh through the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the 18th Century.

Georgian Day is a day rich in atmosphere where you can hear the clip clop of the horses’ hooves along the Mall, listen to musicians around the streets and smell the roasting chestnuts and mulled spices as you wander among the array of craft and food stalls throughout the bustling city centre and on the picturesque setting of The Mall.

St Patrick’s Festival

10th – 18th March 2024

GREEN CATHEDRALS

Food and Cider Weekend

5th – 8th September 2024

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Georgian Festival

28th November – 1st December 2024

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