Armagh
Armagh is a city in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It has a population of 14,700.
Understand
Armagh is an historical city where St Patrick built his first stone church in 432 AD and where a church has stood ever since. Today that church is Saint Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop & Primate of All Ireland (Church of Ireland). On the neighbouring hilltop stands the twin spires of the magnificent 19th century St Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop & Primate of All Ireland (Roman Catholic Church).
This city is known today as the Ecclesiastical Capital of Ireland, in other words, the home of the heads of the two main churches in Ireland! Pilgrims travel from all over the world to visit this small city with two cathedrals both dedicated to Saint Patrick!
Get around
Armagh is small enough to explore on foot.
See
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St Patrick's Cathedral (Church of Ireland). Dates from the 13th century. Open most days with guides inside.
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St Patrick's Cathedral (Roman Catholic). Built between 1840 and 1904, and has an impressive interior, the mosaics and woodwork being especially pleasing. Located atop a hill, the cathedral is accessible via a grand exterior staircase.
- Palace Stables Heritage Centre, The Palace Demesne. Daily. The Archbishop's former stables. Admission charge.
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Armagh County Museum. Open M-Sa. The usual assortment of items found in a small regional museum. Admission free.
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(Emain Macha), 81 Killylea Road (two miles west of the town centre). Open weekends Apr-Sep, and daily Jun-Aug (M-Sa 10-5, Su 12-5). Fort from about 95 BC. Has a visitor centre with costumed interpreters doing living history demonstrations of Iron Age life, as well as a small museum and tea-room. The site encompasses a considerable piece of parkland, with plaques explaining natural features, flora, and fauna of the area. This is one of the ancient Irish royal sites proposed for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission £5.
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Armagh Planetarium.
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Armagh Observatory.
- 🌍 Armagh Public Library. The oldest library in Northern Ireland, founded in 1771 by Archbishop Robinson. Free, guided tours £3.
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Gosford Castle and Forest Park, Markethill (6 miles south east of Armagh). 19th-century building in the style of a Norman castle with 240 hectares of diverse woodland and open parkland
Do
- Armagh Guided Tours, ☎ +44 28 37 551119. Local accredited Blue Badge Guide Barbara planning and guiding visitors around Armagh City - St Patrick's Chosen City. Plenty of history and lots of humour!
Buy
Eat
- 🌍 The Moody Boar Restaurant & Bistro, Palace Demesne Public Park, ☎ +44 28 3752 9678.
- 🌍 Shapla Indian Restaurant, 39 Lower English St, ☎ +44 28 3751 8880.
Drink
Sleep
- 🌍 Armagh City Youth Hostel, 39 Abbey Street, BT61 7EB, ☎ +44 28 3751 1800. Modern youth hostel near the city centre.
- 🌍 Armagh City Hotel, Friary Road, ☎ +44 28 3751 8888. A clean and comfortable hotel, located next to the Palace grounds. It is also home to Northern Ireland's largest conference centre.