Location: Armagh
Top Things to do in Armagh
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6 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Armagh That You Shouldn't Miss
Armagh (/ɑːrˈmɑː/ ar-MAH; from Irish Ard Mhacha /ɑɾd̪ˠˈwaxə/, meaning 'Macha's height') is the county town of County Armagh and a city in Northern Ireland, as well as a civil parish. It is the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland – the seat of the Archbishops of Armagh, the Primates of All Ireland for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland. In ancient times, nearby Navan Fort (Eamhain Mhacha) was a pagan ceremonial site and one of the great royal capitals of Gaelic Ireland. Today, Armagh is home to two cathedrals (both named after Saint Patrick) and the Armagh Observatory, and is known for its Georgian architecture.
Restaurants in Armagh
1. Armagh Observatory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Founded in 1790 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, this is one of Ireland's leading scientific research institutes where more than 30 astronomers actively study Astronomy, Stellar Astrophysics and the Earth's climate.
2. St. Patrick's Cathedral (Roman Catholic)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 269 reviews
Construction of this imposing Cathedral was started in 1840, dedicated for worship in 1873, and its magnificent interior décor completed in the early 20th century.
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
The Catholic Cathedral of St Patrick is mesmerising and absolutely towers above the rest of the city of Arnagh. Its twin towers can be seen from almost anywhere in town and the views of the city from the top of its steps is quite superb. I love how you can see the Protestant Cathedral from the main door as the two seem to gaze at each other from on high at different ends of the small city centre. There is a guided tour apparently but we just did it ourselves. The interior is jaw dropping with amazing columns, arches and mosaics on the walls and ceilings. There are lovely stained glass windows throughout and a gleaming marble sabctuary. The roof took a oht 5 decades to add because all the money collected to finish the cathedral had to be redirected to famine relief projects at the time. Watch for the 'famine line's in the roof. Wonderfully peaceful, ornate and humbling. A must-do when in Armagh.
3. Navan Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Considered one of the most important ancient monuments in Northern Ireland, this historical structure is identified as Emain Macha, the seat of the ancient kings of Ulster, and named after the Princess Macha.
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
Navan Fort is absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend the guided tour from the visitor centre for you to get the most out of your visit. It is possible to do it for free by yourself but I don't really think you'll learn anything close to what a guide would tell you. The Celtic Fort towers a over the surrounding area and you get great views of Armagh City and its cathedral from the top of Mounds A and B. It has a fascinating ceremonial history and though there are display boards, but not to labour the point, use the guides!
4. Palace Stables Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Restored Georgian horse stables located in the Palace Demesne, the former home of the Archbishop of the Church of Ireland until the 1970s.
5. Navan Centre & Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
This place is nothing short of amazing. Wonderful friendly staff and insightful, learned guides. You are met by your guide at the lovely visitors centre and brought out to meet costumed Celts who tell you about life as it was for them 2000 years ago. One guide/actor talks about rotary querns and grinding flour, another about barter and money and their rivalry with the Romans as well as other clans! Then another tells you about hunting, weaponry and diet. We really found the explanation of tracking and hunting prey quite mesmerising. Superbly done and so interesting. Then an archaeologist talks you through the finds at Emain Macha, what the fort was used for and some of the pottery, jewellery and La Tene artwork associated with these Celts. They have fires set up with spits and hides and a recreation of a Celtic house. After these talks the guide walks you to the fort and tells you all about it and its significance. Wonderful tour, nearly two hours in total. One of the best days out I've had in ages. A truly wonderful place.
6. Armagh Astronomy Centre and Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 250 reviews
Discover the mysteries of the Universe when you visit this Planetarium's Star-Theatre, where digital projectors allow visitors to time travel through the galaxies.
Reviewed By jm2r - Bedford, United States
Saw 2 great dome shows at the planetarium: “beyond the blue” and “capcom go”. Growing up in Ireland, I always wanted to visit Armagh observatory. A serious center of astronomical study (15 astronomers in residence), the planetarium is the worlds first and leading planetarium. The history quickly suggests successive waves of upgrade and development across the 50 years of operation. This is well, well worth a visit. Armagh known as an ancient Irish northern capital boasts the Major cathedral and also center of astronomical study in Ireland. Beyond the Blue explores the Irish night sky. Kids loved it and later that night traced constellations, planets and Polaris from the Co Monaghan night sky! Capcom go celebrates the Apollo Landings The exhibits are wonderful. Lots of information about manned and unmanned lunar and solar travel. Excellent introductions for the kids to the solar system, moons of the solar system, rocks, meteorites, astronomical distance. Excellent kids workshops. Kids loved it. I loved it. I bought tickets online. BP$40 combined for both. Generous online discount for family of 5 and a further 20% discount for 2 shows!! Tickets picked up as we arrived. Well, well worth a visit Highly highly recommended!!
