Location: Armagh
Top Things to do in Armagh
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The 10 Best Historic Sites in Armagh, Northern Ireland
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. Callan River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Scenic river that is rich in history flowing through County Armagh in Northern Ireland.
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. St. Mark's Parish Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
As the Church of Ireland (Anglican) Parish Church to approximately 800 families, this place of worship is at the center of the life of the ancient city of Armagh - the Christian Capital of Ireland.
6. St. Patrick's Cathedral (Church of Ireland)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Located on the Hill of Armagh, this place of worship has been a Christian church ever since it was founded by St. Patrick in 445 AD.
Reviewed By 643gaving - County Antrim, United Kingdom
Decided to go and have a look as haven’t been there since I was a child in the 1980s. The cathedral is easily accessible and was quiet today (not surprising given yesterday’s festivities) Very easy to see why this commanding hilltop was chosen for the first Irish cathedral. I have read guides before where the Cottingham restoration of the cathedral was criticised. ( he had restored St Albans and Rochester etc.)However clearly much of this cathedral survives and is at least medieval 1200,s and with original stonework visible, with Victorian additions, pretty impressive when you consider that this cathedral has been damaged 12 times in its 1600 years of existence. At least it wasn’t demolished and rebuilt to make a more impressive church as has happened in other Irish cities. I did notice the door at the back of the regimental chapel is obviously very early although there is nothing in the guide about it. The banners in the regimental chapel are superb when you consider some of these were at Waterloo and other famous campaigns. The 17th century episcopal chairs and chest are interesting as well as some of the early remnants of 17th century or perhaps earlier woodwork. As with many early Christian churches the building has been altered fixed and modified over time this is its history and has preserved it despite the damp Irish weather and the centuries of warfare of our shared history. Ultimately this church has seen the ministry of an unbroken line of Bishops since St Patrick and it is one of the few places in Ireland you can be pretty sure the saint stood. The fragments of the high cross at the back of the nave are impressive. The Tandragee idol is much larger than imagined and harks back to the old pre Christian religion and ritual that perhaps were once witnessed on this hill of Armagh. Great to see the restoration of the limestone terraces on the Vicars hill and around the cathedral which enhance the setting. Well worth a visit as one of the most important sites in Ireland’s Christian history.
7. Armagh Franciscan Friary
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 15 reviews
Visitors can see the surviving walls of the nave-and-chancel church and tower of this Franciscan friary, which was founded by Archbishop Patrick Scannail in 1263-64.
8. Royal School Armagh
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
A non-denominational boarding school for children between the ages of 11 to 18.
9. Armagh Gaol
10. Queen's University Armagh
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 2 reviews
Founded by Archbishop Richard Robinson in 1774, this Outreach campus of the University is designed to open access to educational opportunity for the residents of Armagh and surrounding areas.
