Location: Armagh
Top Things to do in Armagh
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Top 10 Things to do in Armagh, United Kingdom (UK)
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. St. Patrick's Cathedral (Roman Catholic)
Overall Ratings
5 based on 216 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 mamjjjggffxvh - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
Very good. U learn a lot about the history of armagh and learn about st Patrick's. Good that it is free.
2. Navan Centre & Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By Lynne W
Very good place to visit. Staff were very friendly, helpful & informative. The staff in their period costumes & historical enactment were brilliant. They were happy to spend plenty of time explaining the history to my two children who were enthralled with the whole experience. Lovely walk up to the fort itself with great views from the top. A bird watchers delight too with hides & telescopes. We were so lucky to see two red squirrels climbing up the little bird table on the day we went. Great interactive play areas for children both outside & inside the centre. Would highly recommend for a family day out.
3. Armagh Astronomy Centre and Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 198 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 Irene029 - Dublin
I visited this place twice with different grandchildren, its very interesting and truly worth a visit. The first time I went with 2 of my grandkids was in July and the Dinosaur talk was on, this was very interesting and the kids were delighted with all the stuff they could see and touch. We then went to the Theatre to see the Digital Show - you need to book this by phone in advance and pay on arrival, we saw the Secret of Gravity - excellent show.
The place has other rooms for the kids to explore but the two special must see rooms are the one where you can make up a rocket and they will launch it with you. And the other is the arts and crafts room, where you can make what you like with the stuff provided and you get to take your fabulous design home with you!! It was a glorious day that day and we brought a picnic with us and they is a lovely area just outside to sit and eat your food. The kids really enjoyed the whole experience.
The second time we went I had my 11 year old grandson with me, we did much the same as before, he really lovely making up the rocket and to be able to launch it, but unfortunately the arts and crafts room was closed so we didn't get to go in there. That day was not so good weather wise, so no picnic, but there is a small cafe there and everything is reasonably priced.
4. Gosford Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Ian L - Armagh, United Kingdom
Gosford is a world apart. There is car-park with toilets and a well-equipped children's play area. But that's not all. You can walk (or cycle or ride) for miles on intersecting forest trails - not quite knowing where you will come out, but you are always inside the castle domain so you will be fine. Catching a glimpse of the castle itself is part of the fun.
5. St. Patrick's Cathedral (Church of Ireland)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 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 Rolandd2 - Ft lauderdale, United States
We offered a prayer of thankfulness here for having the opportunity to experience what so many had offered for centuries. According to tradition, St Patrick used a nearby well to baptise converts to Christianity. The Cathedral dates from 1220, and has survived wars, revolutions and a reformation. Pilgrims and visitors have come from far to experience Christ. All money raised through the shop and welcome desk goes directly to supporting the enormous cost of the maintenance and restoration of this very special 800 year old building.
Visit the Tree of Remembrance (WWI Memorial). Jonathan Swift (Author of "Gulliver's Travels" and other works) was the most famous Dean ever associated with the Cathedral. He preached many sermons dealing with social injustice from his pulpit which is still on display.
Services are offered 7 days a week. Check their timetable.
If you come to Dublin, this is a must-see and must-stop. Blessings to all.
6. Armagh Robinson Library
Overall Ratings
5 based on 36 reviews
Founded in 1771 by Archbishop Robinson, this library features the rich collection from Robinson's personal library containing 17th- and 18th-century books on such topics as Theology, Philosophy, voyages and travels, history, medicine and law.
Reviewed By Hampman - Winchester, United Kingdom
Immediately something different. Clever activity sheets for all ages. A smaller version of the Old Library in Trinity College Dublin and just as grand and important. Delightful, friendly and helpful staff.
7. Navan Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 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 John A - Belfast, United Kingdom
I was really surprised at just how big the mound is. Apparently it is the remains of an iron age temple which was built as a sacrifice before being burned and buried. The endeavour of the ancient people of the area in pursuit of their beliefs is absolutely staggering.
8. Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
Museum celebrates the history of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, which have played an important part in Armagh's history since 1793, including interpretive displays of the Armagh, Cavan and Monaghan Militias from 1793 to 1968.
Reviewed By davey115 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Spent an hour here and really enjoyed it,a lot of history here and we'll presented,quite a few people here trying to find out about there relatives history in the regiment,a nice building and quite a pleasant place to visit I will be back
9. Market Place Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By thedixons24 - co.down
Attended last night for a small intimate performance in the studio theatre. It was bistro style with small tables in front of the performers. The sound and lighting was great but it was so cold. Most people were sitting with their coats on. We heard another table telling one of the staff that they were cold but she didn't seem to do anything about it. When my husband went to the desk at the interval and informed the lady how cold it was......she said no one had told her to turn on the heat. I think after this it may have come on for a short while but we still needed our coats and scarves. A good nights entertainment but very uncomfortable with the cold.
10. The Mall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 48 reviews
Elegant Georgian buildings surround the city's magnificent oval tree-lined Mall, which is characterized by colorful flowerbeds and numerous trees bordered by graceful terraces and historic buildings.
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
A long verdant park in Armagh, not a shopping mall. A guy in the tourist centre recommended I go see it, and he was right. One downside: access. I had great difficulty getting across the road to reach it, or leave, with the incessant traffic. Once you’re on the right side of the road its down below a great drop of a wall. You have to walk along to find an entrance. Inside the park your path is at times impeded by railings; I was able to easily get over them, but heaven help a wheelchair user.
Horse races used to happen around the perimeter in the 19th century. Many fine Georgian buildings remain. I particularly liked a Gospel Hall beside a church, but from most angles it was obscured by trees, passing traffic, street lamps or an eyesore petrol station-type shelter next door.
Someone was mowing a cricket lawn, and moaning at his dog to get out of his way. Mature trees lined the sides, and those plus the twin Cathedral spires in the distance made it look like a Constable painting. The park was long and grassy, with a few transverse paths with sculptures and statues.
The statues included a bugler atop a war monument, and a cannon. A sphere with human-sized indentations had a surprise. Press your face into a hollow and you can see inside, where pinholes let in light in the pattern of the stars in the sky. Sadly people had posted a host of dirty plastic take-away forks through the eye holes. Ugh. The standout statue was a memorial to the people lost in a railway accident on 12th June 1889. The figure was a little girl, barefoot with a bucket and spade, as if on a trip to the beach. Someone had planted flowers in her bucket. Around the square plinth the names and ages of the dead included people aged 5 to 74.
The tourist centre guy was right: well worth a visit.
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