Armagh is the smallest city inIreland but boasts two cathedrals and a history to rival any other. A visit tothe centre of the Irish faith, home to archbishops for both the Church ofIreland and the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, is a must for tourists seekingto discover more about the fascinating story of this incredible country.
The "city of saints and scholars" has plenty tooffer visitors, including ancient monuments, beautiful parkland, Georgianarchitecture and a popular planetarium housing Ireland's biggest telescope.Armagh is also the centre of CountyArmagh, nicknamed "orchard county" for its many appleorchards, where you'll find some of the country's best rural scenery.
What to See and Do in Armagh
It's hard to miss the two cathedrals, both named after StPatrick, the Irish patron saint, as they loom high above theArmagh skyline on hills either side of the city centre.You'll want to visit both to get a feel forArmagh's place as the ecclesiastical capital ofIreland.
Located just two miles fromArmagh city centre is the ancient monument EamhainMhacha, or NavanFort, one of the most important archaeological sites in Ireland. Itholds a special place in Irish folklore, pre-dating the arrival ofChristianity, and was used for pagan ceremonies as early as 600BC. Today NavanFort is a visitor centre with replicas of the buildings that once stood on thesite and reenactments involving its mythical characters.
ArmaghPlanetarium, part of the ArmaghAstropark which also includes the city's 200 year-old observatory, makesanother great family day out. It is the leading centre for astronomy in Irelandand boasts a unique scale model of the solar system that can be explored amongthe landscaped grounds of the park. From here you can also enjoy stunning viewsof the city.
In addition to the main tourist attractions inArmagh there are many other places of interest toexplore during your stay in the city, including ArmaghCounty Museum, the Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, ArmaghPublic Library, Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum, and the Palace of Demense, theformer home of the Church of Ireland's archbishops set in a beautiful publicpark.
Eating and Shopping in Armagh
Armagh is a hub for fine diningin Northern Ireland and boasts several award-winning restaurants, ranging fromthe traditional to the exotic, and many are nestled in and around the city'sGeorgian streets. For a lighter bite you won't struggle to find a cafe or deliin Armagh serving dishes cooked from locally-sourcedproduce.
There are plenty of shops inArmagh to dispose of your spending money, rangingfrom independent traders and artisan boutiques to a wealth of well-known brandstores at The Mall Shopping Centre.
Staying in Armagh
There is every type of accommodation you could wish for inArmagh, including large hotels, guesthouses,hostels, B&Bs, holiday cottages and charming log cabins andfarmhouses.
