Armagh Attractions

This annual week-long festival runs from late February to early March and highlights Northern Ireland's contribution to science and technology.

The event is held in conjunction with Queen's University.

The Armagh Ancestry center provides genealogical information. Visitors can trace their family trees or have a tour planned around their family history.

Near by Armagh's cathedrals are the splendid Georgian Archbishop's Palace and the Diocesan College.

Ardress is a 17th C farmhouse now owned by the National Trust. It features neo-classical plasterwork in the drawing room, fine furniture and pictures, a display of farm equipment, livestock, woodland walks and a playground for children.

Worth seeing in Armagh is the Observatory (1791).
It sits adjacent to the Planetarium and was home to some of the most famous astronomers of the last 200 years.

The Armagh Planetarium illustrates the story of outer space in an entertaining way. Visitors can gaze at constellations and choose the direction of their own journey with an interactive computer system.

It contains a Viewlex/Minolta S-11B which was installed in 1977. Its dome measures 13 meters.

The site also includes an Eartharium and a solar system garden.

The site of St Patrick's cathedral is now occupied by the Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, a medieval building restored in 1834. This Protestant Cathedral has a number of notable 17th and 18th C. tombs.

Found in Armagh's Mall Street is the County Museum (local history).
It details the prehistory of Armagh and includes costumes, a natural history room, library, an art gallery, and an extensive map collection.

One of Armagh's buildings worth seeing is the Court House (1809) by Francis Johnston (1761-1829).

Crossmaglen, known locally as Cross, is a small town with a strong heritage. There are a few historic sites to see and particularly, the large main town square. This is a good place to begin exploring Crossmaglen.

Near by Armagh's cathedrals and the splendid Georgian Archbishop's Palace is the Diocesan College.

The Armagh Friary was the longest friary church in Ireland. It was founded by Archbishop Patrick O'Scanail in 1263. Entrance to the ruins is at the Palace Heritage Centre.

The road from Newry continues via Markethill - with Gosford Castle, one of the largest in Ireland - to Armagh.
The Gosford Estate is associated with Dean Swift. Visitors can see poultry in open paddocks, a deer park, ornamental pigeons, and a walled garden. Nature trails and barbecue facilities are also offered.

The Castle is a good example of the mock-Norman style of architecture.

Many fine Georgian Houses are found in Armagh's Mall Street.

Navan Fort is Ulster's most important archaeological site. For 700 years it was the royal capital of the High Kings of Ulster. Myths and legends of the Red Branch Knights, Queen Macha and Cuchulain are presented through interactive audio-visual displays.

The center was voted best tourism project in Northern Ireland in 1993.

Set in the grounds of the Palace Demesne is the Palace Stables Heritage Centre. Here the 18th C. Primate's life is the topic of a significant exhibition including life-size models and commentary. Buildings include: the archbishop's chapel, ice house and underground tunnels. Horse drawn carriage rides and crafts demonstrations are offered.

Armargh's neo-Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral (1840-73) is dedicated to St Patrick. It has some interesting mosaics.

The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum in Armagh is renowned as one of the best in the British Army. It houses a significant display of medals and uniforms and also has a 1943 Christmas card from Hitler.

Worth seeing in Armagh is the Royal School, founded by Charles I in 1774.

St Patrick's Trian is an exhibition on "the Armagh Story" and "The Land of Lilliput" (an adaption of Swift's Gulliver's Travels). It also features a St Patrick audio-visual display and a craft workshop.