In our Irish county guide series, we share our top tips, tricks and picks when visiting each Irish county. This time, we’re in Armagh.
Did you know that Armagh is one of the few cities in the world that is home to two cathedrals of the same name? Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, both equally impressive in their stature and grandiose.
The county of Armagh is steeped in history and myth, in fact the county’s name itself comes from the goddess Macha – ‘Ard Mhacha’ later anglicised as Ardmagh which eventually became Armagh. A walk around the city centre will have you straining your neck to take in the Georgian buildings and unique architecture.
Save this useful guide if you’re planning a trip anytime soon.
Where to stay
Blackwell House
This 5* boutique bnb feels like a slice of luxury in Armagh. Family-run by owners Edele and Alessio, the guesthouse has real Irish charm behind it with a touch of opulence through it’s beautiful decor and fine dining cuisine. After exploring Armagh, you can relax and unwind in one of five unique bedrooms and even enjoy your own private hot tub and sauna in the guesthouse grounds. What’s more, R&R aside you can also fill your boots with incredible homemade food as you can book a private fine dining experience or afternoon tea to enjoy in the main house. Prices start from £265.
Killeavy Castle Estate
Set within 365 acres of mixed farm and woodland in the stunning Ring of Gullion, Killeavy Castle Estate is exactly what you imagine a luxury stay to be. From locally produced food to a tranquil haven in the spa. You also have the choice between a room within the hotel or a self catering lodge, depending on your needs and group. Prices start from £200.
Orchard Luxe Glamping Pod
If you’re after an outdoorsy but cosy stay, the Orchard Luxe Glamping Pod is the perfect spot to check in. It’s nestled amongst acres of mature and manicured apple orchards and close to the city of Armagh so you get a little bit of everything during your stay. If you’re a bird watcher or nature lover, it also boasts abundant wildlife and flora to simply observe and marvel at from inside and outside your pod. Prices start at £148.
Other accommodation includes:
Where to eat
Restaurants
Uluru Bar & Grill (for fine dining)
4C Coffee House & Kitchen (for hearty food)
The Halfway House (for home-cooked pub grub)
The Blackwell House (for fine dining)
On The Hoof (for Texan bbq)
Mulberry Bistro (for tasty lunch and breakfast)
Keegan’s Bar & Restaurant (for pub grub)
Sinton’s At The Bridge (for hearty food with a twist)
The Mill Lurgan (for lunch and brunch)
Our T’s (for lunch and brunch)
Coffee
4C Coffee House & Kitchen
The Craic’d Pot Coffee House
Sojourn Coffee
Measured Bowls & Brews Newry
Gruti Coffee
Pubs
The Halfway House
Keegan’s Bar
The Hole in the Wall Bar
Red Neds
The Vintage Lounge Bar
What to do
Navan Centre and Fort
A place where myth and reality meet, learn all about Emain Macha, goddess of war and fertility and the woman behind the county’s name at the Navan Centre and Fort. This fascinating archaeological site is home to an impressive ceremonial structure that dates to 95AD. Inside the museum, you’ll also find interactive exhibits and costumed performers, guided Meet the Warriors tours and reconstructed Iron Age dwellings.
Armagh City Walking Tour
What better way to learn about a new city than alongside an expert on a walking tour? Local legend Donna Fox has been an Accredited Blue Badge Tourist Guide delivering tours in the county and beyond since 1997. Her extensive experience and knowledge make her tours engaging and memorable, sharing tales from every corner of the city. To find a Donna Fox tour, check out here.
To fully immerse yourself in history, check out the Dan Winter’s Cottage. Built in 1623, the building has seen a battle which took place here in 1795, now known as the “Battle of the Diamond”, during which, the cottage was attacked and set on fire from which the beams on the ceilings were scorched and are still visible to the present day. The cottage also has a connection to Ireland’s once thriving linen industry and was a part of the Linen Triangle, which included counties Armagh, Antrim & Down. Amazingly, today it maintains the original interior furniture & artefacts and was lived in by generations of the Winter family up until 1988.
Other activities include:
Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim Walk
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
Anything else I should know?
Parking is available on The Mall, close to Armagh County Museum.
This map details parking spaces and also toilets in the city centre.
For more ICM county guides, check out here.
