Location: Armagh
Top Things to do in Armagh
Top 10 Free Things to do 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 Robinson Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 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.
2. Irish & Local Studies Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
A library containing extensive reference material on practically every aspect of Irish life and learning, from early history to present day.
3. Red Neds
4. St. Patrick's Cathedral (Roman Catholic)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 269 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 Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
The Catholic Cathedral of St Patrick is mesmerising and absolutely towers above the rest of the city of Arnagh. Its twin towers can be seen from almost anywhere in town and the views of the city from the top of its steps is quite superb. I love how you can see the Protestant Cathedral from the main door as the two seem to gaze at each other from on high at different ends of the small city centre. There is a guided tour apparently but we just did it ourselves. The interior is jaw dropping with amazing columns, arches and mosaics on the walls and ceilings. There are lovely stained glass windows throughout and a gleaming marble sabctuary. The roof took a oht 5 decades to add because all the money collected to finish the cathedral had to be redirected to famine relief projects at the time. Watch for the 'famine line's in the roof. Wonderfully peaceful, ornate and humbling. A must-do when in Armagh.
5. Armagh Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Major resource center for tourist information, sightseeing attractions, accommodations and transportation when visiting County Armagh in Northern Ireland.
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 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.
9. 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.
10. The Hole In The Wall Bar Armagh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Tim784 - Fareham, United Kingdom
We found this place during a stop in Armagh on our way to Enniskillen on 1st October - we had a beer and spoke with the Jo the bar Lady explaining our trip and that we were destined for Derry after Enniskillen. She advised us to check as they were expecting tighter covid lockdown restrictions there. When we got to Enniskillen we called the Derry Hotel only to be advised that they were closing and cancelling our booking (at no cost to us). So we rebooked and spent our last night in Armagh and called into the bar again to thank Jo - Unfortunately she wasn't there so we asked one of the other staff to thank her for us. We had a pint and moved on to a restaurant called Uluru just around the corner. Having had our first drink - two pints turned up at our table and we said to the waitress - we didn't order them - but she said no they're from Jo at the Hole in the Wall. We never saw her but - thanks Jo a really nice surprise - hopefully we'll be back one day.
