Things to do and places to go in Armagh, Northern Ireland, are the key points of this section of our web guide.
Armagh, often referred to as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, is a city rich in history, culture, and beauty. The small city offers attractions and activities catering to a wide range of interests. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing day out, Armagh has something to offer.
Several sites around the city attest to its past. The Armagh Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Patrick, is a popular attraction. The 13th-century Gothic structure stands on a hill, offering views of the city. Navan Fort is situated just outside the city. Visitors can explore the ancient ceremonial site and learn about its significance through interactive exhibits at the Navan Centre.
The Armagh County Museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts, including archaeological finds, fine art, and textiles. The Robinson Library, founded in 1771, is another option. It boasts an impressive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and maps.
For art lovers, the Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre is the cultural hub of the city. It offers a dynamic programme of theatre productions, concerts, and art exhibitions. The centre also hosts workshops and community events. Additionally, the Armagh Art Club regularly showcases the work of local artists, serving as a platform for emerging talent.
The performing arts are thriving in Armagh, as well. The Armagh City Hotel often features live music and entertainment, while the Marketplace Theatre is known for its lineup of plays, musicals, and comedy shows. Visitors should also see the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, which offers stargazing events and immersive planetarium shows.
Throughout the year, Armagh hosts a range of events and festivals that attract visitors and residents. The Armagh Food and Cider Festival showcases the region's finest produce and culinary delights. Another major event is Saint Patrick's Festival, which features parades, music, and family-friendly activities that honor the city's patron saint.
John Hewitt International Summer School attracts writers, poets, and artists from around the world for a week of workshops, readings, and discussions.
Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them interested in Armagh. The city is home to several sports teams, including the Armagh Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), which competes in Gaelic football and hurling. Another local favorite is the Armagh City Football Club, whose matches are at Holm Park. Others include the City of Armagh Rugby Football Club and the Lisanally Rangers Football Club.
The Armagh Leisure Centre offers a range of recreational programmes, including swimming, fitness classes, and indoor sports facilities.
The city is not without its parks and outdoor spaces. The Palace Demesne Public Park is a beautiful green space for picnics, leisurely walks, and outdoor activities. It also features a playground and a café, catering to families. Another popular destination is Gosford Forest Park, with its scenic trails, wildlife spotting, and adventure playgrounds.
These, and other attractions, events, sports activities, and recreational opportunities in Armagh, Northern Ireland, are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Armagh Athletic Club is a cross-community athletics club that has been involved in various initiatives and events, including organizing campaigns such as advocating for sport, recreation, and wellbeing, as well as fundraising efforts and other projects. Additionally, the AAC has been involved in the Armagh International Road Race, known for its flat and fast course. Founded in 1933, the AAC is primarily dedicated to promoting athletics. Past and future events and projects are highlighted.
https://www.armaghac.com/
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium
The Armagh Observatory is an astronomical research institute in Armagh, Northern Ireland. Astronomers are based at the observatory, where they study stellar astrophysics, the Sun, Solar System astronomy, and the Earth's climate. The observatory is located close to the centre of the city, adjacent to the Armagh Planetarium. The planetarium features a 360-degree digital theatre, exhibition area, historic telescopes, stargazing evenings, and family-friendly activities.
https://www.armagh.space/
In 1771, Archbishop Richard Robinson founded this library to share his collection of books and fine art with the general public, and these collections remain available for consultation, although the library has grown considerably since. Its collections include around 46,000 printed works covering a wide variety of topics. Its Long Room is home to its permanent and temporary exhibitions. Its location, collections, exhibitions, and research facilities are featured.
https://armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk/
Charles Wood Festival & Summer School
The Charles Wood Festival & Summer School is an annual event that celebrates the music of Charles Wood, who was an Armagh native. Events are held throughout the year, and an annual summer school is held in August in Armagh, Northern Ireland, in various churches. The summer school features a resident choir, the Charles Wood Singers, which prepares music for concerts and services. Additionally, the festival hosts a girls' choir for choristers aged 12-18. Schedules are posted.
https://www.charleswoodsummerschool.org/
Playing in Division 1A of the All-Ireland League, the City of Armagh Rugby Football Club is a rugby union club based in Armagh, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1875, the club plays its home games on Palace Grounds. Club officers, policies, sponsorships, and information on hiring its clubhouse are featured. Its teams include adult teams, youth boys, youth girls, and minis, each of which is highlighted, along with memberships, contacts, and an online club shop.
https://cityofarmaghrfc.com/
Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum, The
Located in Sovereign's House, The Mall, Armagh, Northern Ireland, the museum celebrates the history of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. This regiment played a significant role in the region's history from 1793 to 1968. The museum features interpretive displays, uniforms, medals, regalia, and even two Victoria Crosses won by the regiment. Its location, parking information, hours of operation, exhibitions, and historical and research data are provided, along with contacts.
https://royalirishfusiliersmuseum.com/
The official visitor site for the city of Armagh and County Armagh, Northern Ireland, provides tourist information, events, and attractions across the borough. The site discusses and highlights various attractions, such as the Navan Centre and Fort, St. Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh County Museum, and the Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, as well as other places to explore, festivals and other events, historical and legendary accounts related to the region.
https://visitarmagh.com/
