EXPLORE ARMAGH CITY CENTER

Though not a large city, Armagh, the capital city of County Armagh, packs a big cultural, culinary, and architectural punch. Quaint alleys, shops, and tree-lined streets are packed with intrigue. Pubs like the Moody Boar and the 4 Vicars bistro offer respite from the air, while cultural institutions like No. 5 Vicars Hill and the Armagh public library, founded in 1771, offer visitors exhibitions of special items from the collections, including hundreds of leather bound first edition books.

VISIT TWO ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRALS

Known as Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital, Armagh City is home to two cathedrals named after Ireland’s patron saint: St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. Situated on opposite sides of the city center, the two St. Patrick’s form the focal point of the St. Patrick Festival held every March in the town.

DISCOVER LOUGH NEAGH

Not only the largest lake in Ireland, Lough Neagh is also the largest lake in the British Isles. At 151 square miles, the lake offers plenty of boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities, in addition to renowned bird watching in the Oxford Island Nature Reserve.

WALK THE GEORGIAN MALL

One of the most beautiful Georgian cities in Northern Ireland, Armagh is best experienced by foot. The gorgeous tree-lined mall in the middle of the city offers visitors a sense of natural serenity and architectural beauty. Two museums along the Mall are well-worth your time. The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum, a genealogy and military history center, as well as Armagh County Museum, the oldest county museum in Ireland, both offer hours of education and enlightenment.

HIKE THE RING OF GULLION

At 1,880 feet, Slieve Gullion is the highest point in County Armagh and the backbone of the Ring of Gullion, a 150 square kilometer area of stunning natural splendor. Whether you prefer hiking the woodland trails, or taking a scenic drive along among the fields, the Ring of Gullion is a can’t-miss attraction in southern Armagh. At the top of Sleive Gullion is a small lake and two ancient cairns, one of which is the highest still-extant passage tomb on the island.

LIVE THE HIGH LIFE AT MILFORD HOUSE

When it was built in the 19^th century, Milford House was the most technologically advanced building in all of Ireland and the first to be fitted and lit with hydroelectric power. Later it was the first residence to have its own telephone system. Today Milford House is a museum featuring elegant interiors and paintings.

GO BACK IN TIME AT NAVAN FORT

Once the seat of the High King of Ulster, Navan Fort is one of the most significant archeological areas of ancient Ireland. Today, Navan Fort is a cultural and history center, complete with reconstructed ring forts and reenactors who share the history of ancient Ireland with visitors, including through artifacts like weapons, cooking utensils, weaving machines, and more.