The Armagh skylineis dominated by the spires of its two famous Saint Patrick’s Cathedral’s, bothnamed after Ireland’s famous patron saint, Saint Patrick. With his legacy clearacross the city, a visit to Armagh can provide anauthentic experience and a glimpse into the life of St Patrick. Alternatively Armagh Gaolis one of Northern Ireland’s most important landmark buildings, steeped inhistory. For most of its working life Armagh Gaolwas the primary women’s prison in Northern Ireland until its closure in 1986.The Gaol is opened on a temporary basis giving the public and visitors to the areaan opportunity to see the Gaol in its original state offering insight in toprison life within Northern Ireland.
Located nearby is ArmaghCounty Museum, the oldest county museum in Ireland with its richhistoric collections capturing centuries of stories relating to the people wholived and worked from a bygone Armagh and widerage. For art enthusiasts the museums art collection includes works by manywell-known Irish artists.
If it is myth and legend you seek then a visitto NavanFort and Visitor Centre is a must. Here families and individuals canlearn and walk through tales of mythical Irish characters such as the greatIrish warrior Cu Chulainn – decide for yourself what is myth and what is reality.
In contrast, a trip to the nearby ArmaghPlanetarium will help improve your understanding of astronomy and relatedsciences. A visit to the planetarium is not complete without a walk around theAstropak, often described as a stroll through the universe here you candiscover the relative distance and size of the planets within our solar system.Guided tours are available with prior arrangement however there areinterpretation panels and leaflets to aid further understanding. This is a mustfor anyone visiting Armagh with kids although itdoes cater for all ages.
Nearby Gosford Forest Park has all thefacilities an experienced camper needs, a great site for walks or simplyrelaxing, while kids are free to play in the park. The park also contains alarge collection of traditional breeds of poultry, rare breeds of farm animalsand red deer all helping to make a trip to Gosford memorable.
For food lovers among you, Armaghhas some wonderful weekly food and craft markets and the city has some popularrestaurants and near the popular city mall.Armagh is also home to Northern Ireland’smost famous crisp brand, Tayto. Experience the magic of Tayto Castle set deepin the Armagh countryside in the town land ofTandragee. Take a tour and see first-hand how these famous crisps are made,sampling their many famous flavours, and if you’re lucky meet the brand mascotMr Tayto himself.
Armagh city has alimited number of hotels to choose from and some great B&B accommodation tocater for all tastes and budgets.