The Armagh County Museum tells the story of Armagh through the people who have lived and worked throughout the county. This personal perspective meets ancient places of worship, ecclesiastical heritage and landscapes to explore on footpaths. You can shape your discoveries around a wide range of interests.
Human stories and ancient places of worship
The Armagh County Museum opened in 1937 as Ireland’s first county museum. Alongside the city’s history, told through life stories from across the county, its art collection features depictions of towns, villages and rural landscapes in County Armagh. The perspective ranges from the people who have lived and worked here to the places and landscapes that shape their surroundings.
A Christian church has stood continuously on the grounds of Saint Patrick’s COI Cathedral since a stone church was built there in 445 AD. Guided tours include the crypt, which forms part of the 13th-century foundations. Check tour availability before your trip. A church walking trail in Armagh visits ten churches and is intended for locals and visitors alike; you should also check its availability before travelling.
Navan Fort (Emain Macha), an ancient ceremonial site, offers a different historical perspective. The Navan Centre offers fully guided tours exploring the archaeology and history of the great temple at Navan Fort. An audiovisual presentation focuses on the myths and legends of the Ulster Cycle. As tour arrangements and presentation details may change, it is worth checking the current offerings before your visit.
Local food culture also has a long history: apple growing was widespread in County Armagh by the 12th century at the latest. The Bramley apple was introduced to the county in 1884.
Parkland and walking trails
The Palace Demesne covers around 300 acres of parkland in Armagh. Its paths vary in length and difficulty and lead through back meadows and formal gardens. This gives you a practical way to choose a walk based on your preferred distance and the character of the terrain, without treating all routes as the same. The renovated Archbishop’s Palace houses a collection of works by Armagh artist J.B. Vallely.
At The Argory, the Lime Tree Walk passes the oak plantation and returns to the house along the main driveway. If you are also interested in the history of the house, guided tours there explore the MacGeough Bond family and the collections. The grounds of The Argory also include a rose garden, Pleasure Grounds and riverside walks. The route, guided tour and grounds each offer a different way to experience the place.
Gosford Forest Park combines mixed woodland with open parkland across 240 hectares. Paths and trails are designed for walking, cycling and horse riding; several miles lead to historic landmarks. This brings nature and history together in the same park, while the different activities should not be treated as a single route. Trail access may change temporarily.
Oxford Island on the southeastern shore of Lough Neagh
Oxford Island is a peninsula on the southeastern shore of Lough Neagh. The National Nature Reserve there includes wet grassland, reed beds, woodland and lakeside scrub. Five miles of footpaths cross grassland to woodland, ponds and the shore of Lough Neagh. The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre explores the lake’s history and wildlife through audiovisual presentations, computers and interactive games. You can combine a walk through different habitats with a closer look at the lake.
For a different view of the surroundings, the Digital Full Dome Theatre at Armagh Planetarium offers tours of the night sky. Visitors can also touch Ireland’s largest meteorite there. As the programme and exhibits may change, check which tours and exhibits are currently available before your visit.
Plan your journey
Armagh is connected by direct bus services to many areas north and south of the border. Check current connections and timetables before your trip. You can plan both your journey from further afield and a choice of cultural and scenic discoveries.
Discover more destinations: Armagh, Acton, Kilmore, Londonderry, Moyle, Magherafelt, Coleraine, Antrim
For the broader travel overview: Northern Ireland.
