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Armagh County Museum
Address: The Mall East, Armagh BT61 9BE
What3Words: ///tonsils.cheeses.monorail
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm & Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm
Admission Cost: Free
About
The unique character of the Museum’s architecture makes it one of the most distinctive buildings in the city. Opened in 1937 as Ireland’s first County Museum, its collections capture centuries of stories relating to the people who lived, worked and had connections with this famous city and historic county.
On display are military uniforms, wedding dresses, ceramics, natural history specimens and railway memorabilia. An impressive art collection includes works by many well-known Irish artists such as AE Russell, John Luke and JB Vallely.
The Museum staff aim to ensure that all visitors feel welcome and are keen to help with enquiries. There is an extensive reference library, rich in local archive material, along with photographic and map collections. With a range of changing exhibitions throughout the year, the Museum is an ideal place to begin and explore the fair county of Armagh.
Autism Friendly Pre Visit Guide (Downloadable PDF)
Armagh Natural History and Philosophical Society
In 1856 members of the Philosophical Society moved from their premises on Abbey Street, to what was originally a school house on the Mall. They created a reading room and continued to expand their museum, displaying a collection of objects gathered both locally and from further afield.
“We hope that this is but the beginning of something beneficial and instructive to the different classes of society, and we really do not know why Armagh should not even surpass many other towns in the north of Ireland in supporting a Museum .. useful to the city and neighbourhood”
-- Armagh Guardian 24 March 1846
The above extract, from a local newspaper, refers to the establishment of a small museum belonging to the Armagh Natural History and Philosophical Society.
When Armagh County Museum took over the building and opened to the public in 1937, it inherited the Society’s collection and became the first county museum in Ireland. The Society still retains a reading room in the front of the Museum and holds regular events.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Society or require more information, please contact:
The Society’s House
c/o Armagh County Museum
The Mall East
Armagh
BT61 9BE
Education and Learning
The scope and breadth of the objects, documents and artefacts in the collections make the Museum a valuable and exciting learning resource.
A range of learning programmes have been designed which draw on the collections to meet the requirements of the new NI Curriculum. These place emphasis on active hands-on learning, to offer opportunities for the development of skills such as working with others and creativity. The workshops facilitate pupils exploration of cultural heritage, change over time and the relationship between individuals and places. Opportunities exist for pupils to develop understanding of their identity and place in society.
The Museum supports learning in its widest definition in response to diversity, equality and the ethos of lifelong learning. Sessions can be tailored to the particular needs of community, youth and special interest groups. Topics can be flexible and can involve general talks and tours which can include crafts if appropriate.
For more information:
Website | Facebook
Phone: 028 3752 3070
E-mail: acm.info@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
Post: Armagh County Museum, The Mall East, Armagh, BT61 9BE
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium
Address: College Hill, Armagh BT61 9DB
What3Words: ///playful.fingernails.vesting
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday and on Bank Holiday Mondays 10.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: See Below
About
Armagh Planetarium is the longest running planetarium in the British Isles. The planetarium was opened in 1968 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018.
An icon of the space age when inaugurated, the 12m diameter Dome has witnessed the development of planetarium technology over the past half century. Initially equipped with a starball Goto projector, Armagh then pioneered the introduction of the video revolution into planetaria in the 1970’s. Today, Armagh Planetarium is equipped with a state-of-the art digital projector system providing an immersive experience under the full dome.
The technology behind Armagh Planetarium includes a Digistar 7 digital projector with two Sony GTZ270 laser diode projectors providing 4K native resolution and a contrast ratio of up to 20,000:1 on the dome. Images are processed using three computers, a host and a graphic processor for each projector, to produce dynamic, real-time representations of the cosmos onto the dome. A 64bit LED cove lighting system illuminates the dome when entering and leaving. A 5.1 audio system from Dante provides a high quality audio experience to accompany the digital presentations.
Armagh’s Education team deliver a variety of presenter-led shows under the dome, taking in journeys around the solar system and the stars. These are accompanied by full dome digital planetarium shows that can take the viewer anywhere in the cosmos. The dome can seat up to 95 people for a show.
Your Visit
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is Ireland’s leading centre for astronomical research and education, and one of the top attractions in the City of Armagh.
We are normally open every Tuesday - Sunday and on Bank Holiday Mondays 10.00am - 5.00pm, when you can attend a show in our Planetarium dome and explore our exhibition area.
Our grounds, spanning around 20 acres of green space, are open 24/7 and provide many opportunities to get closer to both nature and space as well as some lovely views of Armagh.
The Observatory – featuring a number of historic telescopes – is both a beautiful Georgian building and an active research facility, so it can be admired from the outside, but it is only open to the public on scheduled tours.
Alternatively, a tailored group tour, Gold Tour, or Diamond Tour can be arranged for you - contact us for more details.
Cost
Standard Dome Show + Exhibition Entry:
Adult £10.00 | Child (U16) £7.00 | Concession (Student/Senior) £8.50 | Pre-School Show £5.00 | Discounted Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 or 3 Children) £32.00 | Under 3s Free
Exhinition Area Entry:
Adult £6.00 | Child (U16) £5.00 | Discounted Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 or 3 Children) £20.00 | Under 3s Free
School Groups:
Child £5.25 | Teacher (Ratio of 1 teacher free for every 10 Children) Free
Group Rates (Digital Theatre Show and exhibition entry):
Adult £7.50 | Youth Groups £6.25
Lots To See And Do
Planetarium | Exhibition Area | Meteorites | Astropark | AOP Look Around | Human Orrery | Virtual Tour | Café | Weather Station | Data Visualisation Laboratory
For more information:
Website | Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Youtube
Phone: 028 3752 3689
E-mail: reception@armagh.ac.uk
Post: Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, College Hill, Armagh BT61 9DB
Armagh Robinson Library
Address: 43 Abbey St, Armagh BT61 7DY | What3words: ///happen.landscape.earliest
What3Words: ///suggested.shock.soothing
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday - 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00 - 4.00pm
Cost: Admission is free - donations are welcome
🟥 Please Note: The Library and No 5 are closed on Bank Holidays, Morning/Afternoon on the Hill group visits and special events. Please check our calendar for special closures before making your journey!
About
Step back into the eighteenth Century! Make your way through the beautiful Georgian front door and up an elegant staircase. Light from elegant windows lights up the Long Room of this classical library, the main visitor space. The walls are lined with rare and beautiful books from floor to ceiling.
Archbishop Richard Robinson founded this Library in the heart of the City of Armagh in 1771. He wanted to share his own collection of books and fine art with the general public. These special collections remain available for consultation to this day.
The collections
The collections include around 46,000 printed works. The subjects include medicine, science, history, law, politics, theology and travel. The collections also hold ancient and medieval coins, commemorative medals and sulphur gems, prints, maps and atlases, and manuscripts.
The Long Room is home to our permanent and temporary exhibitions. Many of the Library’s treasures are on display, such as Medieval manuscripts, incunabula (books printed before 1501), Archbishop Beresford’s archaeological collection, and Jonathan Swift’s own copy of Gulliver’s Travels with notes in Swift’s own handwriting.
Regularly a new temporary exhibition is installed, highlighting in works from the collections on a particular subject. Past exhibitions can be explored on our exhibitions page.
Kids in the Library
Children of all ages are welcome and can explore the Library at their own pace.
The littlest ones can play with our soft books, cuddly toys, or enjoy being read to.
The older children can test their treasure hunt or scavenger skills with one of our activity sheets.
There are four different activity sheets: three treasure hunts for 3-5s, 5-7s, 8+ and 10+. We also have a scavenger hunt for adults.
For more information:
Website | Facebook | X (Twitter)
Phone: 028 3752 3142
E-mail: admin@armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk
Post: Armagh Robinson Library, 43 Abbey Street. Armagh BT61 7DY
Gosford Forest Park
Address: Gosford Forest Park, Markethill, Armagh BT60 1GD
What3Words: ///ants.kilt.standards
Opening Times:
January & February - 8.00am – 6.00pm
March - 9.00am -7pm
April - 9.00am - 8.00pm
May to September - 8.00am – 9.00pm
October & November - 8.00am – 7.00pm
November & December - 8.00am – 6.00pm
About
Gosford Forest Park is a located just outside Markethill, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The park, previously Gosford Demesne, now managed by Armagh Banbridge Craigavon Council, comprises some 240 hectares of diverse woodland and open parkland, featuring miles of paths and trails around it’s beautiful woodland and open park spaces . Gosford Forest Park is also home to Gosford Castle (featured in HBO’s Game Of Thrones). It was designated the first conservation forest in Northern Ireland in 1986.
Features
Adventure Play Trails & Play Park
All Out Trekking
Caravaning, Camping & Glamping
Deer Park
Horseriding
Mountain Biking
Pump Track
Walking & Running
Barbecue and picnic areas
Event Fields / Event Room Hire on site
State-of-the-art barista coffee trailer, a hot and cold food kiosk and an ice cream trailer on site
On site carparking (annual passes available)
For more information:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Phone: +44 (0) 28 3755 1277
E-mail: gosfordforest@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
Post: Gosford Forest Park, Markethill, Armagh BT60 1GD
The Mall
What3Words: ///caramel.claw.scuba
Open: 24/7 365 Days
Cost: Free
About
The Mall is one of the best-known and historic areas of the city of Armagh. It remains a focal point of the city and is Armagh’s ‘jewel in the crown’.
The Mall is a public area, open 24/7 all year round - the distance of the walkway around the inside of The Mall is 0.612 miles (approx 1500 steps) and encompases an area 9.5 acres - the footpath walkway just beyond the wall is 6.3 miles.
With it’s beautiful tree lined walkways, wide open spaces and walled perimeter, it is a safe environment for walking (with or without a dog), going for a run, sitting on a park bench and watching the world go by, having a picnic or having a kick around with a ball.
Two War Memorials, The Crimean War Cannon, the Armagh Rail Disaster Memorial Sculpture and the Turning Point Sculpture are all within the confines of The Mall wall. During the summer months you may even be lucky enough to catch a cricket match on either of the two cricket pitches, in one of the most enviable locations for a game.
The Mall is flanked by many notable buildings, including the Armagh Courthouse (1809), Armagh Gaol (1780), Armagh Orange Hall (1818), The Granary (1820s), Armagh County Museum (1834) and the Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum (early 19th century), as well as beautiful Georgian terraces like Charlemont Place and Beresford Row (both 1827). In addition there are a number of historic church builidings including St Mark’s Parish Church (1814), First Presbyterian Church (1878), The Mall Presbyterian Church (1837), The Brethren Meeting House (formerly a Masonic Hall) (1884).
Free on-street parking is available around the Mall, although the area can become busy at times and some areas have time restrictions - so please check signage.
Dogs should be under close control at all times. Please clean up after your dog.
While The Mall is a public space, it is also the home cricket ground of Armagh City Cricket Club - so please stay out the cordoned off areas and respect any equipment in place for cricket purposes. Thank You.
With a number of coffee shops, eateries and takeaways near by, please make sure you put any rubbish in the bin.
There is a public toilet on the outside of the cricket pavillion (to the right of the main entrance).
A Brief History
This long grassy expanse was a horseracing, cock-fighting and bull-baiting venue until the 18th century, when it was transformed it into an elegant Georgian park.
Duke of Kent in Armagh
On 27th November 1941, Prince George, Duke of Kent inspected Battalions of the British Army along The Mall.
American Forces on The Mall
At 10.00am on 1st April 1944 soldiers of 2nd Infantry Division lined up for inspection on The Mall. Lieutenant General George S. Patton accompanied by Major General Walter M. Robertson inspected the men. The US Army captured the now famous photo of the two men riding in a Willys Jeep at the junction with Grantham Gardens on the way to the inspection.
As troops lined up along The Mall, Patton delivered one of his famous speeches outside the Armagh County Museum.
While there is no transcript available for the Armagh speech, the contents were similar throughout the Spring of 1944. Often, the US Army placed women and children out of earshot due to the colourful language.
Cricket On The Mall
The Mall has been the home of Armagh Cricket Club since 1859 (although cricket was played in the area since 1845). The first pavillion was built in 1911 and the current building 1964. Fred Trueman, acknowledged as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket's history, played for Armagh’s 1st XI on 25th April 1964 - the day the current pavillion was opened.
Over the years a number of Armagh players have gone on to play for Ireland and New Zealand.
The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre
Address: 9 Market St, Armagh BT61 7BW
What3Words: ///surface.third.solutions
Box Office & Exhibition Area Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm
Box Office: 03300 561 025
About
The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre is Armagh’s ultimate destination for entertainment. Our modern venue and conference center is nestled in the heart of the city, making it the perfect spot for your next cultural adventure.
Whether you're a fan of top-quality theatre, music concerts, comedy nights, children's shows, opera, ballet, or pantomime, we've got something for everyone. Our wide-ranging lineup of performances promises to captivate even the most discerning audience members.
From intimate gigs to large-scale concerts, we showcase a variety of Irish and international artists across different musical genres. Additionally, we take pride in hosting touring theater companies, adding a touch of brilliance to our already eclectic program.
Armagh's own vibrant cultural scene is a testament to the talent of our local community. Through workshops, exhibitions, and amateur dramatics, we're committed to nurturing the next generation of artists and performers, ensuring that Armagh continues to shine as a hub of artistic excellence.
Our facilities are not only enjoyed by locals but also by visitors from near and far. With unrestricted views, tiered seating, and comfortable chairs, our auditorium provides an unparalleled experience. Moreover, our spacious, modern venue serves as the perfect backdrop for delivering unforgettable performances with a unique Armagh twist.
Facilities include a 400 seat auditorium, 120 seat studio space, workshop and meeting rooms and theatre bar.
In addition to being a premier entertainment venue, we also offer state-of-the-art conference and meeting facilities for groups of up to 400 people. Teaming up with local restaurants, we ensure that all attendees' dietary needs are met with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that showcase the richness of Armagh's landscape. We hope you have an incredible experience at Armagh's unrivaled 'Home of Entertainment'. We eagerly anticipate extending a warm Armagh welcome to you!
Facilities include a 400 seat auditorium, 120 seat studio space, workshop and meeting rooms and theatre bar. Ticket prices vary by show.
For more information:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)
Phone: 028 3752 1820
E-mail: boxoffice@marketplacearmagh.com
Post: The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, 9 Market St, Armagh BT61 7BW
The Navan Centre & Fort
Address: 81 Killylea Rd, Armagh BT60 4LD
What3Words: ///relished.importers.litigate
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm
Coffee Shop Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: from £7.50 (no charge to visit the shop / coffee shop)
About
Navan Centre & Fort is a place where myth and reality meet. The Fort is one of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites, the legendary Emain Macha. Legends say that Macha, the ancient goddess of war and fertility, scored the earth with her brooch pin and traced the famous outline of this sacred stronghold of the hero Cu Chulainn, home of the famous Red Branch Knights and Ulster Cycle of tales.
Experience life over 2000 years ago, as you walk in the footsteps of warriors to the ancient Navan Fort, site of the great temple of 95BC. Your guide will explain how and why this impressive ceremonial structure was built, as well as highlighting the importance of the surrounding sites in the Navan complex. Immerse yourself in Iron Age life, as you meet the resident Celtic clan & visit their settlement! During your visit, you may find the Celts regaling you with stories of their past triumphs, cooking, weaving or even preparing their weaponry for battle!
Facilities at Navan include:
Fully guided tours with one of our experienced guides, exploring the archaeology and history of the great temple at Navan Fort (Emain Macha).
Audio visual show bringing the myths & legends of the Ulster Cycle to life.
Exhibition space housing some of the artefacts found within the Navan complex of sites.
On-site coffee shop, Ancient Grounds (see below)
Great fun for the kids includes:
Dressing up in Celtic costumes to experience life as a Celt
Enjoying the Archaeology Discovery Room and playing in the outdoor activity area on the impressive Wolfhound play piece.
Ancient Grounds Coffee Shop
Ancient Grounds Coffee Shop is located in the historical setting of the Navan Centre & Fort, just two miles from the City of Armagh, with free onsite parking. Start your day with one of our legendary homemade scones, the ideal accompaniment to a warming tea or coffee. We also offer a wide array of breakfast and hot lunch options, made from locally sourced ingredients, so you are sure to find something to tempt your tastebuds. The comfortable and relaxing surroundings mean this is the perfect meeting place to enjoy delicious food, followed by a walk to nearby Navan Fort.
School Groups / Group Visits
The award-winning Education Department [Sandford Award for Heritage Education] provides a unique educational experience to schools and community groups visiting Navan Centre & Fort to learn about their shared past. The Department has a wide range of events and activities, detailed below, to suit all ages and meeting the needs of the curriculum:
Poetry Workshops
From Stone Age to an Early Christian Dwelling
Food in the Past
The Vikings and the Monks Visiting the Past
Justice Past and Present
Story Telling
Throughout the Year GNVQ visits for Leisure and Tourism students. Outreach visits are available on the theme of the Normans and the Ulster Plantation. Thomas McKane from Millington Primary School, Portadown says…
‘The Stone Age programme was a very enjoyable experience. The children loved meeting the Celtic man and woman. They experience what housing was like through seeing inside the house. The timeline activity was excellent as it showed children the different periods of time. A very enjoyable and worthwhile programme enjoyed by teachers and children alike’
For information of additional programmes or to make a booking please contact:
Phone: 028 3752 9648 | Email: education@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
For more information on the Navan Centre & Fort:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Phone: 028 3752 9644
E-mail: navan@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
Post: The Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Rd, Armagh BT60 4LD
No.5 Vicars’ Hill
Address: 5 Vicars’ Hill, Armagh BT61 7ED
What3Words: ///twigs.backtrack.taking
Opening Hours: No 5 is open by prior appointment only. Please email us to pre-book your visit.
Cost: Admission is free - though donations are welcome
About
The intriguing museum & visitor attraction No 5 Vicars’ Hill is a short walk from the Library, opposite St Patrick’s Cathedral.
The Building
No 5 was built in 1772 as the Diocesan Registry by Archbishop Richard Robinson as part of his plans for the improvement of the City of Armagh. From the outside No 5 looks no different from the houses on either side. However, its small hallway opens into two beautiful, octagonal rooms with vaulted ceilings.
The building used to hold records for the Church of Ireland and Armagh Diocese: the octagonal rooms contained many public as well as Church records.
The Museum
While the Diocesan records are no longer kept in the building, some examples are on display, with ancient coins, gems, significant prints, early Christian artefacts and other collections and curiosities from Armagh Robinson Library.
Rare survivals of eighteenth century fine art include James Tassie’s ‘gems’ from the 1770s. Tassie reproduced classical figures in a hard-setting sulphur paste. Collectors of his ‘gems’ included Russia’s Catherine the Great, while Louis XIV of France commissioned medals to commemorate his reign. You can see some very rare casts of these medals, made in about 1690 from originals in the Paris mint.
In addition, a number of Hogarth’s satirical engravings from the Library’s internationally important print collection are on display.
The Visitor Attraction
No 5 will appeal to all age groups.
A three-dimensional model of Armagh City offers a birds’-eye view of the City as it was in the first half of the 19th century.
Activity sheets will keep children and young visitors entertained: learn to write their name in Ogham, the earliest form of Irish, handle of coin replicas, do a quiz, make rubbings of medals and ancient bronze objects or try the jig-saws of old prints!
Touch screens offer the opportunity to explore the collections in more detail.
Explore further
Staff will be on hand to give advice and information for carrying out more in-depth research of the collections, most of which are held in the nearby Armagh Robinson Library.
🟥 Please Note: The Library and No 5 are closed on Bank Holidays, Morning/Afternoon on the Hill group visits and special events. Please check our calendar for special closures before making your journey!
For more information:
Website | Facebook | X (Twitter)
Phone: 028 3751 1420
E-mail: admin@armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk
Post: No.5 Vicars’ Hill, 5 Vicars’ Hill, Armagh BT61 7ED
The Palace Demesne - Public Park
Address: The Palace Demesne Public Park, Armagh BT60 4EL
What3Words: ///increment.charge.poet
Open: The Public Park is open 24 Hours The Palace Stables is open to pre-booked school groups only.
Cost: Admission is Free
About
Situated within walking distance of the City Centre, for over two hundred years, the undulating parkland of the Palace Demesne has been one of the glories of Armagh. The Demesne, comprising some 300 acres, is the creation of Archbishop Richard Robinson. The Palace was the residence of the Archbishops of the Church of Ireland from 1770 to 1975.
The walks around the Demesne vary in distance and effort, taking you into the back meadows and around the more formal gardens. There is also a chance to relax in the ‘Garden of the Senses’, created to provide a sensory experience that will appeal to both able-bodied and disabled visitors. The garden is made up of five distinct areas linked by a winding path.
The park includes a modern accessible Play Park and Green Gym. The Palace Building and Chapel are also open to the public periodically and the Palace Gardens are extremely popular for wedding photography.
For more information:
Website
Phone: 03000 300 900
E-mail:
Post: The Palace Demesne Public Park, Armagh BT60 4EL
The Palace Demesne - The Archbishop’s Palace
Address: The Archbishop’s Palace, The Palace Demesne, Armagh BT60 4EL
What3Words: ///smarting.sprain.beaten
Open: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm
Cost: General Admission is Free
🟥 Please Note: The Archbishop’s Palace may be closed to the public at certain times for special events. Please check before making your journey!
The Archbishop's Palace is a landmark Neo-Classical building located on 300 acres of parkland just south of the centre of the city. The building served as primary residence of the Church of Ireland Archbishops of Armagh for over two hundred years, from 1770 to 1975, and thereafter as headquarters of Armagh City and District Council from then until April 2015 when that local authority was replaced following the reform of local government in Northern Ireland in that year.
The Palace was built when then Archbishop Richard Robinson sought to relocate the principal residence of the archbishops from Drogheda to the titular city of his office. Thomas Cooley undertook the design of the initial building and Francis Johnston was responsible for designing an additional floor at a later stage. The palace currently sits at the centre of the Palace Demesne Public Park, and serves as the office of the Lord Mayor of the new Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough.
The building became protected as a Grade A listed building in 1975
Internationally renowned Armagh artist J.B. Vallely has a collection of works housed in the refurbished Archbishops Palace and visitors are invited to browse this exciting gallery.
The palace is surrounded by grassland to the North, and mixed woodland (largely mature sycamore trees) to the south. There are some 19th century exotic trees near the Palace while a golf course and belt of protective woodland make up the north eastern and north sections of the park. Notable man-made features of the estate include the following:
Immediately adjacent to the Palace is the Primatial Chapel, also built for Robinson. The Chapel is a Grade A listed building in its own right.
A walled garden is at the north end, with a garden house.
A 19th century glasshouse and ice house to the west of the Palace.
The stables and coach yard, which now serve as a visitor's centre (currently school group visits only)
Ruins of a Franciscan Friary and a Holy Well dedicated to Saint Brigid.
At Knox's hill, the high-point of the Palace grounds (the southern end of the park), stands the Rokeby Obelisk erected in 1782–83. Standing 113 feet tall, the Rokeby Obelisk has been awarded “Grade B” listed status.
For more information:
Website
Phone: 03000 300 900
E-mail:
Post: The Archbishop’s Palace, The Palace Demesne, Armagh BT60 4EL
The Palace Stables Heritage Centre
What3Words: ///scoping.crush.miracle
This attraction is currently only avaiable to book for school groups.
The award-winning Education Department [Sandford Award for Heritage Education] provides a unique educational experience to schools and community groups visiting the Palace Stables Heritage Centre to learn about their shared past. The Department has a wide range of events and activities, detailed below, to suit all ages and meeting the needs of the curriculum:
Our Senses
Tree Tales & Teddy Bear Trails
Boxes in the Attic
The Vikings
World War 2
Habitat & Woodland
Orienteering
For information of additional programmes or to make a booking please contact:
Phone: 028 3752 9648 | Email: education@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum
Address: Sovereign House, The Mall, Armagh BT61 9DL
What3Words: ///hesitate.hurry.pocketed
Opening times: Tuesday - Friday: 10.00am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 4.00pm
About
Opened to the public in 1997, the 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.
The innovative displays offer a fresh approach to the interpretation of Irish military history.
The collection contains the uniforms, medals, regalia and the two Victoria Crosses won by the Regiment.
Our staff and volunteers are a varied bunch, with a wide scope of knowledge in military history/research, museum practice and public facing roles.
Cost
General admission is Free
School / Group Bookings: by donation
We offer facilities for talks and tours for schools, clubs and group bookings.
We can offer alternative opening times to groups – Please contact us to discuss your requirements in greater detail.
For more information:
Website | Facebook | X (Twitter)
Phone: +44 (0)28 3752 2911
E-mail: fusiliersmuseum@yahoo.co.uk
Post: The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum, Sovereign's House, The Mall, Armagh, Co. Armagh. BT61 9DL
St Patrick’s Church Of Ireland Cathedral
Address: Cathedral Close, 43 Abbey St, Armagh BT61 7DY
What3Words: ///ordinary.goofy.gambles
Opening Times: April - September: Monday – Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm | October - March: Monday – Saturday 9.00am – 1.30pm.
Cost: Adults: £4.00 | Concession: £3.50 | Children FREE | Groups of 1-24 people: £4.00 per person | Groups of 25+ people: £3.50 per person
About
Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral stands on the hill from which the City of Armagh derives its name – Ard Mhacha, the Height of Macha. Less than half a mile away, on the neighbouring hill, is Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. By tradition, Patrick came to Armagh and asked the local chieftain, Daire, for the top of Druím Saíleach, the Hill of the Sallows, to build a church. After an initial refusal he was given the site and built his first church in the year 445. It was this church that was the origin of the Damhliagh Mór or Great Stone Church mentioned in the Annals of Ulster in the ninth century. Therefore, Armagh owes everything to its traditional association with Saint Patrick. As early as the seventh century, Armagh’s primacy was recognized over all the churches of Ireland and to this day it is still the ‘Ecclesiastical Capital’ of Ireland.
On the Hill around which Armagh first grew, this Cathedral which stands on the site of Patrick’s ‘Great Stone Church’, continues to be a place of Christian prayer and worship. You are welcome to join us for the Eucharist, Choral Evensong, or Matins, all in the Anglican tradition. If you come as a visitor, we hope you will be touched by the beauty of this place, by a spiritual inheritance of over 1500 years, and by the history all around you.
Opening times
April - September: Monday – Saturday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
October - March: Monday – Saturday: 9.00am – 1.30pm.
Group tours must be pre-arranged with the Cathedral Steward.
Cost
Adults: £4.00 | Concession: £3.50 | Children FREE | Groups of 1-24 people: £4.00 per person | Groups of 25+ people: £3.50 per person
It costs in excess of £250 per day (£90,000 per year) to run the Cathedral, with no support from public funds. Conservation of its fabric is an additional and on-going expense.
Please pay at the shop inside the door. If the shop is unattended, please leave a gift in the donation box.
There is no admission charge for those attending services.
As well as its Sunday and others acts of worship, the Cathedral hosts services for ecumenical occasions, civic and community organizations, concerts and recitals.
For more information:
Website | Facebook
Phone: 028 3752 3142
E-mail: admin@stpatricks-cathedral.org
Post: Armagh Robinson Library, 43 Abbey Street Armagh BT61 7DY
St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral
Address: 41a Cathedral Rd, Armagh BT61 7QY
What3Words: ///blemishes.idea.entry
Opening Hours: Tours - 2.00pm, 3.00pm and 4.00pm each day (Cathedral Open 9.00pm - 5.00pm daily)
Cost: Guided Tours: £5.00 per person | children under 16 free
About
We would like to extend a very warm welcome to all visitors to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. Our beautiful Church has been at the centre of Catholic worship since the late nineteenth century and continues to be home to an active living faith community. Each year thousands of pilgrims from all over the world visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, describing it as “serene and inspiring”, “exquisite in design and decoration” with “an air of solemnity and peacefulness which adds to the experience.”
Guided Tours
Led by our expert guides, you will be taken on a journey through the rich spiritual & architectural history of St Patrick’s Cathedral. Our guided tours last approximately one hour, however they can be tailored to your needs. We offer guided tours for groups of 10-50 people.
Cost
Guided Tours: £5.00 per person | children under 16 free
Tour Times & Cathedral Opening Hours
The Cathedral is open each day from approximately 9.00am - 5.00pm. As well as being a place of pilgrimage for many, St Patrick’s Cathedral is an active Parish Church with daily Masses, funerals, weddings and other events regularly taking place.
We are delighted to be able to offer visitors the opportunity to tour our beautiful Cathedral at 2.00pm, 3.00pm and 4.00pm each day. Bookings can be made here.
Guided Tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance.
48 hours notice must be given for guided tour cancellations.
We ask that groups arrive 10 minutes before their tour is due to start. Any groups who arrive late are not guaranteed a tour and/or private Mass as tour guides and sacristans are not permanently on site.
Coaches must use the Moy Road entrance and avail of the parking there.
Private Masses
Groups are welcome to celebrate a private Mass in our Cathedral should they have a priest travelling with them. Private Masses must be booked through this online booking form. A copy of the priests celebret must be forwarded to the office prior to the Mass, as well as the priest carrying it with them on the day. The celebret must be photographic, stamped by the priests diocese and dated within one year of the date booked. Only priests who can provide said information are permitted to celebrate a private Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh.
Choirs
Choral groups are welcome to take part in any of our parish Masses with the exception of the 11.00am service on Sunday when our Cathedral choir performs. Although there is no fee for choirs to sing at our Masses, a donation towards the upkeep of the Cathedral is appreciated. The organ in the Cathedral is a 4 manual Telford organ. The choir area holds 30-35 choir members comfortably. For larger groups, alternative arrangements can be made in the church. The seating capacity of the Cathedral is 850 people.
The Cathedral is also available for concerts. Please contact the parish office at armaghparishoffice@gmail.com for all enquiries or bookings regarding choral groups.
For more information:
Website | Facebook | X (Twitter)
Phone: 028 3752 2813
E-mail: armaghparishoffice@gmail.com
Post: 41a Cathedral Rd, Armagh BT61 7QY
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