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.
GALLERY
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