The Navan Centre & Fort
Address: 81 Killylea Rd, Armagh BT60 4LD
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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
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