in ,

Armagh: The Orchard of Ireland

The Mall in Armagh

The Orchard of Ireland

Cathedrals, Museums, and Forest Parks, often referred to as the Orchard county Armagh may be one of the smallest counties in Ireland but it has no shortage of history, culture, and scenic landscapes to make a visit to Armagh worthwhile. Few cities could be more beautiful than Armagh during the apple blossom season each May as ‘The Orchard County’ or ‘The Orchard of Ireland’ comes alive. Local market stalls in the city’s Market Square offer fresh local produce from fruit to vegetables to give you a true taste of Armagh, whilst stylish boutiques line the street of the Mall where a warm welcome awaits.

Beresford Row in Armagh
Beresford Row in Armagh By HENRY CLARK, CC BY-SA 2.0

The Armagh skyline is dominated by spires of its two Saint Patrick Cathedrals with his legacy clear across the city a visit to Armagh can provide an authentic experience and a glimpse into the life of St Patrick.

Alternatively, Armagh Gaol is one of Northern Ireland’s most important landmark buildings, steeped in history, for most of its working life Armagh Gaol was 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 visitor to the area an opportunity to see the gaol in its original state offering insight into prison life within Northern Ireland.

Located nearby is Armagh County Museum, the oldest county museum in Ireland with its rich historic collections capturing centuries of stories relating to the people who lived, worked from a bygone Armagh and wider age. For art enthusiasts’ the museum’s art collection includes works by many well-known Irish artists.

Open-air market on Market Street
Open-air market on Market Street By Colin Park, CC BY-SA 2.0

If it is myth and legend you seek a visit to Navan Centre and Fort is a must, families, and individuals can learn and walk through tales of mythical Irish characters such as the great Irish warrior Cu Chulainn decide for yourself what is myth and reality.

The Mall in Armagh
The Mall in Armagh By Kenneth Allen, CC BY-SA 2.0

In contrast, a trip to the nearby Armagh Planetarium will help improve your understanding of astronomy and related sciences. A visit to the Planetarium is not complete without a walk around the Astropak, often described as a stroll through the universe; here you can discover the relative distance and size of the planets within our solar system. Guided tours are available with prior arrangements; however, there are interpretation panels and leaflets to aid further understanding.

Nearby Gosford forest park has all the facilities an experienced camper needs, a great site for walks and just relaxing, whilst the kids are free to play in the park. The forest park also contains a large collection of traditional breeds of poultry, rare breeds of farm animals and red deer all helping to make a trip to Gosford memorable.

Better still one of the world’s most loved crisp brands Tayto originates from Armagh, experience the magic of Tayto castle set deep in the Armagh countryside in the townland of Tandragee. Take a tour and see firsthand how these famous crisps are made, sampling the various now-famous flavors’ and if you’re lucky to meet the brand mascot, Mr Tayto!

Inside The Market Place Theatre situated in the heart of Armagh, a seasonal program offers the best in arts and entertainment at affordable prices expect top-quality drama, comedy and of course pantomime.

There is a limited number of hotels in Armagh to choose from, a lot of people research other hotels in Ireland and base themselves in another county and explore Armagh in one day.

Armagh Travel and Tour Packages

Searching for the best hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new tourist attractions in Terengganu, Malaysia? Please follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, and TwitterInstagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

What do you think?

Comments

Hotel Jen Manila

We are One: 9 Reasons to Celebrate with Hotel Jen

Sushi Bento

Where to Eat in Cebu: Azabu Sushi and Teppanyaki