With its pair of cathedrals and other historical sites, Armagh is often considered Ireland’s religious capital. Its intriguing past as a pagan area in prehistoric times is evident at Navan Centre and Fort. Walk through the small city center to get a sense of this charming town and its religious history.
Worshippers at the two hilltop cathedrals of differing denominations enjoy a cordial relationship with one another. Make your way to the entrance of St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, an Anglican church in the city center. Admire the many sculptures and paintings of archbishops and other important Church of Ireland figures. Follow the depictions in the stained-glass windows of different stages in Christ’s life.
Walk northwest for 0.4 mile (0.6 kilometers) to reach St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. Marvel at its impressive twin spires rising above the surrounding green fields. Inside, imposing arches and columns stand near the tall, narrow nave.
The region was an important hub in the Iron Age and Early Christian Age. Discover the remnants of a ceremonial complex from thousands of years ago at the Navan Centre and Fort. Learn about ancient traditions via the audiovisual display and inspect the relics in the exhibits. Listen to Celtic myths related by your tour guides.
Look toward the heavens at the Armagh Planetarium, which features exhibits and a digital theater show teaching about the night skies. Bring your kids to build bottle rockets with the guides. Amble along the Armagh Astropark to see the vast scale model of the universe.
City status was granted to Armagh in 1994, despite its modest size and population of less than 20,000 people. Enjoy its warm summers. Bring clothing layers for the cold winter.
Find Armagh in the southern part of Northern Ireland, near the border with the Republic of Ireland. Belfast is a 50-minute drive northeast along the highway.
Armagh is a quaint town with undulating green fields. See its impressive cathedrals representing two religious branches of Northern Ireland.