County Armagh

Ireland's ecclesiastical capital keeps two cathedrals for Saint Patrick and orchards around Loughgall that fill with blossom in spring. Drumlin country rolls away in every direction.

County Armagh facts

Province: Ulster
County town: Armagh
Setting: Inland
Touring region: Northern Ireland
Best for: history, food, family, castles
Places in the planner: 3

Faith and learning have run this county for centuries, since St Patrick founded his first church in Armagh. The city of Armagh is home to two cathedrals dedicated to St Patrick, who founded his first church here, and the county's story stretches from the Iron Age ceremonial site of Navan Fort to Georgian streets and observatory science.

South Armagh rises into the Ring of Gullion, a ring of low mountains around Slieve Gullion with forest drives and mountain walks. In the north, the orchard country around Loughgall is famous for its apple blossom in spring, and Lough Neagh forms the county's northern shore. The county is compact enough to see from a single base, and its mix of sacred history, Georgian architecture and quiet countryside makes it a rewarding stop between Belfast and the border, especially for travellers interested in Ireland's early Christian story.

Top sights in Armagh

Navan Fort

An important Iron Age ceremonial site linked to Emain Macha, the ancient seat of the kings of Ulster.

St Patrick's Cathedrals

Two cathedrals, Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic, both named for St Patrick and facing each other across the city.

Ring of Gullion

A distinctive ring of hills around Slieve Gullion, with a forest park and scenic drive.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

A working observatory founded in the 18th century, with public astronomy exhibits.

The Orchard County

North Armagh's apple orchards fill with blossom in spring and fruit in autumn.

Towns & cities in Armagh

Armagh

Two cathedrals carry Saint Patrick's name here, and the city still runs on his story. Armagh is the county town and the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland.

Lurgan

Large town near Lough Neagh with a town park and lake.

Portadown

Market town on the River Bann, known for textiles history.

Crossmaglen

Village in south Armagh beneath the Ring of Gullion hills.

Best time to visit

Spring is lovely for apple blossom, and autumn for harvest colour. Summer offers the best conditions for walking Slieve Gullion and the Ring of Gullion.

Getting there

The city of Armagh is about an hour's drive southwest of Belfast. From Dublin, head north on the motorway and then west toward Armagh.

Places for your trip

Armagh: Two cathedrals carry Saint Patrick's name here, and the city still runs on his story. Armagh is the county town and the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland.
St Patrick's Cathedrals, Armagh: Armagh has two cathedrals named for Saint Patrick, one Church of Ireland and one Roman Catholic, on separate hills in the city.
Navan Fort: The great circular earthwork was Emain Macha, the ancient capital of Ulster, and the Iron Age ceremonies happened here. Navan Fort repays a slow walk around its banks.

What's on

No anchor festival is based here, but the Irish year is full: next up nationally is TradFest (20–24 Jan 2027, Temple Bar, Dublin). See the full events calendar

Nearby counties