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.
Best sites to see in Armagh
St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral
The cathedral on the Hill of St Patrick, on a site associated with Saint Patrick, with medieval fabric, memorials and the traditional burial place of Brian Boru in its grounds.
St Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral
The 19th-century Catholic cathedral on the opposite hill, recognisable by its twin spires, with mosaics and carved stonework inside.
Armagh County Museum and The Mall
The county museum faces The Mall, a Georgian tree-lined square in the city centre, and covers local history, art and natural history.
Navan Centre and Navan Fort
A short distance west of the city, Navan Fort is the large Iron Age earthwork identified as Emain Macha, the ancient royal site of Ulster, explained at the visitor centre beside it.
Where to stand, and when
- The Catholic cathedral from across the city: Late afternoon light shows the twin spires clearly; views open up from the streets below the hill.
- The Mall: Photograph in the morning for soft light through the trees and a clear view of the Georgian terraces.
- The Church of Ireland cathedral hill: From the cathedral grounds you can frame rooftops and the Catholic cathedral on its hill opposite.
Armagh through history
Armagh is traditionally associated with Saint Patrick, who is said to have established his principal church here in the 5th century, making the city Ireland's ecclesiastical capital.
Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, died after the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 and is traditionally buried in the grounds of the Church of Ireland cathedral.
Armagh Observatory was founded in 1790 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, part of his wider building programme that also shaped The Mall and the city's public library.
Nearby Navan Fort, Emain Macha, was a major ceremonial centre in Iron Age Ireland and features in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology.
Practical tips
- The two cathedrals stand on separate hills, so allow time and comfortable shoes for the walk between them.
- Check cathedral opening and service times before visiting, as both remain active places of worship.
- Combine the city sights with Navan Fort in one day, but check the Navan Centre's opening days in advance as they vary by season.
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