County Armagh, located inthe south of Northern Ireland, is home to beautiful mountain ranges, expansiveflatlands and a splattering of uninhabited, rugged islands.
Known as the spiritual capital of Ireland,County Armagh is a picturesque, soulful place withsomething to offer visitors of all ages. Enjoy history and culture in thecounty’s beautiful towns, or venture into the stunning, unspoilt countryside,emblematic of Northern Ireland.
Nature in County Armagh
County Armagh is known asthe “Orchard County” because of its many apple orchards, largely located in thesouth-east. The county becomes awash with colour during the spring and summermonths, as pink and white apple blossom spreads across the flatlands.
County Armagh’s borderwith Louthis marked by the rugged Ringof Gullion rising to the south. An area of outstanding naturalbeauty, the Ring of Gullion was the first ring dyke to be mapped and containsthe highest peak in the county.
Head to Camagh Forest in the south-west of the countyto experience an enchanting, unspoilt woodland, complete with fishing lakes, ananglers’ inn and ample picnic spots. The Fews Forest is wonderful wild walkingterritory - climb to the heights of Dead Man’s Hill and Carrickatuke foramazing views across the valley and forest below.
LoughNeagh marks the county’s northern boundary. There are a number ofuninhabited islands on the river, including Coney Island, which is situatedjust over half a mile off the shore from Maghery Country Park. The island is aNational Trust Park that offers walking trails through stunning forest andaround rugged shores, with beautiful views over the river.
History in Armagh
The county town of Armaghhas been the spiritual capital of Northern Ireland for 1,500 years. It is theseat of both Catholic and Protestant Archbishops, making it the most veneratedof Irish cities.
The Irish patron saint, St. Patrick, referred toArmagh as “my sweet hill” and built his stonechurch on the hill where the Anglican cathedral now stands.
Two miles west of Armaghcity stands the great mound of Navan Fort, which was the stronghold of thekings of Ulster around 700 BC. The Navan Centre, close to the mound, offers afantastic insight into Celtic culture, as well as the rituals and beliefs ofpre-Christian Ireland.
Gosford Forest Park, located just outside ofMarkethill in the centre of County Armagh,comprises of 240 hectares of diverse woodland and open parkland. It wasdesignated as the first conservation forest in Northern Ireland and is alsohome to Gosford Castle, a mock-Norman battlement, one of the few examples inthe world.
Enjoy County Armagh
Explore the rugged hills and official Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beauty scattered around CountyArmagh. Whether you’re looking for history, adventure or anopportunity to relax in nature, this mystical place is sure to charm andenchant.
