Armagh is Ireland's most ancient city and its ecclesiastical capital. Here's your complete guide to visiting this remarkable city with two cathedrals and 5,000 years of history.
Armagh is the most historically significant city in Ireland — its ecclesiastical capital, home to two magnificent St Patrick's Cathedrals, an ancient royal site, and more than 5,000 years of recorded history.
St Patrick's Cathedrals Armagh is unique in having two cathedrals dedicated to St Patrick — one Roman Catholic, one Church of Ireland — facing each other from adjacent hilltops. Both are genuinely magnificent and open to visitors.
The Church of Ireland Cathedral (on Cathedral Hill) is the older of the two, having been the site of the church founded by St Patrick in 445 AD. The current building is largely 19th-century restoration, but incorporates much older fabric, including the grave of Brian Boru (High King of Ireland, killed at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014).
The Roman Catholic Cathedral (on the other hilltop) is a stunning neo-Gothic structure begun in 1840 and completed in 1904. The interior mosaics are particularly impressive.
Navan Fort (Emain Macha) Just outside Armagh city lies Navan Fort — the ancient seat of the Kings of Ulster, mentioned in Irish mythology as Emain Macha. This Iron Age hilltop site was one of the most important royal and ceremonial centres in ancient Ireland. The site and its excellent visitor centre tell the story of pre-Christian Ulster.
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium Founded in 1790, Armagh Observatory is one of the oldest working scientific institutions in the UK and Ireland. The adjacent Planetarium has been recently redeveloped and is excellent for families.
Palace Demesne The former palace of the Church of Ireland Primates of All Ireland, now owned by Armagh City Council and open as a public park. The former stables house an excellent visitor centre.
Armagh Public Library Founded in 1771 by Archbishop Robinson, Armagh Public Library (Robinson Library) is one of Ireland's oldest libraries and houses a remarkable collection of rare books, maps, and manuscripts.
Getting to Armagh Armagh is 40 miles from Belfast International Airport — about 50 minutes by private transfer. Our private guided day tour to Armagh from Belfast covers the cathedrals, Navan Fort, and the Observatory in a comfortable half or full day. Contact us to book.