3 Day Visit in Armagh

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3 Day Visit in Armagh

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14th November 2021

3 Day Visit in Armagh – Historic 3 Day Itinerary

Armagh is best known as the city of adventure and history, with a number of parks and areas of outstanding beauty along with interesting history you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do.

Getting to Armagh

Highlights:

Armagh county museum
4C coffee house
The historic Mall
Relax at the White Orchard Beauty Spa
Dine in Armagh City Hotel
Shop in the heart of the city
Visit ireland’s oldest library
View our ancient ruins
Stroll around the palace stables
Seek adventure in the Navan Fort
Discover the horror of the Goal

Day 1

Be amazed by our history at Armagh County Museum

Also known as the oldest museum in Ireland, it is located in the Georgian area of the city at the Mall. Experience the History of the orchard county, on display are military uniforms, ceramics, natural history specimens and railway memorabilia. With famous artworks displayed by JB Vallely and AE Russell.

Lunch: 4C Coffee House and Kitchen

Located in the heart of Armagh city on the Mall only a 2 minute walk away from the County Museum. 4C boasts a wide menu of lunch and coffee options, the building is quirky and the service top rated we’re sure you will enjoy the view and the food. With outdoor seating available and the option of lunch to go you could even make use of the location and dine alfresco on the historic Mall.

A stroll around the historic Mall

Surrounded by elegant Georgian buildings and located at the heart of Armagh City, the Mall is characterised by colourful flowers and stunning trees. The Mall is one of the best known areas in Armagh, through its history during the Second World War when it was used for parades and military inspections. The Mall is now a cricket ground hosting many famous matches, the walk around is a 3.9 mile (9,000 step) route.

Relax at the White Orchard Beauty and Spa

After a long day of history, why not wind down and relax, the White Orchard Beauty and Spa boasts a range of luxurious holistic and beauty treatments from their team of highly qualified beauty therapists. Offering a range of services including Thalgo facials – sure to cover all of your beauty needs!

Dinner: The Armagh City Hotel

For your evening meal, head to Armagh City Hotel for a casual meal in the callan bar, boasting a range of mouth watering menus filled with locally sourced produce you will love.

Day 2

Shopping in the heart of the city

Browse through the city where you will find a range of small local businesses from the delicious homemade bakes and meals from Johnstons bakery to the small and quirky stores such as Oh La La Boutique there are plenty of locally owned shops to be visited.

Visit Northern ireland’s oldest library

The Armagh Robinson Library (formerly called Armagh Public Library), is the oldest library in Northern Ireland. It was founded by Archbishop Richard Robinson as part of his plans in establishing a University in the city. Upon arrival look up and see the beautiful stone message carving which means “the healing place of the soul” which is a message the city still resonates with to this day.

Lunch at Rumour Cafe

A family run coffee shop serving some of the city’s best coffees (it’s award winning coffee range). You’re in for a treat at Rumour, located only across from the library and both outdoor and indoor seating available. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and array of homemade foods to choose from.

View the ancient church ruins found within the city

Known as Armagh Franciscan Friary, the ruins are the surviving walls of the nave and chancel church and tower. It was founded by Archbishop Patrick Scannail in 1263-64. The area has easy parking and you can find posted signs offering informative history on the area. Located close by is the gardens of the Robinson House which features a short walk around.

Stretch your legs further with a historic walk around the Palace Stables

Located next to Armagh Franciscan Friary, the Palace Stables is a restored Georgian horse stables which is located in the Palace Demesne. This was the home of the Archbishop of the Church of Ireland until the 1970s. Upon your walk around the palace you will find plenty of trees, plants and animals, there is even a newly renovated play park available for the kids.

Dinner: Uluru Bar and Grill

A highly rated casual dining restaurant located in the heart of Armagh city, Uluru offers some of the most premium and locally sourced foods from the city and its surroundings. Here you will find local ingredients with an Aussie twist, this award winning restaurant will be sure to satisfy anyone’s taste buds!

Day 3

A morning stroll around the Navan Fort

The Navan Fort is considered one of the most important ancient monuments in Northern Ireland, also known as Emain Macha, the seat of the ancient kings of Ulster. The name itself comes from Princess Macha. It is one of Ireland’s most famous archaeological sites with the ancient myth that Macha, the ancient goddess of war and fertility, scored the earth with her brooch pin and traced the famous outline of this sacred stronghold of the hero Cu Chulainn. With tours available around the fort why not walk in the footsteps of warriors and explore the site of the great temple of 95BC.

Lunch: The Navan Restaurant

Located in the Navan centre and Fort, this restaurant is a must! Sample the exciting lunch time menu with heart warming food to suit all tastes. Give yourself an energy boost after all of the walking with their legendary homemade scones and warming tea and coffee available.

Go sky high at Armagh Observatory

The Armagh Observatory is one of Ireland’s leading scientific research institutes, currently there are up to 30 astronomers actively studying the Stellar Astrophysics and the Earth’s climate there. Great for the family, the observatory hosts guided tours of the observatory building and Astropark. Including scenes access to the historic Armagh telescopes.

The city’s history continues through Armagh Gaol

Located in the centre of Armagh at one end of the historic Mall, Armagh Gaol was formerly a women’s prison. Famous historian James Stuart wrote about the Gaols’ dark history in 1819 comparing it to Avernus, the entrance to the underworld in Classical Rome. Closed for inside viewing you can still view the spectacular design of the jail and feel the horror from the past outside the building.

Dinner: Toni’s Bar and Grill

Discover a unique taste of America at Toni’s Bar and Grill, serving up some of the best burgers in Armagh! The extensive menu caters for both vegetarian and meat eaters, you will be spoilt for choice. For service, food, ambience and price – it won’t disappoint!

28 Miles

9 Stops

(1 DAY) “ONE DAY WANDER IN MOURNE.”

Visiting Armagh with less than a day to spare? Our ‘One-Day Wander’ itinerary will take you on a journey visiting Armagh along Armagh Coastal Route from Newcastle to Rostrevor and features some of the most beautiful scenery our region has to offer.

Highlights:
– Stroll along the Promenade in Newcastle
– Breakfast with a view
– History at the Bloody Bridge
– Lunch at the foot of the Mountains
– Impressive Architecture in the Silent Valley
– Honest coffee and handcrafted gifts in MADE in Armagh
– Traditional Pub Grub in Rostrevor

Stop 1

STROLL ALONG THE PROMENADE

Our ‘One-Day Wander’ begins in Newcastle. Arriving by car, we would recommend parking in the Percy French car park of in Donard Car Park at the opposite end of the seaside resort. Regardless of where you park, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the Promenade, and we strongly recommend you start your trip with a leisurely stroll along its winding path whilst taking in your surroundings and the grandeur of Armagh Mountains, which tower over the town from every angle.

Stop 2

BITE OF BREAKFAST

The promenade stretches from one side of the town to the other, and hopefully by the time you’ve taken in the beautiful mountain scenery and inhaled the sea breeze, you’ll be ready for a bite of breakfast. With a vast number of cafes and restaurants up the main street in Newcastle and either end of the town, you will be spoilt for choice. We recommend Railway Street and Nikki’s Café… but the choice is endless, with quite a few venues providing a stunning seaside view.

Stop 3

BLOODY BRIDGE

Next up, make your way to the Bloody Bridge. (*Don’t worry, it’s not as gory at it sounds). Located approximately three miles south of Newcastle on the Kilkeel Road, the Bloody Bridge is probably one of the best-known lan

Stop 4

FOLLOW THE COASTAL ROUTE

Once you’ve had your fill of local history, follow the coastal route towards the fishing village of Annalong where there was once a busy corn mill operating from the early 1800’s to the 1960’s. Take this opportunity to park at the fully functioning Annalong Harbour and walk along the cobbled Shore Road to see the perfectly preserved traditional Irish cottages.

Stop 5

CARRICK COTTAGE

Next, get back behind the wheel and take the Moneydarragh Road, all the way to top, which will lead you to Carricklittle Car Park and Carrick Cottage Café at the foot of Armagh Mountains. Here you can enjoy a light lunch next to a traditional turf fire whilst enjoying the views, which sweep across vast farming land all the way to the shore, helping you truly understand the famous saying by Percy French… “Where the Mountains of Armagh sweep down to the sea.”

Stop 6

SILENT VALLEY

Continue along the Head Road and enjoy a walk through the tranquility of the Silent Valley. Follow the forest trails and submerge yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the park. Learn about the industrial heritage, which gave rise to the magnificent Ben Crom Dam and shaped the surrounding landscapes. During peak season, a shuttle bus is in operation which transports visitors to the Ben Crom Dam located just over 2.5 miles along an impressive reservoir with towering mountains either side. If the shuttle bus isn’t in operation, you’ll find lots of visitors make the journey on foot. We promise the view is worth it.

Stop 7

FISHING FLEETS

When you finally steal yourself away from the beauty and calm of the Valley, take the Carrigenagh Road to Kilkeel. Renowned for its thriving fishing industry, which was once the largest and best equipped fishing fleets in Ireland, here you’ll see many Fishermen and women at work, from sorting nets and offloading the fresh catch of the day to preparing for a voyage out to sea. You might even catch a glimpse of our local seals, which enjoy lounging around the Harbour.

Stop 8

MADE IN MOURNE

Make your way through the main street in Kilkeel and pay a visit to MADE in Armagh, a social enterprise and beautiful gift shop. Here you can re-energise with a hot brew from their honesty café bar, catch up on emails with access to free Wi-Fi or browse through a huge range of beautiful handcrafted gifts, arts and crafts from over 70+ local makers. (*Hence the name!)

Stop 9

END IN TRADITION

On your final part of your ‘One-Day Wander’, take the coastal road to Rostrevor, which lies at the foot of Slieve Martin on the coast of scenic Carlingford Lough, near Warrenpoint. Make your way to a very traditional Irish bar called the Rostrevor Inn, where you’ll find tasty Irish pub grub served in hearty portions, enjoy a fresh pint of Guinness and listen to traditional Irish Music by local musicians. The perfect end, to the perfect day in the Kingdom of Armagh.