Highlights:

• Brekkie at Embers
• Exploring Lurgan Park
• An Orchard tour
• Discover our bagels
• Lurgaboy Adventure Park
• A morning by our lakes
• 4 Vicars for lunch
• Discover our Tayto crisps
• Picnic on the Mall
• The Pilgrims walk
• Adventure day at Craigavon Ski & Golf Centre
• Lets go to the theatre

 

Day 1

 

Grab some brekkie at Embers

 

Perfect for the family, Embers is a family run all day venue serving up pretty impressive cooked breakfasts, grills, plus coffees and pastries. You can expect an affordable and casual dining experience with a menu that is hard to bate!

 

Visit the second biggest park in Ireland – Lurgan Park

 

Rent a boat and hit the water at Lurgan Park, the perfect location for a family adventure! The park is located around an expansive man made lake, it has 5km of pathways through mature woodland and open grassland. Also having been described as a hidden gem, the park offers a well pleasant place to walk and also great for the kids with its super play park which includes a water feature, tennis courts, bowling green and more!

 

Take a tour on the Orchard

 

Taking you off the beaten path, this new experience is a must for any visitor to the city! Armagh is rightfully known as the orchard county for good reason, its many beautiful working orchards, take a well guided tour at Long Meadow Farm and discover our orchards. You can explore the cider making facilities, sample award winning irish ciders and even get to see how it’s pressed.

 

Lunch: Discovering the BC Classic at Bagel Bean

 

Located at the Shambles and a well known and hot spot for lunches by the locals, Bagel Bean boasts a wide selection of quirky and delicious bagels on its menu. Most importantly the BC Classic – Extra sauce on the side!

 

Now you’re well energised, how about some ziplining?

 

Test your nerve with a trip to Lurgaboy Adventure Centre for some adventurous zip lining the whole family will love! On its 35 acre site you will find one of Ireland’s longest Zip wires standing at an impressive 400m! Amongst other activities such as coasteering, mountain biking, archery and rock climbing you won’t be stuck for choice!

 

Dinner: After all those activities it’s time to refuel at Keegans Bar & Restaurant

 

Keegans bar has been a part of the city for many years, a well known family owned gem in the city with amazing food at very affordable prices – plus a well deserved Guinness after all of the day’s adventures.

 

Day 2

 

Time for an adventurous morning at the lakes!

 

It couldn’t get anymore adventurous than kayaking, right? Head down to Craigavon lakes watersports centre for all things adventure. You can hire an open canoe, stand up paddleboard or kayak and off you go!

 

Enough water fun now for some history at St Patrick’s Cathedrals

 

St Patricks day is known all over the world, a day for the Irish! But did you know that St Patrick actually visited Armagh – referring to the city as his sweet hill. It was then he had founded his first stone church. Today you will find two cathedrals in Armagh representing his name. The first is located on Sally Hill and the second found on the hill opposite.

 

Lunch: The Gathering Rooms in the historical location of Vicars Hill

 

A quiet and relaxing cafe funded by The National Lottery Community Fund Empowering Young People Program. It is a place where young people with autism can come and train to work and enhance their social skills. The food is certainly instagram worthy with plenty of delicious refreshments on offer.

 

Take a scoot up to the Tayto Factory

 

Located in Tandragee, The Tayto Factory Tour will give you great insight into how their crisps get so golden, crunchy and tasty! As one of Northern Ireland’s most popular crisp brands you will get to learn why. Top tip – if your potatoes are well behaved you may even get to taste some!

 

Dinner: At Sally Mcnallys

 

After learning about how our crisps are made you probably are craving some fresh spuds, with no better place to fulfil your cravings than at Sally Mcnallys. Serving award winning food from local produce you will certainly get a taste of Northern Ireland here. Fine dining and with a menu to suit everyone enjoy great quality food at great prices.

 

Day 3

 

Start the morning fresh with a walk along Scarva Towpath

 

Escape from the city for the morning and check out the scenery at Scarva Towpath, visitors can expect 18 miles of woodlands, forest trails and country laneways along the route.

 

Picnic on the Mall

 

Dine differently with a nice picnic on the Mall (weather dependent), with many options in the city to choose from lunchtime takeaway you can be sure to relax and unwind after all of the week’s activities. With takeaway options such as Bagel Bean, Desburrito and Rumour to choose from in the city. 

 

After a relaxing morning it’s time for another adventure – at Oxford Island

 

Embrace nature and wild surroundings at Oxford Island, here you can discover important habitats such as reed beds, open water, wildlife ponds, forests and wildflower meadows. As well as a network of all access walking trails and bird watching it’s enough for a few hours of nature and fun.

 

Dinner: Embers Restaurant

 

For casual dining Embers is the perfect destination in Armagh, finding everything to suit the whole family from the extensive grill bar menu, including succulent char grilled steaks to homemade burgers and freshly battered cod and chips.

 

Day 4

 

Saint Patricks Way – The Pilgrims Walk

 

Starting – Armagh

Finishing – Downpatrick

 

This 82 mile signed walking trail connects key sites relating to Saint Patricks Heritage, it takes you through some of Northern Ireland’s more spectacular scenic landscapes. Ending then at Saint Patrick’s final resting place at the grounds of Down Cathedral in Downpatrick.

 

The walk lasts about 6 days but can be shortened down with some driving in between or if you have 6 days extra you can give it a go! The route sections are as follows:

 

A – Navan to Armagh & City Tour

B – Armagh to Scarva

C – Scarva to Newry

D – Newry to Rostrevor

E – Rostrevor to Newcastle

F – Newcastle to Tyrella

G – Tyrella to Downpatrick

 

Every day is different- The route covers varied topography, from rolling hills to canal towpaths. Every day offers different views and terrain, with a combination of off- and on-road trails. With plenty to do and see along the way, there are many cafes, restaurants and picnic sites for refuelling.

 

Day 5

 

Start your last day of adventure right at Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre

 

Located in Lurgan this sports centre is situated in beautiful wooded surroundings, the sportscentre is Northern Ireland’s only outdoor ski slope. The 300 ft main slope, nursery slope and snow tubing facilities ensure the whole family is catered for.

 

Grab a bite at Wee Paddy’s Bistro on the way back to Armagh City

 

Wee Paddy’s is a popular choice when in Lurgan, the restaurant offers a wide selection of different options to choose from. Ideal for all of the family, the foods are always very well presented and excellent value for money – most dishes are Irish, european.

 

Next stop – Ballydougan Pottery at Bloomvale

 

The historic Bloomvale House is the home of the award winning Ballydougan Pottery Gift Shop, Restaurant and Coffee Shop. You can find highly skilled potters and their workshops which produce a comprehensive range of kitchenware and giftware items.

 

Finally back in the city – Let’s go to the theatre!

 

Armagh Market Place theatre and Arts Centre is located at the heart of the entertainment in Armagh. In the theatre you can find music, drama and comedy with an extensive gallery hosting very popular art exhibitions supporting many local artists. Feel free to wander inside and explore for yourself.

 

Dinner: Finishing off the day at Dante’s Restaurant

 

Dante’s restaurant is home to Armagh’s most popular pizza and burgers, ideal for any family you aren’t limited with options. On the menu you will find a wide selection of burgers, cocktails, pizzas and more!