Armagh factfile

How to get to Armagh
Armagh is around 40 miles (64 km) south of Northern Ireland's capital city Belfast. The city lies in the foothills of the mountains that separate the west of the country from Ulster and is easily accessible by car (via the A3, A28 and A29).

How Armagh got its name
The name Armagh comes from the Gaelic "Ard Macha", meaning "The Height of Macha". Macha is thought be a goddess of ancient Ireland. The ancient pagan ritual site at the edge of Armagh, Emain Macha (called Navan Fort by the English), is also named after Macha.

Armagh's claim to fame
In 444AD, Saint Patrick decided to use Armagh as his base from which to spread the message of Christianity around Ireland. He set about building his principal church in the city on the spot where the current Church of Ireland cathedral still stands. St Patrick said that only those educated in Armagh could spread the gospel around Ireland, which is how the city became Ireland's ecclesiastical capital. Armagh today is also home to a Roman Catholic cathedral.

Shopping in Armagh
Armagh has a compact city centre with shops ranging from well-known high street outlets to family-run businesses such as craft shops, which have long dotted Armagh's medieval streets. The popular Shambles Market held every Tuesday and Friday.

Entertainment in Armagh
The evening's entertainment can take a wide range of forms in Armagh—from traditional Irish music and Irish dancing to karaoke and clubbing. As well as all the pubs and clubs you'd expect, Armagh's theatre can be found on Market Street. The city even has its own planetarium where young and old alike can marvel at the wonders of the universe.

Things to see and do around Armagh
Near the town of Markethill, six miles south of Armagh, is Gosford Forest Park, which covers 240 hectares. The parkland is also home to Gosford Castle. For more natural beauty, visitors can also head to Clare Glen, where the River Cusher meanders through stunning woodland.