European Heritage Open Days Armagh Guided Walking Tour

This tour takes place on Sunday 14 September at 2pm and lasts until 4pm approx. It is suitable for age 6+ years.

Tour spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis with 20 headsets max available per tour. If you wish to take part, please ensure that you arrive promptly in advance of the start time to guarantee a space. 

General Information about the walking tour

Grab your trainers and learn more about the city

Armagh is an ancient compact city soaked in myths, legends, history and heritage. It is located in the heart of Ulster and well known for being the ecclesiastical capital of the island of Ireland.

One of the best ways to discover more about the story of this city and its citizens from the pre-Christian era up to modern times is to book a guided walking tour which will take you through the city centre at a leisurely pace, stopping off at various locations on a route of approx 1 km.

This bijou of a city centre is a conservation area with many beautiful buildings and an impressive selection of Public Art. Your guide will entertain you with facts and anecdotes as they escort you towards the Hill of Armagh, where you will be treated to a feast for the eyes with the panoramic vistas from Ard Mhacha, height of Macha.

Please dress appropriately for all types of weather, with walking shoes. You may wish to bring a coat and small umbrella, just in case.  A moderate level of fitness is required for this walk. Individual headsets will be provided for each member of the group to ensure that everyone can hear and follow the tour.

The tour starts outside Armagh County Museum and finishes at the Celestial Sphere at the bottom of Abbey Street.

Please note that there is no access to any of the historic buildings or attractions on the route. If there is a particular building in the city that you wish to visit, it is advisable to check opening times in advance. Some buildings en-route may be open for European Heritage Open Day but you are strongly advised to check relevant guides and contact the premises in question in advance if you wish to visit. 

Please use this link to review information about other properties open as part of European Heritage Open Day weekend across the destination. 

General Information
Parking is available on The Mall, close to Armagh County Museum. This map details parking spaces and also toilets in the city centre.

Public Transport

Public transport connections are available across N. Ireland to Armagh using Translink services. To plan your visit in advance, please use this link. Armagh Bus station/stop is about a 6 minute approx. walk from Armagh County Museum. Please see this Google maps link to help plan your route.

Places to eat

There are a range of cafes and restaurants dotted across the city centre with suggestions detailed on the relevant links.

If you have any queries in relation to the walking tours please email walkingtours@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

European Heritage Open Days Archbishop’s Palace Tour

This tour takes place on Sunday 14 September at 2pm and lasts approx. 1 1/2 hours. It is suitable for age 8 years +.

Tour spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis with 20 max headsets available per tour. If you wish to take part, please ensure that you arrive promptly and in advance of the start time to guarantee your space. 

General Information about the Archbishop’s Palace Tour

Take a special opportunity to see behind the doors of The Primate’s Palace, built by Archbishop Robinson and used as the home of the Church of Ireland Archbishops from 1770 until the 1970’s.  Your guide will welcome all visitors to this magnificent building providing you with a fascinating tour lasting approximately 90 minutes.  The Palace was designed by famous architect Thomas Cooley in the classical style, originally it had 2 storeys and a basement. Another floor and raised portico were added in 1825 under the primate ship of Lord John George Beresford.

Your guide will share their knowledge of the building including the story of former Archbishop of Armagh, Richard Robinson 1765 to 1794, a colourful personality, often known as the “Builder of Armagh.”

In addition, you will be treated to a feast for the eyes with the exhibition of the “Artist in Residence”  local man J B Vallely,  who has had a career in art and music spanning over 6 decades.  His paintings are renowned nationally and internationally with diverse themes such as music, sport, mythology, dance and historical events, a unique event not to be missed.

General information

Car parking

Car parking is available free of charge adjacent to the Archbishop’s Palace. To find the location, please follow directions for the Palace Demesne Public Park as plotted on Google Maps.  The Palace Demesne is located on the Friary Road, Armagh and is the entrance on the left at the traffic lights after Armagh City Hotel, heading towards Keady/Monaghan.

As you enter the demesne, follow the drive until you see the Palace itself located on the left hand side. Parking is close by, with accessible parking at the front of the building. A lift is available to gain access at the side as there are a small number of steps to enter the building. A lift is also available internally.

Places to eat

There are a range of cafes and restaurants dotted across the city centre with suggestions detailed on the relevant links. Please also refer to this map for information.

Public Transport

Public transport connections are available across N. Ireland to Armagh using Translink services. To plan your visit in advance, please use this link. Armagh Bus station/stop is about a 20 minute approx. walk from the Archbishop’s Palace. Please see this Google maps link to help plan your route.

Please use this link to review information about other properties open as part of European Heritage Open Day weekend across the destination. 

If you have any queries in relation to the Archbishop’s Palace tour, please email walkingtours@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk