Situated within walking distance of the City Centre, for over two hundred years, the undulating parkland of the Palace Demesne has been one of the glories of Armagh. The Demesne, comprising some 300 acres, is the creation of Archbishop Richard Robinson. The Palace was the residence of the Archbishops of the Church of Ireland from 1770 to 1975.
Palace Demesne & Public Park
JB Vallely - The Soul of Armagh
The Archbishop Robinson Trail
The walks around the Demesne vary in distance and effort, taking you into the back meadows and around the more formal gardens. There is also a chance to relax in the ‘Garden of the Senses’, created to provide a sensory experience that will appeal to both able-bodied and disabled visitors. The garden is made up of five distinct areas linked by a winding path.
The park includes a modern accessible Play Park and Green Gym. The Palace Building and Chapel are also open to the public periodically and the Palace Gardens are extremely popular for wedding photography.
Internationally renowned Armagh artist J.B. Vallely has a collection of works housed in the refurbished Archbishops Palace and visitors are invited to browse this exciting gallery.
JB Vallely At The Palace – ‘Artist In Residence’
Internationally renowned Armagh artist J.B. Vallely has a collection of works housed in the refurbished Archbishops Palace.
Admission: Free
Directions:
Education Brochure
The award-winning Education Department [Sandford Award for Heritage Education] provides a unique educational experience to schools and community groups visiting the Palace Stables Heritage Centre to learn about their shared past. The Department has a wide range of events and activities, detailed below, to suit all ages and meeting the needs of the curriculum:
· Our Senses
· Tree Tales & Teddy Bear Trails
· Boxes in the Attic
· The Vikings
· World War 2
· Habitat & Woodland
· Orienteering
For information of additional programmes or to make a booking please contact:
t: 028 3752 9648 | e: education@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
The Palace Demesne, Armagh BT60 4EL
T. 03000 300 900
Members of the public can visit the main Palace building from 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday. Some rooms may be unavailable if, if they are in use, and office areas are unavailable to members of the public. Unfortunately, the Archbishop’s chapel isn’t currently available to access.
Guided tours of the Palace operate during Summer months, and can be booked online.