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Cultural Treasures: Art and Heritage

The Archbishop’s Palace tour takes place on regular dates through the summer in the Palace building, Armagh. This tour winds through the stately façade of the Palace, offering an insight into the history and heritage of this building, once home to the Archbishops of Armagh. The floors of the building serve as a gallery for artworks by local artist, JB Vallely. Palace tours also gain an insight into the Primates Chapel, adjacent to the Palace and the servant’s tunnel. Perfect on a warm day! Book your space now (tour suitable for those age 6 years +)

ARMAGH-COUNTY-MUSEUM

Meet the Celtic warriors and become a warrior yourself– costume, war paint, the works at  Navan Centre and Fort. Informative, yet fun tours take place across the summer giving an insight into life as a Celt. Learn about the great heroes associated with Navan such as Cuchulainn and the Red Branch Warriors.

Meet the warriors Navan

Armagh County Museum is the oldest county museum in Ireland, dating from 1937 and its collections serve as a memory and homage to the people who had connections, whether living or working, with Armagh and the county as a whole. Explore natural history, art, railway memorabilia and more. What is your favourite piece from the collection? The museum is open Monday – Friday 10-5pm, Saturday 10-4pm and admission is free.

Armagh County Museum

Dedicated to the memory of sculptor Frederich Edward McWilliam, the FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio, in Banbridge features a permanent exhibition of his work in addition to Irish and European temporary exhibitions. The Gallery holds many workshops and sessions for children and a chance to explore the actual contents of McWilliams London studio, replicated in the gallery.

FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio

We are fortunate to be home to not one, but two National Trust properties. The Argory, a soon to be 200-year-old Neo Classical mansion which reveals the quirky tastes of the owners, particularly focusing on a wide-ranging art collection. The tearoom and second hand book shop are most definitely worth a visit as are the wooded walks and scenic views.

The Argory exterior of house summer

Moving a mere 10-minute journey away is Ardress House, nestled quietly among the orchards. The house, based on a 17th century farmhouse was remodelled in Georgian times. A farmyard with some small animals and fun playground add to the impact for visitors.

Ardress House

Brownlow Castle, sitting at Lurgan Park was built in 1833 and can claim connections with famous greyhounds, Queen Victoria and GI’s. The house is a calendar house with corresponding rooms/wings to match with the number of days in the year, months of the year and so on. Due to the GI connection, when Eisenhower stayed in the Castle to help plan D-Day, there is an exhibition in the basement describing the GI’s stay and planning. A tearoom is also available for delicious food.

Brownlow House