If you love to be out and about exploring, here are our top tips for this autumn in Armagh.
Orchards
The orchard county is full of apples, Armagh Bramley apples in particular and these can be seen across the drumlin countryside. Tours can be booked at Armagh Cider Company or Long Meadow Cider company to learn more about apples and the products they make. Crannagael House, the home of Bramley apple offers a Courtyard Sunday Lunch with Gardens Tour on select dates in October. At Ardress House, a National Trust property, Orchard Sundays in October offer a chance to pick apples, taste the products and try the apple press.
The Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Avid watcher of Game of Thrones or not, be prepared to be wowed at the world’s only studio tour dedicated to this award-winning TV series. Step behind the scenes of The Seven Kingdoms and beyond in the authentic filming location just outside Banbridge. Gather your friends and explore the iconic sets, props and costumes. The tour is an immersive experience with lots of epic interactive screens and green screen photo opportunities.
The Argory
Nestled in the countryside, on a wooded estate, The Argory, a National Trust property was once home to the MacGeough Bond family. The grounds (also open during the week) house, tearoom and book shop are open on autumn weekends. Take a crisp walk through the grounds and stock up on reads for autumn evenings by the fire.
Elmfield Estate
Elmfield’s focus is on wellbeing and offers various experiences that give visitors a chance to rest and recover from the stresses of daily life, while enjoying an immersion in the beautiful natural surrounds of the historic estate. Each month (second Saturday of each month) a market in the grounds brings together local food producers, artisans and well being exports to offer a unique experience to visitors.
Brownlow House
Is unquestionably a magnificent Scottish sandstone building located beside Lurgan Park. It was commissioned in the Elizabethan style by Charles Brownlow and during the Second World War it was the headquarters for US troops in Northern Ireland. An enthralling museum records the American wartime experience in the basement of the building while the tea room serves delicious food.
The Boulevard, Banbridge
If you are looking for a shopping fix with designer names and ranges, then there is no better location than The Boulevard which offers premium outlet choices. Many of the stores on offer stock specific premium designs at pocket friendly prices. In Banbridge itself, a mere 5 minutes journey away there is a strong tradition of independent retailers offering unique items. If you are a careful planner this autumn visit could have your Christmas shopping sorted!
Armagh Robinson Library
Is a book lovers heaven. Located on The Hill of Armagh, climb the staircase, open the door and be mesmerised by the shelves upon shelves of books before you. The collection is vast, the subject matter equally so. Speak to the collections staff and without a doubt they will be able to locate a book of interest just for you to view after donning a pair of white gloves.
St Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim Walk
It is well known that Saint Patrick himself founded his first stone church in Armagh and sited the city as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland. But did you know you can walk in his footsteps from Armagh to Downpatrick? The Pilgrim Walk is an 82 mile walk which travels from the home of his first church in Armagh to his resting place in Downpatrick.
If 82 miles at once is not your kind of walk, fear not. The walk is divided into compact stretches so it can be walked at once, or part of or at your own pace. It stretches from Navan Centre, through Armagh and into the surrounding countryside with a large proportion of the route off road.
The Market Place Theatre, Armagh
The theatre in Armagh is well known as a hub for live entertainment whether music, drama and exhibitions but did you know that there is a busy schedule of workshops during the autumn? Try your hand at cake decorating, wax paining, leather work, autumn wreaths, soap making and much more. Plan your workshop time through this link https://bit.ly/3Dt2nFV
Armagh County Museum
Nestled along the Mall is open Monday – Saturday 10-4pm and admission is free. Inside explore the story of County Armagh with ever changing exhibitions. Take a stroll down memory lane, learn more about local people, their place and their time, native plants and animals and enjoy art.
Don’t forget if you’d like to extend your stay that little bit longer, there are many great accommodation options across the destination. From hotel to B&B and beyond, luxurious, comfortable, quirky and more there are options for you. See visitarmagh.com for info.
Why not share your adventures with us by using #visitarmagh on social channels? We love to hear your thoughts and ideas for great days out. Find more suggestions on our social channels or by having a look online – visitarmagh.com
