1.  Explore the trails

Fans of winter walking know that it brings its own pleasures. While the days are shorter, it makes it easier to admire the sunrise or sunset. Sometimes fog and frost can give places a different type of beauty.

This winter, on our themed trails, you can trace the unfolding of Armagh over 7,500 years. From ancient Ireland to an unmatched Georgian heritage, present-day, modern Armagh is built against a rich background of history, as fascinating as it is complex.  Explore Armagh’s Georgian architecture; or take an afternoon exploring and have fun spotting gargoyles along the way!

Connect and feel the passion of past generations in our historic buildings. Listen and hear the echo of ancient footsteps on our unique landscapes. Visionaries, explorers, innovators and creative talents have all left their imprint on Armagh, carving out legendary experiences and leaving a legacy of world-renowned products. Follow the trails and witness the wondrous places that today proudly tell their stories.

2.  Warm up with a cosy coffee

Warm up in one of many coffee spots this Winter! You’re sure of a warm welcome and local hospitality! Here’s just a few to add to your list:

The Hidden Gem Coffee House, Tandragee – situated close to the famous Tayto Castle, treat yourself to homemade traybakes.

Tassagh Post Office and Tearooms – like stepping into your granny’s good room, while enjoying your winter warmer, you’ll find yourself looking around at the nods to days gone by in this charming tearoom.

If you’re looking for a quirky, cosy setting with latte art, then The Craic’d Pot, Armagh is the place for you!

Blend and Batch in Banbridge serves breakfast, lunch and casual dining throughout the week. Blending locally roasted coffee, batch baking a range of sweet and healthy treats in-house and crafting delicious food, its the perfect place to relax and enjoy time with family and friends! The contemporary space is locally dubbed “the fish bowl” as it offers double height windows and a new extension to watch the world go by!

3.  See the stars and explore space at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is Ireland’s leading centre for astronomical research and education, and one of the top attractions in the city of Armagh.  Open every Tuesday-Sunday and on Bank Holiday Mondays 10am-5pm, visitors can enjoy a show in the Planetarium dome and explore the exciting exhibition area!

Outside, the grounds, spanning around 20 acres of green space, are open 24/7 and provide many opportunities to get closer to both nature and space as well as some lovely views of Armagh.  Featuring a number of historic telescopes, the Observatory is both a beautiful Georgian building and an active research facility, so it can be admired from the outside. It is worth noting that the observatory is only open to the public on scheduled tours.

4.  Explore the Cathedrals

Start on the Hill of Armagh, learning more about St Patrick and the location of his first great stone church in Ireland by visiting the Church of Ireland Cathedral and see also the burial site of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland. Just across the grounds lies Vicars’ Hill (open by appointment only) which was built as part of Archbishop Robinson’s plans for the city. It now contains many collections and curiosities which will appeal to all ages.

Continue on to Abbey Street, literally around the corner and be inspired by the calming presence of the Armagh Robinson Library. This library; founded in 1771, has books, prints, manuscripts and more shelved from floor to ceiling on all matter of subjects; medicine, science, history, law and more and also in several languages.

Further along, down the hill to the Shambles Market, originally a corn market and then a cattle market until the 1970’s, continue to the Roman Catholic Cathedral, built in various phases between 1840 and 1904 and unmissable with its spires gracing the skyline. Whilst visitors are welcome to enter the Cathedral, specific guided tours for groups are available.

5.  Game of Thrones Tour

Whether a thronie or not, The Game of Thrones Studio Tour is a ‘must-stop’ on the visitors list. Combining SX, drama, excitement, epic scale scenery, costumery there is something to appeal to everyone. Tickets are available to book online.