The arrival of the new year brings with it a sense of renewal, offering an opportunity to embrace fresh beginnings and create new experiences. The blank slate of a new year holds the promise of exciting challenges, meaningful connections, and moments of self-discovery, making it the perfect time to step outside and embrace the unknown. With each passing day, we have the chance to shape our future and fill the year with unforgettable memories.

So, with that in mind, then what makes the top spots you should cross off your destination bucket list?

Orchard Experience – orchards are a BIG thing in Co. Armagh – its what we are famous for. Come and explore and get the full Bramley experience learning about life in the orchard and best part -sampling the produce, ciders, apple juice, apple tarts. Explore the seasons in the orchard, watching the season cycle and produce growth throughout the year. Whether tiny emergence of buds and growth to pretty, precious pink blossom followed by heavy laden branches full of apples in the autumn the view and experience is amazing. Try Long Meadow Cider or Armagh Cider Company for tours across the season.

To infinity and beyond at Armagh Planetarium, the only one on the island of Ireland. A captivating space designed to bring the wonders of the cosmos closer to our understanding. providing both educational and mesmerizing experiences for people of all ages. Spark your curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation for the science of astronomy. Whether for stargazing, learning about the solar system, or exploring far-off galaxies, Armagh Planetarium is a gateway to the infinite wonders above.

For a day tour with a difference, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour brings spellbinding drama and costume, make up and scenery effects to life. Located at Linen Mill Studios, just outside Banbridge, this is the venue where so much of the world-renowned series was filmed.  The attention to detail is evident, not to mention the costumes and special effects make up which were created by many talented craftspeople based in Northern Ireland. Food and drink and official merch is also on site – chocolate crunch dragon eggs on the afternoon tea menu are highly recommended!

Armagh Robinson Library, located on Abbey Street and a stone’s throw away from the Church of Ireland Cathedral is a worthy place of a visit and most definitely a hidden gem.  After sweeping up the wide wooden staircase, open the door slowly into this beautiful room filled with amazing books. It is like stepping into a world of endless possibilities. The air is thick with the scent of old paper and the promise of new adventures, as rows upon rows of bookshelves stretch before you. Each book seems to whisper stories, waiting to transport you to a faraway time. The excitement of choosing which one to explore first is almost palpable, as the anticipation builds with every step you take. Helpful and courteous staff can provide information on the wide variety of books and pamphlets, maps and guides available, covering every feasible part of shelf space.

Big events! We do big events in Armagh and our key events include Home of St Patrick’s Festival in March (9-17^th); 10 days celebrating our patron Saint who laid the foundations for his first church in Armagh. The celebratory programme this year will include concerts, music, tours, masterclasses and much, much more.  Moving to early autumn and we celebrate the humble Bramley Apple at the Armagh Food and Cider Weekend (4-7th September). This is taste- tastic, with carefully curated events featured around good food and good company and as a homage to the apple and local produce. Taste ciders, enjoy dining experiences, carefully curated 5 course meals and tours and life in the orchard.  The Christmas season comes to life with the arrival of the Armagh Georgian Festival, from 27-30^th November. Celebrating the Georgian history and heritage of the city, this 4-day long event provides tours, talks, experiences, light show, horse and carriage rides and beautiful market with a wide variety of stalls. Come together with family and friends to kick off the season.

In addition to these, there’s a host of other events taking place throughout the year, including, the 5K International Road Race; a vibrant craft fair at the Market Place Theatre, the lively Buskfest in Banbridge; the Armagh County Show; the Tandragee 100, the soulful 7 Hills Blues Festival, the family-friendly Country Comes to Town, the Richhill Apple Fayre and the renowned William Kennedy Piping Festival.

Armagh is an ancient city and one of the oldest locations with a rich and varied history is Navan Centre and Fort. Located just outside the city centre, it offers a fascinating journey into ancient history and Celtic heritage. This historic site is home to one of Ireland’s most significant archaeological monuments, known as Emain Macha, the legendary capital of the Ulster kings in ancient times. The centre provides insights into the culture, traditions, and rituals of the Celts, offering a glimpse into their world through replicas of dwellings, ancient tools, and artifacts. Whether it’s walking the historic site, learning about the epic tales of the Ulster Cycle, or participating in hands-on activities, the Navan Centre and Fort offers an engaging and educational experience for history enthusiasts and families alike.

If your interest is art and creative practices, the FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio located outside Banbridge, is the place to go. The gallery and studio focuses around the artistic and creative endeavours of FE McWilliam, a Banbridge native who was a renowned sculptor and who left his estate to the town of Banbridge. His work is represented in widescale and much respected venues including MoMA, New York, Tate Gallery, London and the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin. In addition to a regular curated programme of exhibitions, the Gallery hosts interesting and creative workshops to appeal to all ages in the use of many different mediums.

Armagh County Museum is the oldest county museum in Ireland and is focused on the life and times of people from the city and county. There’s art, wildlife and social history all carefully displayed and curated under the one roof. Children can have with the activities while adults can take a trip down memory lane with reminisces of years gone by.

And if crisps can’t tempt you, then what will? Tayto Castle is the place for a tour and tasting. Follow the steps on a little spud’s journey from spud to crisp – salt and vinegar, cheese and onion all made in the shadow of Tandragee Castle. Tours take place Monday – Friday, just follow your nose when in the town to the smell of tasty crisps.

Share your thoughts on your destination bucket list with us #VisitArmagh