Visit Armagh

Saint Patrick arrived in Ireland and built is first stone church in 445AD on the Hill of Armagh where the current Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral is located.  A visit to Armagh can provide an authentic experience and glimpse into the life of Saint Patrick.  Saint Patrick’s legacy is clear across the City in two magnificent Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals but also in other centres.

10.00am – 11.00am Arrive in Saint Patrick’s Trian Visitor Complex

Visit the Saint Patrick’s Exhibition and watch the AV show.  This visit will provide context for all of the other Patrician sites in Armagh.

11.15am – 123.0pm Visit Navan Centre and Fort

One of the Royal sites of Ireland,  Navan Fort was home to the High Kings of Ulster in ancient times and was the reason for Saint Patrick’s selection of Armagh for his principle centre in Ireland.  Enjoy a living history experience at the Navan Centre

12.40pm - 13.30pm Lunch in one of the restaurants/ cafés in the City

1.30pm - 2.30pm Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral

Take a guided tour of Saint Patrick’s first church in Ireland, where there is an unbroken line of Bishops since Saint Patrick in 445ad.  St Patrick’s Church of Ireland is one of the most ancient Christian sites in Ireland and has a direct line back to St Patrick’s involvement in the church in 455AD.  There are many interesting remains in this Cathedral and Celtic Crosses dating from the 11th Century.The Cathedral is also the burial place of the last high king of Ireland, Brian Boru.

2.30pm - 3.15pm Take a short walk to Armagh Public Library

Located adjacent to the, this is a fascinating archive which is in the main the collection of Archbishop Richard Robinson, a major influence in the development of Armagh City.  The Library holds information on Saint Patrick, including a bell of the Blood, reputedly blessed by Saint Patrick.  The Library also has a first edition of Gulliver’s travels.  The library is a real gem in the City.

3.30pm - 4.15pm Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral

The foundation stone for the Cathedral was laid in 1840.  The Cathedral is a magnificent building, reflecting the use of local products and expertise from across the world.

There are several other centres worth a visit on the Saint Patrick’s theme including Armagh County Museum, the Cardinal O’Fiaich Library and Archive and Archbishops Palace.  A City Centre walking tour uncovers many historic facts around the theme but also highlights some myths and legends which provide interesting anecdotes.  You should allow up to two hours for this.