Armagh – the Orchard County

#travelbizhub #travelbizconnect #visitarmagh #tourismni #embraceagiantspirit

Promoting The First Place, Visit Armagh came to Dublin yesterday to showcase this amazing area and demonstrate just how many attractions this special corner of Northern Ireland has to offer. We were immersed in history, culture, literary and religious festivals, art exhibitions and an unexpected traditional music scene.

Armagh city centre simply rocks with the upcoming St Patrick’s Festival to include an array of open-air concerts, walking tours and workshops. Of course, Armagh is the ancient centre of Irish Christianity and St Patrick himself travelled there to build a stone church on Ard Macha, giving the city its name. Indeed, arguably the greatest of Irish Kings, Brian Boru travelled this road in 1004 to make an offering of gold at the altar. The city is the location of St Patrick’s Church (445AD) and from St Patrick’s Cathedral (Church of Ireland) catch a glimpse of the lofty spires of St Patrick’s (Roman Catholic) Cathedral.

Navan Centre and Fort has earned a tentative place on the list of World Heritage sites and don’t forget the world-famous Giant’s Causeway which should be a must on every visitor’s itinerary. The stunning Titanic Centre, Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, Linen Mills, Orchard tours, Food & Cider festivals, Georgian Festival, Seamus Heaney Homeplace, the walled City of Derry, walking trails et al, the north-east corner of our island is worth celebrating. Iconic indeed.

Great accommodation choices abound too. Catherine Fulvio is also walking St Patrick’s Way, so catch it on RTE later this evening! Follow her example and give a big shout out to Armagh and visit soon.

The majestic landscape is absolutely steeped in myth and legend and where better to house the iconic Game of Thrones Studio (located at Linen Mills Studio in Banbridge) where much of series was filmed – the most successful TV series in history. No mean boast!