ARMAGH
& DISTRICT
The
Planetarium, in the grounds of the Observatory (1789), north
and east of the Courthouse, is worth a trip.
The Church of Ireland Cathedral of St. Patrick, atop Vicar’s
Hill, west, is the 18th church built there since St Patrick’s first.
There are stone pagan figures in chapterhouse and crypt, one of which
— bare breasted — is said to represent Queen Macha; another,
frowning, St Patrick. In the Cathedral Library is a copy of Gulliver’s
Travels, annotated in the author’s, Dean Jonathan Swift’s,
own hand. Pretty Vicar’s Row were clergy’s houses.
36 Scotch Street is on the site of Patrick’s first church. Across
Friary Road are the remains (1263) of a Franciscan Friary, by the gates
of the Palace Demesne. The Palace Stables, in the grounds of the Palace
(with its delicate Primate’s Chapel) recreate life in other days.
St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, on an opposite
hill has twin spires and twinned sculptures of Primates Crolly and McGettigan,
incumbents during its construction.
The history of the City, plus “A Land of Lilliput” detailing
Jonathan Swift’s associations with Armagh, are both imaginatively
presented at St. Patrick's Trian in English Street, which links
saint and author in audio-visual and exhibition.
There is golf (18) just south of the city, and other courses near Tandragee
(18) and Crossmaglen (18).
The King’s Stables, a dark eerie sacrificial pool, is not
far away, nor is Haughey’s Fort.
Gosford Forest Park, with its arboretum and mock-battlemented
Castle where Dean Swift stayed, and Blackwater River Park with
its fishing, priory and castle near Benburb Valley Heritage Centre,
plus Clare Glen, and The Fews Forest, south of Markethill, all have
views and walks.
Ardress House, 5 miles (8k) west of Portadown, a 17th century
manor house with elegant plasterwork and working farmyard, plus The
Argory (1820) (National Trust) 4 miles (6k) north-west, a
neo-classical gentleman’s residence still lit by acetylene gas,
are both excellent National Trust properties. By The Moy, just
south of The Argory, are the ruins of once great Charlemont
Star Fort.
Lough Neagh Discovery Centre hosts a unique and beautiful setting
on the shore of Lough Neagh. The centre's aim is to provide a relaxed
environment in which visitors can learn all about the history and wildlife
of the lough.
Nestling in the heart of Northern Ireland, and near the lapping shores
of Lough Neagh, Craigavon offers visitors a unique blend of town
and country landscapes. Within this rich tapestry of lakeland, parks
and townscapes, visitors will find a host of activities for all ages,
interests and energy levels. There are visitor attractions, heritage,
wildlife, sports, shopping, walking and cycling. Further details from
Craigavon Borough Council, Lakeview Road, Craigavon. Tel: (028) 3831
2400.
