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holiday cottages in Armagh
Spend your holiday in the ancient cathedral city of Armagh
and you’ll be visiting more than Ireland’s oldest city. You’ll be
visiting the ancient capital of Ulster, City of Saint Patrick,
burial place of Brian Boru, the Orchard County and the
ecclesiastical capital of Ireland. The history of the area is
fascinating reflecting 6,500 years of activity. People first came
here in 4,500BC and have been arriving ever since. For those seeking
active holidays there is plenty of golf, fishing, cycling, walking
and hiking on offer. Armagh has a wide range of visitor attractions
including Cathedrals, museums, family attractions, Country Parks,
National Trust properties, a modern theatre and a great range of
restaurants and bars.
Armagh is a City which has often been described as an
architectural paradise, full of interesting and characteristic
buildings. In a City so rich in historical and architectural
significance, there are many places worth visiting during a holiday
in the county. Few scenes could be more beautiful than rural Armagh
during apple blossom. The ‘Orchard County’ or the ‘Orchard of
Ireland’ as it is known, comes alive with colour as the pink flowers
of the apple trees blanket much of the deep green landscape with a
array of beautiful pinks ranging from delicate soft pinks to bright
vibrant fuchsia.
Armagh County Museum - One of the most distinctive buildings
in the city, Armagh County Museum’s collections reflect the lives of
those people who have lived, worked or are associated with the
county. There are military costumes, wedding dresses, ceramics,
natural history specimens and railway memorabilia. An impressive art
collection includes works by many well-known Irish Artists.
Armagh Public Library was founded in 1771 by Archbishop
Richard Robinson as part of his plans to establish a University and
to improve the City of Armagh. Established by an Act of Parliament
called - ‘An Act for Settling and Preserving the Public Library in
Armagh Forever’, the library got its name - Armagh Library. The
Library contains many rare books, including an original copy of
Jonathan Swift’s ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, a facsimile version of the
‘Book of Armagh’, edited by Gwynn and a volume of John Colgan’s,
‘Sacred Antiquities of Ireland’, together with medieval and 17th
century manuscripts, engravings and Irish artefacts. In 2002 the
Library gained museum registration.
Holiday Cottage Armagh
The area has two fine 18-hole golf courses, County Armagh and
Tandragee, and there is also a 9-hole golf course available at
Benburb. In recent years a Pay and Play 18 hole Golf Course has been
developed at Loughgall Country Park. Some of the finest links
courses in the world are within a short drive from Armagh
Tynan Cross - Near the site of the hilltop Parish Church was
an Early Christian monastery associated with Saint Vindic. Little is
known of its early history, but two stone crosses survived, the
Village Cross and Terrace Cross now at Tynan Abbey (not for public
access) as well as fragments built into the graveyard wall. The
Village Cross has been moved twice and is not in its original
position. On the nearby graveyard gatepost is an unusual hallowed
stone, a 17th century sundial.
Holiday Cottage Rental Armagh
Armagh offers a wonderful range of
options for recreational walkers to experienced hikers. From
gentle parkland strolls to rugged mountain treks, guided walks, or
trails to blaze at your own pace... A number of themed walking or
bus tours can be arranged with fully accredited local guides in and
around Armagh City or the surrounding countryside, including ‘The
Pilgrim’s Trail’, ‘Walking in the Footsteps of Saint Patrick’,
‘Orchard County/Apple Blossom Tour’ and a variety of bespoke special
interest guided tours. The Pilgrim’s Trail is a recommended walking
tour around the heart of Ireland’s Christian Capital. Appealing to
the casual visitor and serious historian alike, its aim is to
provide a glimpse of Armagh’s architecture, history and culture. One
hour may cover the trail, but allow time to visit the many
attractions en-route. Needless to say, there are no lack of good
cafes, restaurants and pubs along the way if you are in need of a
break!
The Orchard County - The history of apple growing in Armagh
can be dated back as far as 3000 years ago when Saint Patrick
planted an apple tree at Ceangoba, an ancient settlement east of
Armagh City. William of Orange was also said to have quenched his
thirst with the City of the Orchard County at the Battle of the
Boyne in 1690. Today more than 4,000 acres of County Armagh are
covered in apple trees and it is thought that approximately 90% of
these crops are brambly apples which are harvested here, in County
Armagh and then exported to the rest of the world. Many older
varieties of apple have all but disappeared and The Orchard Trust is
keen to work to save and preserve the varieties which have been
associated with fruit growing in Ireland. Plans are even afoot to
set up a museum dedicated to the preservation of the apple
production culture of Armag
Armagh Holiday Cottages
Loughgall Country Park is a rural haven of relaxation and
recreation. A diverse spectrum of activities ranging from golf to
walking, fishing to tennis make this spacious complex a mecca for
families, sports enthusiasts and those merely in search of a helping
of tranquility. The emphasis, indeed, is very much on family
pursuits. Walking, cycling, a children's play area, golf, fishing,
an adventure trail, trim trail, football pitch and tennis courts are
just some of the amenities on offer....
There's something for everyone, from the zealous sports lover to the
casual visitor who relishes the outdoor life. The extensive
facilities offer considerable scope for pursuing a healthy lifestyle
while at the same time providing an invaluable recreational outlet
for children, even those of a very young age. Picnicing, jogging,
exercising and just lazing are the optional extras - and these are
free of charge!
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holiday cottages in Armagh
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