Armagh
Armagh is a city unlike any other in Northern Ireland, steeped in history, religion, and learning, earning its title as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland. Its story is intrinsically linked to St. Patrick, who established his principal church here in the 5th century, and today the city is crowned by two stunning cathedrals both bearing his name—one Church of Ireland, one Roman Catholic—that face each other across the valley. This spiritual heritage is complemented by the city's elegant Georgian architecture, much of it built by Archbishop Robinson, who also founded the exquisite Armagh Robinson Library and the historic Armagh Observatory.
The city is a centre of culture and knowledge, home to the modern Armagh Planetarium and a wealth of museums. The Navan Fort (Eamhain Mhacha), just outside the city, is a pre-eminent ancient ceremonial site surrounded by myth. Despite its profound history, Armagh has a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with a bustling market town centre, beautiful public gardens, and a proud reputation as the "Orchard County"'s heart, celebrated with a annual apple fair. Armagh offers a uniquely sophisticated and fascinating experience, blending the sacred and the scholarly in a beautiful setting.