Portadown
Portadown is a major town in County Armagh, strategically located on the River Bann and historically one of the most important hubs of the Irish linen industry. Its legacy as a market town is still strong today, with a large weekly market attracting shoppers from across the region. The town centre is a busy commercial area with a mix of high-street stores and independent retailers. While its recent history has been shaped by the Troubles, Portadown is a town looking to the future, focusing on regeneration and community.
The surrounding area is known for its fertile land, particularly for apple orchards and berry farms. The People's Park provides a green oasis in the town, and the nearby Oxford Island National Nature Reserve on the shores of Lough Neagh offers fantastic opportunities for birdwatching, walking, and water sports. Portadown's excellent transport links, sitting on both the main road and rail lines between Belfast and Dublin, make it a significant economic and logistical centre. It serves as a practical and bustling gateway to the southern part of Lough Neagh and the orchard country of County Armagh.