Armagh is a very historic and beautiful city situated in Northern Ireland. The name ‘Armagh’ derives from the Irish ‘Ard Mhacha’ meaning ‘Macha’s height’ and Macha was an Irish pagan goddess. It has a certain atmosphere, there’s a warmth with the people and a very rich sense of history and creativity. The appreciation of history is shown through the various museums, galleries, libraries, workshops, and centres that hold many of Armagh’s greatest creative treasures. The places that hold these artifacts are greats treasures themselves! Below is a list places where the vast amount of Creative Treasures of the City are held;

Stunning historical fashion, beautiful paintings, and fascinating railway artifacts!

It was first opened in 1937 and is Ireland’s first County Museum. It’s exhibitions showcase items through the centuries that illustrate the lifestyle how people from Armagh lived in the past. The museum is like a time machine, every item has been carefully selected and in perfect condition. The museum displays various military uniforms, wedding dresses, ceramics, and railway artifacts. It is also home to a beautiful collection of art by Irish artists such as AE Russell, John Luke and JB Vallely.

A brilliant workshop led by creative, talented and hardworking men.

The Armagh Men’s Shed is passionately run by a group of hard-working and very creative men. As it says on their Facebook page, ‘it’s a community based, a non-commercial organisation where the focus is on the provision of a safe, friendly and inclusive social environment.’ They create wonderful commissioned and personal projects which are handcrafted from their workshop in Armagh. The work they produce, shows time and time again, what can be done through dedication, teamwork, and creativity.

A place where multidisciplinary arts happen and inspire the public of Armagh

The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre is the city’s state-of-the-art venue and conference centre. It holds a wide range of events from a wide range of arts disciplines. The architecture of the buildings is pretty spectacular and their programme is always packed with fun and interesting events.

They state, “a vibrant cultural scene really sets Armagh apart and stems from the indigenous talent of our people. Through amateur dramatics and an innovative programme of workshops and exhibitions, The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre is helping to support a new generation of local artists and performers, ensuring Armagh remains at the forefront of artistic excellence ” The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, 2018

A rustic, indigenous and genuine experience that transports the viewer through to the past!

The Navan Fort is an ancient ceremonial monument situated near Armagh. According to tradition, it was one of the great royal sites of pre-Christian Gaelic Ireland and the capital of the Ulaidh (Ulster). You can visit the actual fort itself and there is also a visitor centre very close by. In this visitor centre, there is a cafe, shop, exhibition and recurring theatrical reenactments and workshops.

“Navan Centre & Fort is a place where myth and reality meet. It is one of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites, the legendary Emain Macha. Legends say that Macha, the ancient goddess of war and fertility, scored the earth with her brooch pin and traced the famous outline of this sacred stronghold of the hero Cu Chulainn, home of the famous Red Branch Knights and Ulster Cycle of tales ” – VisitArmagh.com

Visually spectacular, creatively engaging and gives an imaginative insight into space

The Armagh Observatory, founded in 1789 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, is a modern astronomical research institute with a rich scientific heritage.Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is approximately fourteen acres of landscaped grounds which s known as the Armagh Astropark. They have a Digital Theatre you can relax and enjoy a 3-D StarDome show. On the 1st of May this year the planetarium will be celebrating its 50th anniversary so there will be some really exciting events planned!

An extraordinary collection of literature, picturesque library with fascinating exhibitions

Armagh Robinson Library and No 5 has a remarkable collection of manuscripts, printed books, pamphlets and periodicals, atlases, prints, coins, gems, medals and archaeological artifacts. Armagh Robinson Library is both intellectually stimulating and captivating at every angle! Their latest exhibition is a very fascinating one;

“Our latest temporary exhibition on astronomy was launched by Professor Michael Burton, Director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. The theme of astronomy was chosen to show visitors examples of what the Library holds on this subject, and to help celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Armagh Planetarium” Thirza, Armagh Robinson Library, 2018.

Contemporary museum with an allegorical collection of fascinating prints, coins, gems, and various memorabilia.

A warm and welcoming hub that diligently informs tourists and local residents about all aspects of Armagh

The Visitor Information Centre provides a very professional visitor service for the city of Armagh. They provide information on upcoming local events and entertainment, provides maps, brochures, and books of local interest. They are really helpful and very accommodating to any questions you may have. The Visitor Information Centre also contains ‘Craftswirl’, which is a contemporary collection of handmade crafts designed by local and national artisans. It includes jewelry, ceramic sculptures, decorative textiles, leatherwear, and woodcraft.

For more information about Armagh check out these top sights by Lonely Planet here or Visit Armagh website here.