Introduction to Armagh
Armagh is known as "The Orchard County". Armagh is the seat of the Catholic Church in Ireland and its history is a long and rich story. Armagh means "The Height of Macha".
A Brief History of Armagh
Emain Macha or Navan Fort, at the edge of the City, has a genuine claim to be the oldest settlement in Ireland, dating back to Queen Macha in 600 BC. The Celtic Queen gave her name to the City - Ard Macha, meaning The Height of Macha, reflecting the fact that the City developed on the hill overlooking Navan Fort.
A community hospital (Broin Bherg or House of Sorrows) was built in Armagh. Queen Macha Mong Ruadh built it long before other nations had hospitals to administer the Celts healthful ways, based on their dreams and visions (fey). She was killed at 46, by a rival, in 653 BC, after only seven years as queen.
The claim that Armagh is the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland dates back to the early fifth century when Saint Patrick established his principal Church in Ireland here. It is the historical center of the cultus of Saint Patrick, the centre of a network of congregations. According to the Annals of the Four Masters in AD 457:" Ard Machab was founded by Saint Patrick, it having been granted to him by Daire, son of Finnchadh, son of Eoghan, son of Niallan. Twelve men were appointed by him for building the town. He ordered them, in the first place, to erect an archbishop's city there, and a church for monks, for nuns, and for the other orders in general, for he perceived that it would be the head and chief of the churches of Ireland in general. "
Brian Boru is buried in the cemetery of the Anglican, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the principal church of the Church of Ireland. He is credited with driving the Norsemen out of Ireland in 1014.
It has also been an educational centre since the time of Saint Patrick, leading to it being known as the city of saints and scholars. Saint Patrick decreed that only those educated in Armagh could spread the gospel.
Areas of Interest in Armagh
The Navan Centre
Armagh has a rich unique historical and cultural legacy that makes it one of the most important locations in Ireland. The area is of unparalleled archaeological importance, reflecting 6,500 years of history. From it's establishment by Neolithic settlers in 4,500BC, Armagh grew to become the ancient capital of Ulster and Seat of Ulster Kings and Queens.
Much of Armagh's history is centred around the establishment of the legendary Emain Macha or Navan Fort, which lies to the West of the City and was founded by the Pagan Queen Macha around 300BC. The Navan Interpretative Centre offers visitors an understanding of the diverse history of the area and the myths and legends linked with Navan. Learn about Pagan Ireland, Celtic Warriors, Ulster Kings and Queens, and the archaeological finds that pieced history together.
Navan Fort
Navan Fort is the origin of a world renowned series of stories known as the Ulster Cycle. The stories recall ancient Irish legends, such as Cu Chulainn, King Conor, Deirdre of the Sorrows and recounts famous battles like the Cattle Raid of Cooley. Brian Ború, the High King of All Ireland, camped at Navan Fort during his visit to Armagh to make offerings to the Church and was buried in the grounds of the Church of Ireland Cathedral after the Battle of Clontarf in 1014AD.
Saint Patrick's Trian Visitor Complex
The most exciting Visitor Complex in the City, Saint Patrick's Trian offers you a unique opportunity to explore the world of Saint Patrick and learn about the rise of Christianity in Ireland.
Highly interactive exhibitions bring to life Saint Patrick, with games and crafts throughout to keep all the family entertained. Three major exhibitions are permanent within the Trian with two FREE art galleries complimenting a fanstastic day out.
An exciting visitor complex located in the heart of Armagh City. Incorporating three major exhibitions - The Armagh Story: traces the story of Armagh's historic Pagan monuments through to the coming of Saint Patrick and Celtic Christianity to the modern day city. Patrick's Testament: takes a closer look at our patron Saint through the writings found in the ancient manuscript "The Book of Armagh".
Touch screen technology is available in English, French and German. The Land of Lilliput: Jonathan Swift's most famous book, "Gulliver's Travels" is narrated by a 20-ft giant.
Saint Patrick's Trian consists of three main attractions: Land of Lilliput
Jonathan Swift, author and clergyman, spent time in the Armagh area and his most famous work 'Gulliver's Travels' is encapsulated in the fantasy ' Land of Lilliput '. Here, the adventures are narrated with the help of a 20 foot giant! Children are provided with costumes to enhance the experience.
Saint Patrick's Testament - The Book of Armagh
A new exhibition on the Book of Armagh has recently opened at the centre. The interactive displays allow the visitor to find out about this ancient manuscript through touch screen computers and hands on activities. The Book of Armagh is one of the greatest treasures to survive from Early Christian Ireland. The Book, written in the year 807 by the scribe Ferdomnach, is one of Ireland 's most precious historic records because of what it tells us about Saint Patrick.
In the new exhibition you can find out about the Book, its links with Saint Patrick, and Armagh - the Christian Capital of Ireland.The interactive aspects to the exhibitions allow you to question three people who were connected with the Book and discover how to make medieval inks and a quill pen. Other hands-on activities include tracing the symbols for St Matthew taken from the manuscript and making a rubbing of one of its pages.
The Armagh Story
Step back in time and visit historic Armagh - from massive stone monuments of pre history, with its myths and legends, to the coming of Saint Patrick and Celtic Christianity. Travel on through a Viking raid and pass the funeral of an Irish High King. This will bring you on to meet Francis Johnston, the renowned Armagh architect, who relates the history of Georgian buildings in the city in a most unusual manner. A thought provoking audio-visual presentation portrays 'Belief' throughout the world, with particular emphasis on Armagh, as the Christian Capital of Ireland.
Traditional Music and Craic in Armagh