A small county with mighty stories, ancient royal connections and more history than you could shake a sword at.
County Armagh might not be the biggest county in Ireland, but don't let its size fool you.
This is where ancient warriors supposedly roamed and saints left their mark. Known as the Orchard County, it's famous for its Bramley apples, and the orchards burst into blossom every spring.
There's far more than apples, though: an ancient royal site, two cathedrals dedicated to St Patrick, a planetarium, beautiful forest parks and the myths of Slieve Gullion. Whether you're into mythology, history, countryside or a family day out, Armagh has plenty of surprises.
There are no border checks, but prices are in pounds sterling (£) and speed limits are in miles per hour. Check your phone plan and car insurance cover before you go.
Navan Fort, Emain Macha in Irish, is one of Ireland's most important ancient ceremonial sites. In mythology it was the seat of the kings of Ulster and home of the Red Branch Knights.
The Navan Centre brings the archaeology and the legends to life with exhibitions, storytelling and guided experiences.
Why visit? Irish mythology, archaeology and families.
Twin spires on a hilltop, dominating the city skyline, with a grand flight of steps up to the doors.
Why visit? Architecture, religious heritage and photography.
On the hill where tradition says St Patrick founded his church in the fifth century. Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, is said to be buried in the grounds.
Why visit? History, architecture and early Christianity.
Fancy a trip into space without leaving Ireland? Dome shows, interactive exhibits and an Astropark with a scale model of the solar system in the grounds.
Why visit? Families, science and rainy days.
Founded in 1771 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, with rare books and manuscripts in a beautiful, scholarly setting. Its copy of Gulliver's Travels carries Jonathan Swift's own handwritten notes.
Why visit? Books, culture and heritage.
On the Mall in the city centre, covering local history, archaeology, art and folk traditions.
Why visit? Local history and culture.
Near the border with County Louth, Slieve Gullion rises at the heart of the Ring of Gullion. The forest park has walking trails, a scenic drive and family attractions, and the summit has a passage tomb and a small lake steeped in legend.
Why visit? Walking, families, scenery and mythology.
Woodland walks, cycling trails, wildlife and play areas near Markethill, with Gosford Castle in the grounds.
Why visit? Families, cycling, walking and nature.
A National Trust country house beside the River Blackwater, with gardens and riverside walks and an interior that has barely changed since the early 20th century.
Why visit? Heritage, gardens and families.
A nature reserve on the shore of Lough Neagh near Lurgan, with walking trails, bird hides and a discovery centre.
Why visit? Birdwatching, peaceful walks and families.
One of Northern Ireland's largest public parks, with a lake and open green spaces. Brownlow House, the striking 19th-century mansion beside it, is open for tours and exhibitions.
Why visit? Walking, families, picnics and architecture.
Farm animals, gardens and play space near Craigavon. A good one for young families.
Why visit? Young families and outdoor fun.
Armagh is the Orchard County, and its Bramley apples have protected (PGI) status. The orchards around Loughgall are glorious in spring blossom.
Why visit? Food heritage, countryside and spring scenery.
Woodland, a lake and outdoor recreation in the heart of apple country.
A National Trust farmhouse with historic interiors, a farmyard and orchards.
Peaceful canal-side walking and cycling, heading south from Portadown.
A quiet woodland near Newtownhamilton.
Historic parkland around the former Archbishop's Palace, lovely for a walk.
Waterside walking and recreation.
Landscaped gardens and green space in the town.
A wooded glen with riverside walks near Tandragee.
Two ruined churches on the slopes of Slieve Gullion, on the site of St Moninna's early convent.
Our Hidden Ireland collection is where we keep the places most visitors drive straight past.
History and legend, clearly labelled.
Emain Macha is the heart of the Ulster Cycle, the great stories of warriors, battles and royal rivalries. Its greatest hero, Cú Chulainn, earned his name as a boy by killing the fearsome hound of Culann with a hurley and sliotar.
Macha, a supernatural woman, was forced by the king to race against his horses while heavily pregnant. She won, gave birth at the finish line and cursed the men of Ulster to suffer the pains of childbirth in their hour of greatest need.
The site's name, Emain Macha, is linked to her story.
The Cailleach Beara tricked Fionn mac Cumhaill into diving into the little lake on the summit to fetch her ring. He came out an old man with white hair. Local lore says bathing in the lake will turn your hair grey.
Armagh became Ireland's ecclesiastical capital, and it is still the seat of both the Catholic and Church of Ireland Archbishops of Armagh, Primates of All Ireland.
Apples have been grown in Armagh for centuries. The orchards represent generations of farming skill, and they're still a proud part of the county's identity.
Our Friday Night Frights series explores ghost stories, myths and folklore from all over Ireland.
Realistic days, each focused on one part of the county.
Places with a strong local reputation. We haven't eaten at these ourselves yet, so treat this as a starting point rather than our personal picks, and check opening hours before you set off.
Prices are in pounds sterling (£). Please check opening hours and food service before you travel.
Prefer a guide, a ready-made tour or someone else to do the driving? These are good places to start:
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Opening times and booking arrangements change, so please check official websites before you travel. Useful links: Visit Armagh, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, National Trust and Discover Northern Ireland.
Keep exploring the north and border counties:
Slán go fóill, and safe travels! — Nicola & Podge