Get a taste of Armagh during European Heritage Open Day this weekend
If you are planning to Visit Armagh this weekend as part of European Heritage Open Day you won’t be disappointed! Earlier this week I was invited on an exclusive preview of the City and what it has to offer.
My journey from Upperlands to Armagh took just over hour, on a beautiful sunny Monday morning where I was given a very warm welcome by my guide Carol Conlin at my first stop which was the Armagh Robinson Library & No 5. Step back into the 18th century into this beautiful library is a feast for the eyes and the grey matter with one of their jewels being a first edition of Gullivers Travels by Jonathan Swift. Established in 1771 by Archbishop Robinson, the library is inviting to all ages with a vast collection of the Archbishop’s books numbering around 42,000.
Carol then took me to No 5 Vicar’s Hill, VERY deceiving, as from the outside it appear to be no different from the rest of the houses on Vicar’s Hill, but one inside I was amazed by the octagonal rooms and vaulted ceilings which are home to examples of the Library’s collections, such as Roman and Medieval coins, Neolithic stone tools, Bronze Age weapons, Irish hand bells and eighteenth century fine art. No 5 will be holding a book sale during this year’s #EHODNI, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September! The opening hours will be 10.00am – 6.00pm on Saturday, and 2.00pm – 6.00pm on Sunday.
My next stop was the COI St Patrick’s Cathedral where my guide, David Bingham, gave me a whistle stop tour of both the Cathedral and the Crypt, which is well worth a visit. David is a very knowledgeable guide with a clear passion for the history of the Cathedral. Find out more at www.stpatricks-cathedral.org
Just a few minutes walk away is St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral where I met Joe Ryan who gave me a tour of the Cathedral and as much history as he could impart in the time given including the stories behind the stain glass windows, renovations, architecture, architects and much more. To find out more and how to book a tour of the Cathedral go to www.armagharchdiocese.org/st-patricks-cathedral
Next stop before lunch was a fun guided walking tour of the City by Sheila Rooney who I met at the Armagh Visitor Information Centre on English Street. Sheila gave me a detailed and animated tour of the city Centre including myths, legends and historical facts. The tour took in the beautiful Georgian architecture, the Mall, the Cathedrals, and much more. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to explore more of what the City has to offer.
Lunch was in Uluru – an Australian bar and grill that I have wanted to visit for years having followed them on social media and I was not let down. I was greeted by Jonathan who is a very cool guy and made sure I was well looked after with the kitchen going out of their way to meet my vegetarian diet. I opted for the Beetroot Salad and the Stuffed Peppers, and dessert was very kindly off menu and a lovely fresh fruit bowl. This is a very comfortable affordable restaurant right in the heart of the city with something to suit everyone’s taste. Find them online at ulurubarandgrill.com
After being very well fed and watered I got back into my car and drove the short journey to the beautiful village Loughgall where I met the lovely Hilda Winters at Dan Winters Cottage, where the initial idea of forming the Orange Order was hatched. Orange Memorabilia adorns every wall of every room in the cottage which an historians goldmine. Hilda very kindly gave me a tour of the cottage and a brief history of her husband’s family before treating me to THE best apple pie I have ever had! (made with her own Armagh Apples of course!). The cottage is still in original condition. You can find out more and book online at www.danwinterscottage.com
Next on the itinerary was the relatively new Sloane’s House Museum. The Museum of Orange Heritage tells the story of the formation of the Orange Order, which was formed after the Battle of the Diamond in 1795. Experience the early days of the Institution with an exhibition telling its story along with a replica parlour scene giving you a glimpse into that time. Thanks to Mervyn Walker for taking the time to show me around the museum and memorial gardens. Find out more at www.orangeheritage.co.uk/museum-sloans-house-loughgall
My final stop of the day was the Armagh Cider Company situation between Armagh and Portadown where Danny Silverson gave me a very interesting insight into the business which produces cider and juices from it’s own apples in the orchards where we took a stroll. He guided me through the harvesting, pressing, bottling and packing processes. As the ‘Orchard of Ireland’, Armagh is famously known for its ‘Bramley Apple’ – a protected PGI product and as the first commercial craft cider company in Northern Ireland – a visit to Armagh Cider Company is truly a taste of our heritage! Acclaimed artisan producers – Helen and Philip Troughton will take you on an aromatic journey of discovery! Learn about the history of the orchards surrounding Ballinteggart House and watch the complete cider making process from ‘blossom to bottle’. Find out more and book your tour at www.armaghcider.com
The Armagh City Hotel provided the perfect place to rest for the night. The Hotel is located on the edge of the City with more than ample parking. It is a three-star hotel with every modern convenience. The ultimate in luxury, contemporary decor and spacious layout. Dinner was a three course meal in the Callan Bar with an excellent vegetarian menu and something to suit everyone. The hotel boasts 93 en-suite bedrooms, modern Irish cuisine in the Friary Restaurant (not open on Monday evenings) as well as the state of the art health and leisure club. I found the staff to be very friendly and professional, especially in the bar. My hotel room was very well appointed with it’s own balcony and view of the nearby Franciscan ruins of Armagh Friary. The hotel is only 50 minutes from Belfast and one hour 30 minutes from Dublin. Weekly live entertainment every Friday & Saturday evening. Find out more and book your room online at www.armaghcityhotel.com
After a great night’s rest and a lovely breakfast at the Hotel it was time to meet Kieran McMahon for my guided tour of Navan Centre & Fort, only 2 miles away. As one of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites, the legendary Emain Macha home of the famous Red Branch Knights and Ulster Cycle of tales is a place were myth and reality meet. The Centre offers visitors a unique appreciation of the history of the area.
Learn about the mystical characters of Navan, such as Cu Chulainn, King Conchobar MacNessa, Queen Mebh and Deirdre of the Sorrows. The exhibition will help you understand the history of this very important site, Experience the remaining mounds, ditches and banks of Emain Macha – otherwise known as Navan Fort and learn about the massive circular ritual temple on the guided tour. Annual programme of events is listed on the website www.navan.com
If you are lucky enough to visit on a sunny day like me, you will be able to see Slemish and Cavehill Mountain in the distance!
My final stop on my visit to Armagh was The Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich Memorial Library and Archive which was established in 1999 and holds nationally and internationally important collections on Irish and Church history, the Irish language and Irish sport as well as the irish overseas atchive relating to migration to continential Europe since the sixteenth century. www.ofiaich.ie. Roddy Hegarty was my host for this visit which is busy with visits and enquiries from academics and geneologists from all over the world. Walk ins are welcome. Details can be found at www.ofiaich.ie
It is clear that 24 hours is clearly not enough to explore everything Armagh has to offer. In my opinion three days and two nights would be more appropriate to cover everything on my itinerary giving each stop the time it deserves and needs to take everything in.
From historical houses to treasure troves of intriguing artefacts and fascinating connections to people and history, Tourism NI is encouraging people to explore local cultural heritage with the European Heritage Open Days taking place on 8th and 9th September.
Find out more at discovernorthernireland.com/events/European-Heritage-Open-Days