Armagh has an abundance of cider farms, it’s a case of picking which one.

Each farm will give you a guided tour of the farm’s history, orchards, a little tasting if you’re old enough of course the mixed cider drinks and a little lunch if required.

On some of the farms you might be able to have the opportunity to pick your own apples to bring away with you and bake your own apple pie at home.

There are two St Patrick’s Cathedrals in Armagh, St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Anglican cathedral and the Catholic cathedral prior to the Protestant Reformation built after the Reformation.

Both are beautiful buildings and each give a history of its life with guided tours.

Did you know that Irish High Chieftain Brian Boru is buried in the Anglican Cathedral?  He is, unfortunately no one knows exactly where.  This is due to that particular part of the burial ground being covered over and made into a lawn.

In 1268 the then Archbishop of Armagh, Mael – Padriagh Ua Scannail, designed the cathedral we recognize today, creating the large crypt.  In its early years it was used to keep church jewels and the valuables of local people.

The arrival of Archbishop Robinson in 1765, ‘the second founder of Armagh’, saw a new role for the crypt and a striking restoration of the cathedral.  He converted a bay of the crypt as a tomb for his brother William and himself. Archbishop Beresford is also buried here.

The cathedral was again restored in 1834, just before building began on the Roman Catholic St Patrick’s Cathedral nearby.

The Catholic Cathedral was built to honour St. Patrick’s memory, the foundation stone laid by Archbishop Crolly on 17^th March 1840.  The construction of this richly appointed, Italianate church was completed 60 years later.

Work had to be suspended temporarily during the Irish potato famine when church monies went to aid victims.  In 1854 work recommenced when J.J McCarthy was appointed as architect.  It was dedicated for worship in 1873 but the magnificent interior decoration was not completed until early in the 20^th century.

The church has been embellished with a lovely carillon and both ancient and modern relics.

Step back into the eighteenth Century! Make your way through the beautiful Georgian front door and up an elegant staircase.

Light from elegant windows lights up the Long Room of this classical library, the main visitor space.  The walls are lined with rare and beautiful books from floor to ceiling.

Archbishop Richard Robinson founded this Library in the heart of the City of Armagh in 1771.  He wanted to share his own collection of books and fine art with the general public.

These special collections remain available for consultation to this day.

What really stands out is Jonathan Swift’s own copy of Gulliver’s Travels with notes in Swift’s own handwriting.