One of Ireland’s oldest cities, Armagh dates back to the age of St Patrick and the advent of Christianity. The narrow streets in the city centre follow the ditches that once ringed the church, founded by the saint in 455. Two cathedrals, both called St Patrick’s, sit on opposing hills. The huge Roman Catholic one is a twin-spired Neo-Gothic building with seemingly every inch of wall covered in mosaic. The older Anglican Cathedral dates back to medieval times. It boasts the bones of Brian Ború, the King of Ireland who defeated the Vikings in 1014, and an 11th-century High Cross. Armagh’s gorgeous oval, tree-lined Mall, where cricket is played in summer, is surrounded by dignified Georgian buildings. The Armagh Planetarium is on College Hill in the Observatory Grounds, from where there are splendid views over the city.
St. Patrick's Cathedral (R.C.)
The Cathedral Church of St. Patrick (C. of I.)
A busy Market Street