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Armagh City
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Armagh has been the
spiritual capital of Ireland for over 1,500 years. Today this
ancient religious site of worship of both Celtic paganism and
Christianity is the seat of both Protestant and Catholic
archbishops. Armagh is known as the City of Saint Patrick and the
Ecclesiastical Capital of Ireland where Saint Patrick chose the
ancient hilltop of Armagh to build his first stone church in 445AD.
The Armagh of today is a unique city steeped in history, culture and
folklore. The name Armagh is derived from the Irish language ‘Ard
Macha’, or 'Macha's Height'. Armagh was established around 500BC
after the pagan queen who recognized the security of a steep sided
hill, and built a fortress where the present Church of Ireland
Cathedral is now situated.
The city is home to the Armagh Observatory, founded in 1790, and to
the Armagh Planetarium, established in 1968 to complement the
research work of the Observatory.Among the city's chief glories is
the public library on Abbey Street. Founded in 1771 the library is
especially rich in 17th and 18th century English books, including
Dean Jonathan Swift's own copy of the first edition of his
Gulliver's Travels with his manuscript corrections
In the heart of Armagh City, the Market Place Theatre has won a
reputation for producing the finest in drama, music and the
performing arts throughout Ireland and further afield. The visitor
can discover the history of Ireland’s most ancient city in the 9th
century Book of Armagh at the fabulous Saint Patrick’s Trian Visitor
Complex,
Two miles west of the city is the great mound of Navan Fort,
stronghold of the kings of Ulster from 700 BC. 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.
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Armagh City Holiday Homes - County Armagh, Ireland