This County Armagh market town was established in the 17th Century with the Linen Industry giving impetus to the town’s development in both the 17th and 18th centuries. The majority of Lurgan’s buildings are Victorian or earlier in date, with many notable and worth a visit. Historic Trails are available throughout the year.
Lurgan is characteristic of many Plantation of Ulster settlements, with its straight, wide planned streets and rows of cottages. Lurgan Park, located a few hundred yards from the main street is the largest urban park in Northern Ireland and the second largest in Ireland after Phoenix Park, Dublin. It includes a sizable lake and an original Coalbrookdale fountain.
The park is overlooked by Brownlow House, a 19th century Elizabethan-style manor house . Lurgan Park is home to annual summer events such as the Lurgan Agricultural Show, the Lurgan Park Rally, noted as the largest annual motor sport event in Northern Ireland and a stage in the Circuit of Ireland Rally.
Lurgan has two 18-hole golf courses, an artificial ski slope and an equestrian centre for show jumping. Arguably the most famous sporting character from Lurgan is Master McGrath, a greyhound who was bought in Lurgan by the Brownlow family and won the Waterloo Cup three times in 1868, 1870 and 1871. He is remembered all over the town, including in its Coat of Arms.The Master McGrath Festival in July every year is a must.
