🍎 County Armagh: Orchards, Ancient Kings, and the Coziest Guesthouses in Ireland
Welcome to County Armagh, the orchard of Ireland, where apples grow as abundantly as legends, and the hospitality is as warm as a turf fire in winter. Nestled in Northern Ireland, Armagh is a county of rolling hills, sacred sites, and stories that stretch back to the dawn of Celtic time.
Whether you’re wandering through ancient cathedrals, sipping cider under apple blossoms, or enjoying a hearty breakfast in a local bed and breakfast in Armagh, this county offers a perfect blend of history, charm, and craic.
🏰 Must-See Marvels and Hidden Gems
Navan Fort (Emain Macha): Where Legends Were Born
Step into the world of Irish mythology at Navan Fort, the ancient seat of the kings of Ulster. This mystical mound was once a royal stronghold and is steeped in tales of warriors, druids, and the legendary CĂş Chulainn. The visitor centre brings the Iron Age to life with immersive storytelling and reconstructed dwellings.
Armagh City: Ireland’s Ecclesiastical Capital
Armagh is the only city in the world with two cathedrals named after Saint Patrick—one Catholic, one Protestant—each perched on a hill, facing each other like old friends with different hymns. The city is also home to the Armagh Planetarium, where you can explore the stars after a day of exploring the past.
The Ring of Gullion: A Geological Wonder
This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a ring-shaped mountain range formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Hike to the summit of Slieve Gullion for panoramic views, or explore the Poet’s Trail, dotted with ancient cairns, fairy trees, and stories waiting to be discovered.
🧙‍♂️ Curious Facts and Local Lore
- Armagh is known as the “Orchard County”, producing most of Ireland’s apples—including the famous Armagh Bramley.
- The county is steeped in mythology, especially tales from the Ulster Cycle, one of the oldest bodies of Irish literature.
- Armagh is also home to Ireland’s oldest public library, founded in 1771, where you can still see Jonathan Swift’s own copy of Gulliver’s Travels.
🛏️ Bed and Breakfasts & Guest Houses in Armagh
If you want to experience the true heart of the Orchard County, there’s no better way than staying in a bed and breakfast in Armagh or one of its many welcoming guest houses. These locally run gems offer more than just a place to sleep—they offer stories, homemade soda bread, and the kind of warmth you’ll remember long after you’ve left.
Here are some of the top-rated guest houses and bed and breakfasts in Armagh:
🏡 Fairylands Country House – Armagh City
A peaceful retreat just outside the city, this B&B offers spacious rooms, a hearty Ulster fry, and hosts who go above and beyond to make you feel at home.
🏡 7 Houses – Armagh City
A quirky and stylish guesthouse in the heart of Armagh, perfect for those who want to explore the city on foot. Each room is uniquely decorated, and the breakfast is legendary.
🏡 Courtyard Mews – Armagh
A charming self-catering guesthouse with a B&B feel, ideal for families or longer stays. Think exposed beams, stone walls, and a courtyard that feels like a secret garden.
🏡 Hillview Lodge – Just outside Armagh
Set in the countryside with views of the rolling hills, this B&B is perfect for a peaceful escape. Guests rave about the homemade jams and the friendly hosts.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, a family adventure, or a solo escape, guest houses in Armagh offer a warm welcome and a true taste of bed and breakfast in Ireland.
🍽️ Where to Eat Like a Local
Armagh’s food scene is a celebration of local produce and traditional flavours. Here are a few must-try spots:
- Uluru Bar & Grill – A modern twist on Irish-Australian fusion, with locally sourced ingredients and a great wine list.
- Embers Restaurant – A cosy spot in Armagh City known for its comfort food and friendly service.
- The Moody Boar – Located in the Palace Demesne, this rustic restaurant serves up seasonal dishes with flair.
And don’t forget to try Armagh apple tart—best enjoyed warm, with cream, and preferably after a long walk through the orchards.
🍻 Cheapest Pint of Guinness in Armagh
Now, the question on every traveller’s lips: Where can you find the cheapest pint of Guinness in County Armagh?
Local tipplers point to The Hole in the Wall in Armagh City, where a perfectly poured pint will cost you just ÂŁ4.40. This historic pub is full of character, with low ceilings, roaring fires, and a snug that feels like stepping back in time.
It’s the kind of place where the Guinness is always fresh, the conversation flows freely, and you might just hear a fiddle tune or two.
🧳 Whimsical Weekend Itinerary
If you’ve only got a weekend in Armagh, here’s how to make it unforgettable:
Day 1: Ancient Roots and Apple Trees
- Morning: Explore Navan Fort and the Visitor Centre.
- Afternoon: Visit the twin cathedrals and the Armagh Public Library.
- Evening: Dinner at Uluru, followed by a pint at The Hole in the Wall.
Day 2: Glens, Glories, and Guesthouses
- Morning: Hike Slieve Gullion and explore the Ring of Gullion.
- Afternoon: Visit a local orchard or cider farm.
- Evening: Relax in your bed and breakfast in Armagh with a cup of tea and a slice of apple tart.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
- The twin spires of Armagh’s cathedrals at sunset.
- The misty hills of the Ring of Gullion.
- A steaming cup of tea beside a roaring fire in a guesthouse lounge.
- A pint of Guinness with a view of the orchard blossoms.
🧠Getting There and Getting Around
Armagh is easily accessible from Belfast (about an hour’s drive) and Dublin (just under two hours). Public transport is available, but to explore the countryside and glens at your own pace, a car is recommended.
💚 Final Thoughts: Why Armagh is the Apple of Ireland’s Eye
County Armagh is a place where history whispers from the hills, where apples grow sweeter under ancient skies, and where every bed and breakfast in Armagh feels like a homecoming.
Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of Celtic kings, sipping cider in the shade of an orchard, or waking up to the smell of fresh-baked soda bread in one of the many guest houses in Armagh, this county offers a slice of Ireland that’s rich in flavour, folklore, and friendliness.
So pack your boots, bring your appetite, and prepare to fall in love with the Orchard County—one story, one sunrise, and one pint at a time.
