Go to My Ireland
logo-mini

Are you sure you want to leave the feed?

Leave

Oops... something went wrong!

My Ireland

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

  • #Landscapes
  • #CultureandHeritage
  • #OutdoorActivities
  • #Landmarks

Oops... no internet connection

While offline, you can still add items to My board. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

    See what Ireland has in store for you

    Oops... no internet connection

    While offline, you can still add items to My board. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

    My board

    Tell me more

    Items without a physical location are not shown in map view.

    Looks like your board is empty

    Look out for the little heart icon around Ireland.com. Simply tap the heart to add items to your board!

    Board settings

    Collection cover image

    Visible to people you share your board with

    No image

    Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

    Stepping into this excellent planetarium is like entering another world… prepare to be wowed by meteorites, star-shows and an outdoor Astropark
    • #NorthernIrelandEmbraceAGiantSpirit
    • #Museums
    County Armagh
    Culture & Heritage
    50 mins from Belfast International Airport

    The island of Ireland has become something of a stargazers’ hotspot over the last few years thanks to one dark sky park in Kerry and two dark sky reserves in Mayo and Tyrone.

    But as well as taking in the natural beauty of the night sky, there are also some great places where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the stars at any time of the day. One of the best is the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Opened in 1968, this excellent state-of-the-art space is equipped with a high-end digital projector system that gives you an immersive experience beneath a huge dome.

    Once you’ve wowed yourself with that, you can go on to touch a meteorite, spin the clouds of Neptune, and learn about the history of astronomy in the exhibition area. The planetarium isn’t all about the indoors, though. Head outside and you can enjoy a beautiful natural setting that is home to an Astropark featuring a scale model of the universe, a Hypercube, a Hill of Infinity and a Stone Calendar. Finish up by appreciating the natural beauty of the Earth with a stroll through the wildflower meadow, which changes through the seasons and ends with a panoramic view of the Armagh city skyline.

    Outside the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

    Need to know

    1

    The best way to visit is to book a Dome Show Ticket which includes entry to the planetarium, a Dome Show of your choosing and entry to the grounds.

    2

    There is a visitor car park within the grounds of the planetarium.

    3

    The public areas of the planetarium are fully wheelchair accessible; at the Armagh Observatory, wheelchairs can be accommodated with some exceptions.

    Things to see and do nearby

    Armagh County Museum

    The oldest county museum in Ireland is set in Armagh’s beautiful Georgian tree lined Mall. Its collections capture centuries of stories relating to the people who lived, worked and had connections with this famous city and historic county.

    3/5

    Armagh

    View details

    Attraction

    Armagh Robinson Library

    Established in 1771, Armagh Public Library is one of the oldest libraries in Ireland, holding rare and valuable books, ancient Irish artefacts, and print, gem and coin collections. Visitors and researchers, individuals and groups, are all welcome.

    4/5

    Armagh

    View details

    Attraction

    St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral

    Saint Patrick founded his chief church here on the Hill of Armagh in 445AD, and there has been a Christian church on the site ever since. The present building dates from the 13th Century and was last restored in 1834.

    4/5

    Armagh

    View details

    Attraction

    St Patrick's Cathedral (Roman Catholic)

    This imposing cathedral, on an elevated site, was started in 1840, but work was suspended during the Great Famine of 1845-48 and recommenced in 1854 when J. J. McCarthy was appointed architect. It was dedicated for worship in 1873.

    Armagh

    View details

    Attraction

    Gosford Forest Park

    Start your adventure and have a great day out any time of year.  With some 240 acres of diverse woodland and open parkland set in gentle rolling drumlin countryside, Gosford Forest Park is an adventure paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

    Markethill

    View details

    Attraction

    Armagh City Hotel

    Welcome to Armagh City Hotel, where contemporary decor, spacious layouts, and modern conveniences come together to create a comfortable stay. Nestled in Ireland's oldest city, our elevated position offers panoramic views of a historic landscape, providing the perfect backdrop for your visit.

    1/5

    Armagh

    View details

    Accommodation

    Armagh Guided Tours

    Armagh Guided Tours was set in the year 2000 ago by Barbara Ferguson, a local person born and bred in the County of Armagh. The business has expanded and we now have three local guides.

    Markethill

    View details

    Attraction

    Navan Fort

    The Navan Fort, located just two miles from Armagh City, is a place where myth and reality meet. As the ancient seat of Kings and the earliest capital of Ulster, there is plenty to explore.

    Armagh

    View details

    Attraction

    Lough Neagh Discovery and Conference Centre

    Enjoy four miles of footpaths, five birdwatching hides, woodland, ponds, wildflower meadows, picnic and play areas and seasonal innovative exhibitions at The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. Enjoy stunning, panoramic views of the Lough from the loughside café.

    Craigavon

    View details

    Attraction

    The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum

    Armagh

    View details

    Attraction

    Armagh Franciscan Friary

    Ruins of the longest Friary church in Ireland (163 ft.). Founded by Archbishop Patrick O'Scanail in 1263. Open all year.

    Armagh

    View details

    Attraction

    Armagh Ancestry

    Armagh Ancestry offers a comprehensive genealogical service to those whose ancestors came from Armagh. We are able to offer an efficient and accurate service, for a reasonable cost and in a short time. Pre-booking is essential.

    Armagh

    View details

    Attraction