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Visit the Armagh Robinson Library
In Armagh city, don’t walk past this impressive Classical-style building! It happens to be the oldest public library in Northern Ireland.
Even the entrance to the Armagh Robinson Library suggests you are somewhere special. As you walk in through the elegant front door, you’ll pass under the original stone plaque with the words “the healing place of the soul” inscribed in Greek. It’s a great hint at what’s to come within this extraordinary temple to the written word. Dating back to 1771, the Armagh Robinson Library was founded by Archbishop Richard Robinson who had an impressive collection of books and fine art he wanted to share with the community, in a space where regular people could visit without appointment. The library now holds approximately 46,000 printed works covering a wide range of subjects, as well as ancient and medieval coins, sulphur gems, maps and medals.
The Long Room is the main space in this building. Large windows allow lots of natural light into a room of floor-to-ceiling bookcases. Complete with intricate ceiling designs, spiral staircase and stone busts, the Long Room is the perfect setting to peruse medieval manuscripts, early printed books and other vital pieces of literature – including Jonathan Swift’s copy of Gulliver’s Travels with handwritten comments from the author. The Long Room is also where both permanent exhibitions such as Thomas Cooley. An Architectural Legacy and temporary exhibitions including Botany: the Science of Beauty are held. Check the library’s website for news of upcoming exhibitions you may want to factor into your travel itinerary.
Inside the Armagh Robinson Library, County Armagh
Need to know
The Armagh Robinson Library is open all year Monday – Friday. Check the events calendar for temporary closures.
Pre-booked tours of the library are available so you can get the most in-depth knowledge from expert guides – contact the library via email to arrange this.
Researchers should contact the Armagh Robinson Library office ahead of time. This way, they can prepare any materials that may be needed.
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.
Armagh
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Killeavy Castle Estate
Welcome To Killeavy Castle Estate. As the centrepiece of 365 acres of mixed farm and woodland in County Armagh’s stunning Slieve Gullion, Killeavy Castle Estate provides everything you need, to switch off, rest and recharge.
Killeavy
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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
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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.
Armagh
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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
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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
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The Argory
The Argory was built in the 1820s and its hilltop location offers wonderful views over the gardens and 320 acre wooded riverside estate.
Moy
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No 5 Vicars' Hill
Built in 1772 as the Diocesan Registry to hold records for the Church of Ireland Diocese, this Grad...
Armagh
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Armagh Cider Company
Armagh Cider Company is a family business based at Ballinteggart House where apples have been grown for five generations. Walk through the orchards, experience the cidery and bottling plant before tasting our award winning ciders and juices.
Portadown
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