20 Attractions to Explore Near National Trust - The Argory

Bond's Bridge was built in 1890 and is a bowstring bridge constructed of iron. It is named after the Bond family. It was an iconic attraction in this area and attracts a lot of people.

Peatlands Park is a large lowland raised bog that has been extensively cut for turf in the past. It represents one of the largest areas of degraded raised bog in Northern Ireland. The park holds two natural reserves predating the park itself, Annagarriff and Mullenakill , established in 1980. Of the two, Annagarriff is thought to be home to the only colony of Scottish wood ants in Ireland.

Sloan’s House is a site of iconic significance in the history of the formation and heritage of the Orange Order. Following the Battle of the Diamond in 1795, the Orange Order was founded at a meeting held in James Sloan’s House. This is an opportunity to experience the early days of the Institution with an exhibition telling its story along with a replica parlour scene giving visitors a glimpse into that time.

Loughgall Country Park is a rural haven of relaxation and recreation. A diverse spectrum of activities ranging from golf to walking, fishing to tennis make this spacious complex a mecca for families, sports enthusiasts and those merely in search of a helping of tranquility. The emphasis, indeed, is very much on family pursuits. Walking, cycling, a children’s play area, golf, fishing, an adventure trail, trim trail, football pitch and tennis courts are just some of the amenities on offer.

A majestic country park located five miles from the M1 Motorway, this Park provides an oasis of calm in the village of Maghery. Situated on the shores of Lough Neagh, the Park covers an area of 30 acres comprising 5km of woodland walks and picnic areas in natural surroundings. It is excellent for birdwatching, fishing and walking. There are foot paths around the shore of the island with lots of interesting things to see.

Dan Winter’s House is located at the Diamond near the small town of Loughgall in County Armagh and is run by Hilda Winter who has maintained the cottage in its original condition. This small cottage museum is one of the hidden gems we come across from time to time, full of history and a place to see in Co Armagh. The Winter family lived in the house right up until the 1950s, and today its rooms are crammed with Orange & Winter ephemera.

The park is a large open space with walks located on either side of the River Blackwater. The site is renowned for the Battle of Benburb and has a ruined castle located on the grounds. The riverside walks are clothed in mature woodland and provide an excellent opportunity to view rapids as the Blackwater charges through the valley. There are footbridges which provide access to the Canoe Trail downstream.

Benburb Castle was built in the 1610's by Sir Richard Wingfield during the Plantation. It was probably built on the site of an earlier stronghold of Shane O’Neill, on a cliff above a bend in the Blackwater River; the border between the counties of Tyrone and Armagh. It was then called the Wingfield Bawn. The castle has been restored and stands in the grounds of the imposing Servite Priory, a religious order based in the village.

The Archdiocese of Armagh is an Irish Roman Catholic archdiocese. The ordinary is the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh who is also the Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical province of Armagh and the Primate of All Ireland. The mother church is St Patrick's Cathedral. The claim of the archdiocese to pre-eminence in Ireland as the primatial see rests upon its traditional establishment by Saint Patrick circa 445. It was recognised as a metropolitan province in 1152 by the Synod of Kells.

Armagh Observatory is an astronomical research institute in Armagh, Northern Ireland. Around 25 astronomers are based at the observatory, studying stellar astrophysics, the Sun, Solar System astronomy and Earth's climate. A Troughton refracting telescope of 2.5 inch aperture was installed in a dome in 1795. The telescope was manufactured by J & E Troughton of London, and is noted for its late 18th century brass metal work.

The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is Northern Ireland’s leading astronomical research and education facility. It offers visitors a unique experience which makes it “the place for space”.There are scale models of the Solar System and the Universe, two sundials and historic telescopes, as well as telescope domes and other outdoor exhibits.

The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum is a military museum based in Sovereign's House at Armagh, Northern Ireland. The museum is a Grade B listed building. The collection includes the Victoria Crosses awarded to Private Robert Morrow and to Lieutenant Geoffrey Cather of the Royal Irish Fusiliers on the Western Front during the First World War.

This is one of the oldest county museum in Ireland is set in Armagh’s beautiful Georgian tree lined Mall. Located near the centre of St Patrick’s cathedral city, a visit to Armagh County Museum is an ideal way to experience a flavour of the orchard county. Its collections ranging from local history and fine art to archaeology and natural history, this is the ideal place to experience a flavour of the famous ‘orchard county’.

Brantry Lough is situated north of Creevelough, west of Oona Water. It is a great spot for outdoor recreation. The waters provide high class brown trout fishing with takeable trout stocked throughout the season. It is one of the iconic location for a picnic and also you can spend some good time here.

This is the oldest library in Northern Ireland, founded in 1771 by Archbishop Richard Robinson as part of his plans to establish a university. Carved in stone above the Library’s public entrance is the original Greek inscription meaning “the healing place of the soul”, a message that still resonates today. There are some 42,000 printed works, covering subjects such as early medicine, science, history, law, politics, theology and travel, as well as maps and atlases.

St. Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, Northern Ireland is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland. It was built in various phases between 1840 and 1904 to serve as the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Armagh, the original Medieval Cathedral of St. Patrick having been appropriated by the state church called the Church of Ireland at the time of the Irish Reformation.

No 5 was built in 1772 as the Diocesan Registry by Archbishop Richard Robinson as part of his plans for the improvement of the City of Armagh. From the outside No 5 looks no different from the houses on either side. However, its small hallway opens into two beautiful, octagonal rooms with vaulted ceilings. The building used to hold records for the Church of Ireland and Armagh Diocese: the octagonal rooms contained many public as well as Church records.

Milford House was the one of its age. The most technologically advanced house in 19th century Ireland - the first in Ireland to be lit with hydro electricity. The creation of Robert Garmany McCrum, self made industrialist, benefactor and inventor who revolutionized the linen industry. His son William invented the penalty kick rule in football and his daughter Harriette was a founding member of the women’s suffragette movement in Ireland.

Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrims Walk is an 82 mile signed walking trail connecting key Christian Heritage sites between Armagh and Downpatrick. The trail is suitable for walkers and pilgrimages. The Walk begins at the Navan Centre outside the ancient city of Armagh winding through beautiful landscapes and historic cities, to end at Saint Patrick’s final resting place at Down Cathedral in Downpatrick.

This is an idela place to visit as it is a walking distance from the city. This 200 year old parkland is a great place to take the family as it contains a playpark, outdoor gym and many different walks.