County Armagh
Armagh is located in the geographical heartland of Northern Ireland and lays claim to being one of Ireland's oldest settlements, like Down and Monaghan which adjoin it, is a county of gentle hills - the land becoming more hilly towards the south, where Slieve Gullion rises to 1,893 feet.
This area was the scene of many events in the epic literature of ancient Ireland. In history it also holds an important place, and the ancient city of Armagh - in prehistoric times was the seat of the Ulster kings and has been Ireland's ecclesiastical capital for 1,5000 years which spawned the legends of the Fianna, and Cu Chullain. Navan Fort, which was home to the kings of Ulster, is just over 3 kilometres west of the city. Traces of man have been found at the site that date back to 5500 BC.
The hill that is now home to the Church of Ireland cathedral was once believed to have been the seat of power of Queen Macha, who gave the name 'Ard Macha' to the city, meaning Macha's height. It was also at the base of this hill that Saint Patrick set up his first Christian church. Colleges, schools and other churches grew around this church and by the eighth century the ancient settlement had been transformed into a major centre of learning. Ireland's status throughout Europe as the 'Isle of saints and scholars' was at this point well established.
However, such fame came with a price and soon the land starved Vikings were arriving on Armagh's doorstep. Between 831 and 1013, the settlement was raided at least ten times with many clergy, teachers and scholars being either killed or taken into slavery. The power of the Vikings diminished around the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, yet despite this the feuds in Armagh continued. This time the Irish themselves fought for control of the city.
The natural barrier, between north and south Ireland goes through Armagh, a long sand and gravel ditch, called the Black Pigs Dyke which though it looks man-made, like Hadrian's wall, is in fact a glacial, or Ice-age remnant. Bordered on the north by Irelands largest lake, Lough Neagh, Armagh is one of the 'Six counties' that make up the current Northern Ireland.
Today the city is a major educational and administrative centre, with a number of light industries to its name. The county also boasts an abundance of vibrant visitor attractions which explore the region's intriguing past and offer endless possibilities.
