Armagh

Armagh is a city in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It is a historic religious centre best known for housing two cathedrals dedicated to Saint Patrick and for its status as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland. The name derives from Ard Mhacha, meaning “Macha’s height” or “the fort of Macha” in the ancient Irish language.

The city’s Christian origins date to the 5th century when Saint Patrick is said to have established a church there. Over time Armagh became the seat of both major churches on the island: the Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Armagh, giving the city a central role in Ireland’s church hierarchy.

Landmarks include St Patrick’s Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and St Patrick’s Cathedral of the Roman Catholic faith, both prominent towers marking the skyline. The city is also home to the Armagh Observatory, established in the 18th century, and the Armagh Planetarium, a public science centre.

With a population of around 15,000, Armagh serves as the administrative centre of the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area. Its economy combines public administration, education, retail, and tourism, drawn by its historic heritage.

The city is connected by road and local bus networks; there is no current passenger railway service in Armagh, with nearby towns providing rail links. Armagh continues to host cultural and religious events linked to its ancient heritage and serves as a regional centre for the arts and sciences in Northern Ireland.