Dear Christa,
You have certainly been doing a lot of organising for this holiday. It’s a great itinerary and you have a lot included in it. I am sure you would like to pack as much as possible into it but you are not giving yourself much time at each location. I just wonder would you be a bit rushed and not be able to take in all the wonderful sites etc.
Really if you had the time I would suggest a visit to Armagh. Armagh is really central and the furthest Northern Ireland County is only one and a half hours drive away. It is known as the Orchard County and towards the north of the county there are lots of apple orchards covered with rows of Bramley apples. In early May the orchards are in full bloom with white and pink blossom that last for only a short while.
As you approach Armagh, you’ll notice its most distinctive landmarks right away. From opposite hills, two striking cathedrals face each other across a valley, both honouring St Patrick. Saint Patrick’s Church Of Ireland Cathedral and Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral.
Also in Armagh, a visit to The Navan Centre & Fort is a must. The Navan Centre & Fort is located just 2 miles outside the ancient Cathedral City of Armagh and provides interpretation of one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites, the legendary ‘Emain Macha’, otherwise called Navan Fort.
Within our Borough are two other great places to visit, Craigavon and Banbridge.
In Banbridge Ferguson’s Irish Linen. It was established in 1854, and they are widely recognised as being the finest of Irish Weavers.
The F E McWilliam Gallery and Studio in Banbridge is dedicated to the memory of sculptor Frederick Edward McWilliam, one of Ireland’s most influential and successful artists. Featuring a permanent display of McWilliam’s work, temporary exhibitions of Irish and international art, a craft shop, café and Banbridge Tourist Information Centre.
In the Craigavon area is Brownlow House, Lurgan’s grandest secular building erected by Charles Brownlow. A special feature there is the World War II exhibition.
Also in the Craigavon area is Ballydougan Pottery. Watch the master craftsmen at work in the Pottery workshops where you too can take a turn on the potter’s wheel and be creative. Meander around the Gift Shop or sit in the courtyard garden and enjoy a freshly made cappuccino from their Restaurant & Coffee Shop.
A visit to Kinnego Marina, the largest marina on Lough Neagh. Situated by the Oxford Island National Nature Reserve it also has a fully serviced caravan park.
Explore the sublime beauty of Oxford Island – a designated National Nature Reserve situated on the peninsula in the southern shores of Lough Neagh.
Finally follow the Saint Patrick’s Trail through a host of Christian sites at Bangor, the Ards Peninsula, Downpatrick, Newry and Armagh to uncover just how strong Northern Ireland’s links are with this patron saint. The 92-mile linear driving route links 15 key sites, all identified as having some connection to his life, legacy or landscape – they are all just waiting to be explored
https://visitarmagh.com/trails/drive-st-patricks-trail/There are so many wonderful and special things /to experience that I have only mentioned a few. All information can be viewed on
https://visitarmagh.com/July and August are really popular times for holidays and you really should make reservations at the campsites beforehand.
If you do get time to visit Armagh Christa, do call into Armagh Visitor Information Centre and the staff will be delighted to help with any enquiries you may have.
Kind regards, Marion