Armagh is where Ireland's story begins — or at least where St Patrick decided it should. In the 5th century, he chose this hilltop city as the centre of Christianity in Ireland, and today two cathedrals bearing his name face each other across the skyline — one Church of Ireland, one Roman Catholic, each claiming the same patron saint. It's the ecclesiastical capital of all Ireland, and the tension between those two cathedrals on two hills tells you more about Irish history than most museums.
Two miles west, Navan Centre & Fort sits on the legendary Emain Macha — the ancient capital of Ulster in Irish mythology, dating back over 2,000 years. Fifteen miles north, Lough Neagh stretches across the landscape — the largest lake in Britain and Ireland, bigger than any lake in England, Scotland, or Wales.
For motorhomers, Armagh is a compact, manageable base in a part of Northern Ireland that most visitors skip in favour of the Causeway Coast. With 4 motorhome service points and camping on Lough Neagh's shore, it's a rewarding stop — especially if you have any interest in Ireland's deep history.
Motorhome Service Points
Four motorhome service points serve the Armagh area, at the caravan parks and campsite facilities.
Browse all Armagh motorhome service points
Where to Stay
Kinnego Marina & Campsite — On Lough Neagh
On the shore of Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles. Marina facilities and water sports available. Waking up on the edge of a lake this vast — 388 km² of water — is a different experience from typical UK camping. Birdwatching is excellent, particularly during migration seasons. Fishing on the lough is legendary for its eels (a Lough Neagh speciality exported across Europe).
Clare Glen Caravan Park
Near Armagh city. Family-friendly with play areas. A practical base for exploring the city's historic sites and making day trips in any direction.
The Two Cathedrals
Armagh's twin St Patrick's Cathedrals are the city's defining landmarks. The Church of Ireland cathedral sits on the hill where St Patrick founded his first stone church in 445 AD — making this site one of the oldest continuously used Christian sites in Ireland. The Roman Catholic cathedral, built in the 19th century, faces it from the opposite hill in a deliberate architectural statement.
Both are worth visiting. The Church of Ireland cathedral is older and more atmospheric. The Catholic cathedral is grander in scale with stunning mosaics. Together, they tell a story of faith, politics, and partition that echoes through everything in Northern Ireland.
Navan Centre & Fort
Two miles west of Armagh, the Navan Centre & Fort is built on Emain Macha — the ancient capital of Ulster in Irish mythology. This is where the legendary heroes of the Ulster Cycle lived and fought. The archaeological site dates back over 2,000 years, and the visitor centre brings the mythology to life with exhibitions and reconstructed ancient dwellings. For anyone interested in Celtic Ireland, this is one of the most important sites on the island.
Lough Neagh
At 388 km², Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles — larger than the Lake District's lakes combined. It sits 15 miles north of Armagh and touches five of Northern Ireland's six counties. For visitors:
- Birdwatching — Major habitat for overwintering birds. Oxford Island National Nature Reserve on the south shore is the best access point.
- Fishing — The lough is famous for its eels, which have been harvested here for centuries and exported to European markets. Pike, perch, and trout also present.
- Boat trips — Available from several points around the lough.
Cross-Border to the Republic
Armagh sits just a few miles from the border with the Republic of Ireland, and the crossing is completely seamless — no checkpoints, no passport control, no border infrastructure. You'll notice the road signs switch from miles to kilometres and the speed limit signs change design, but otherwise the border is invisible. This means Monaghan, Dundalk, and the Cooley Peninsula are easy day trips from Armagh.
Apple Country
Armagh is the apple capital of Northern Ireland, with orchards dotting the countryside around the city. In October, the local apple festival celebrates the harvest with tastings, farm visits, and cider events. If you're visiting in autumn, the orchards in full fruit against the drumlin hills are a quintessentially Irish landscape.
When to Visit
| Season | Highs | Lows | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 18°C | 10°C | Best weather. Long days (sunset past 10 PM in June). Green everything. Book caravan parks ahead for July-August. |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 14°C | 7°C | Apple harvest. Autumn colour. October festival. Shorter days, possibility of rain. |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 12°C | 4°C | Gradually warming. Apple blossoms in May. Easter can be busy. |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 7°C | 2°C | Cold and damp. Short days. Many caravan parks closed or reduced. But the cathedrals and museums don't close. |
Other Things to Do
- Armagh Planetarium — Observatory and planetarium with astronomy exhibitions and digital theatre shows. One of the oldest observatories in the British Isles.
- The Mall — Elegant Georgian green in the centre of Armagh, lined with handsome buildings. A pleasant walk.
- County Museum — Local history from prehistoric times through the Troubles.
RV Services
- Fuel: Petrol and diesel stations in Armagh city.
- Groceries: Tesco, Lidl, and local shops in Armagh.
- Note: Currency is British pounds sterling (£) in Northern Ireland. If you cross to the Republic, it switches to euros (€). Most larger shops near the border accept both.
Plan Your Armagh Stop
Armagh is Ireland's oldest city, and it wears its history openly — from 5th-century Christianity to 2,000-year-old mythology to 20th-century division. Camp on the largest lake in the British Isles, walk between two cathedrals named for the same saint, and cross an invisible border into another country. Not bad for a city most visitors never think to visit.
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