PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO
In the heart of Northern Ireland, we have an array of wonderful things to do in the local area. Make your trip to Tandragee 100 extra special by ticking off some of these fabulous things to do. There’s something for everyone in the family!
Gosford Forest Park
Gosford Forest Park comprises some 240 hectares of diverse woodland and open parkland. It is managed by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and is open 365 days per year. The park is an adventure paradise for all the family. Enjoy facilities including play-parks, family mountain bike, horse and walking trails and a pump track.
Clare Glen
Clare Glen can be described as a delightful walk along the banks of the River Cusher in County Armagh. Many of the trees in the wood are multi-stemmed and the wood may have been managed by coppicing in the past. Hazel is abundant, with oak, ash and wych elm over a stunning ground layer of wood anemone, wild garlic and bluebells, and several different species of orchid (when in season).
Tayto Castle Factory
The Tayto Castle is over 500 years old and was originally the home of the O’Hanlon clan, one of the mightiest and most powerful clans in all of Ireland. In 1619 King James I of England confiscated the castle from the O’Hanlon’s because they took part in a rebellion against Hugh O’Neill in County Tyrone. Today, it is the home of where the terrific Tayto crisps are made!
Tandragee Golf Club
Tandragee Golf Club is situated within the historic walls of the Duke of Manchester’s estate. This well wooded parkland course is a good test of golf for any golfer who cares to visit. The course provides excellent views of the rolling County Armagh landscape with views of the Mournes in the distance.
Lurgaboy Adventure Centre
Lurgaboy Adventure Centre is an outdoor activity centre located in the beautiful Armagh countryside. It boasts a range of activities including Ireland’s longest zip-wire and high ropes course. Other activities include Archery, Orienteering, Tug of War, Kayaking, Coasteering, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing and many more.
Gosford Karting
Experience the thrill of racing on the outdoor tarmac track. Racing outdoors gives you the same experience as racing in a professional Grand Prix. Once you’ve tried it you will come back time and time again. They are members of the National Karting Association which sets very high standards and strict guidelines. Minimum height restriction 4 ft 3 inches and minimum age is 8 years old upwards.
Oxford Island & Lough Neagh Discovery Centre
A designated National Nature Reserve situated on the peninsula in the southern shores of Lough Neagh. From four miles of absorbing woodland trails to bird watching hides, unique boglands, rich wildflower strewn meadows and wildlife ponds, become immersed in the panoramic views of this stunning setting. Visit the Discovery Centre that features a delightful restaurant and artisan craft shop!
The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre
The city’s ‘Home Of Entertainment’, with a state-of-the-art venue and conference centre situated in the heart of Armagh City. Whatever the time of year you choose to visit, you’ll always find a plethora of activities and events to keep you busy and entertained. From top quality new, original theatre to comedy nights, from children’s shows to opera, from world-class ballet to professional pantomime, there’s something for everyone!
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
Northern Ireland’s leading astronomical research and education facility. It offers visitors a unique experience which makes it “the place for space”. In the Planetarium’s Digital Full Dome Theatre you can sit back, relax and experience the wonders of our Universe. Take a tour of the night sky, and discover how our scientific research has impacted the field of astronomy.
Navan Centre & Fort
One of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites, the legendary Emain Macha. Take a step back in time with a guided tour through the ancient Navan Fort, site of the great temple of 95BC. Learn about Iron Age life and the Celtic clan’s of the time. All tours take place in line with current COVID-19 guidelines on social distancing and limited numbers.
Ardress House
This charming 17th-century farmhouse, elegantly remodelled in Georgian times by the Ensor family, has a traditional farmyard and offers fun and relaxation for all the family. It is set in 40 hectares of countryside and surrounded by apple orchards, charming woodland and riverside walks. The atmosphere of a working farmyard has been rekindled with the return of small animals.
Moneypenny’s Forge & Lockhouse
There is no better place to learn the traditional skills of blacksmithing than the beautiful, historic location of Moneypenny’s Lock, on the Newry Canal outside Portadown. You can make sparks fly in the forge, where there is a range of classes to suit everyone from beginners to the more advanced metalworker. Or you can visit our canal-themed museum next door in the Lockhouse.
The Argory
Built in the 1820s, this handsome and atmospheric Irish gentry house is surrounded by a 130-hectare wooded riverside estate. The former home of the MacGeough Bond family, a tour of this Neo-classical masterpiece reveals it is unchanged since 1900. Outside there are sweeping vistas, superb spring bulbs, scenic walks and fascinating courtyard displays.
Brownlow House & Lurgan Park
Brownlow House is Lurgan’s grandest secular building, erected by Charles Brownlow. It is constructed in the Elizabethan style using freestone imported from Scotland, designed by William Playfair. Discover the magnificent scenery of the former Demesne of Brownlow House, spanning over 250 acres of parkland and steeped in history dating back to the late 1700’s.
Armagh Cider Company
Owned by Philip and Helen Troughton of Ballinteggart House, outside Portadown. The Troughton family have been growing apples there for four generations since 1898 and all their products are made ‘from blossom to bottle’ on the home farm. The family welcome groups to the farm to experience the entire process of cider making, giving visitors the opportunity to taste and compare all their products.
The F.E. McWilliam Gallery
Dedicated to the memory of sculptor Frederick Edward McWilliam, one of Ireland’s most influential and successful artists. The executors of his estate donated the sculptor’s studio and its contents to the town of his birth. It features a permanent display of McWilliam’s work, temporary exhibitions of Irish and international art, a craft shop, café and Banbridge Tourist Information Centre.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Adventure Playpark and The Giant’s Lair
Slieve Gullion is Ireland’s Mountain of Mystery. The Forest Park offers walking trails, a scenic drive, an Adventure Playpark, Giant’s Lair children’s story trail and Courtyard with coffee shop. Rising some 576m above the surrounding countryside, the broad slopes of Slieve Gullion dominate the landscape of south Armagh.
