Southern Armagh
 Cathedrals |
The city of Armagh is the main urban area in this part of Armagh and dominating it is the impressive Catholic Cathedral of St. Patrick's. Although not strictly in S.Armagh, Navan Fort, lying just west of Armagh city is certainly worth mentioning because of its legendary association with the area. The fort is in fact Ireland's most significant ancient site with evidence of its occupation stretching back some 7000 years. The vital period of occupation here occurred from about 700 BC when the stronghold was built and rebuilt about seven times. For many hundreds of years Navan remained the great seat of northern power, rivalling Tara in the south. From here the Kings' of Ulster ruled and on the summit of the earthworks Queen Macha built her sumptuous palace.
The Navan Visitor Centre is full of information about the many myths associated with the site, the archaeological techniques employed in the various digs and, interestingly, explores many of the Celtic cultures, rituals and beliefs of pre-Christian Ireland. The huge site incorporates a second fort, an artificial lake and a large natural lake - it is well presented, informative and quite impressive in its own right.
Steeped in ancient culture, S.Armagh, despite the recent Troubles, remains the most beautiful part of the county. Many of its attractions are concentrated in and around the area known as the Ring of Gullian, a naturally formed ring-dyke of low-lying hills, which encircles the mountain at its core. People have lived here for more than 6000 years and there is a rich heritage of remains and monuments. Slieve Gullion (the mountain of Culainn) dominates the south-eastern corner of the county, and remains one of the most mysteriously beautiful mountains in Ireland, wreathed in a store of romantic legends. A holy well, dedicated to Saint Blise the founder of a nearby convent in the 5 th century, is awaiting discovery on the upper slopes of the mountain - pilgrims still visit this holy place on the saint's feast day. Closeby, and a little to the north, is Bessbrook, a 19 th century model village on the outskirts of which stands Derrymore House. The latter is an 18 th century thatched manor house, wherein the Act of Union was drafted in 1800.
Two miles south of Jonesborough, famous for its huge Sunday market, stands the Pillar Stone of Kilnasaggart, a strikingly impressive monument, beautifully inscribed and dating from about AD700 - it marks the site of an early Christian cemetery. In the far south-west corner of the county is Crossmaglen, which has, reputedly, the largest market square in Ireland - this remains staunch Catholic country. To the east is Creggan, undistinguished but for its Poets' Graveyard, so named because three 18 th century Gaelic poets reside there.