Belfast Private Tour Option 5

Armagh and Downpatrick

Starting from the pier in Belfast

Tour Summary-
Type: Celtic and Religious History
Length: 8-8.5 Hours
Walking: Medium
Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
Guide: Tour Guide
Languages: English
Prices: Scroll Down or Click here for Prices

Belfast, Northern Ireland- This full day private tour focuses on Ireland's spiritual capital and the country's Patron Saint Patrick. After meeting your driver and private tour guide you immediately depart for Armagh.

Armagh has been Ireland’s spiritual capital for 1,500 years and also the seat of both the Protestant and Catholic archbishops. The venerable city of Armagh predates Canterbury as a Christian religious site. Armagh was also the legendary seat of the Celtic kings of Ulster. It's a vibrant city, with hospitable people and great attractions. Elegant Georgian buildings surround the city's magnificent oval tree lined Mall, where cricket is played in summer.

You visit the Navan Fort & Interpretative Center which is the principal archaeological site in Northern Ireland. The Egyptian geographer Ptolemy marked this site on his map of the known world in the 2nd century naming it Isamnium.  Emain Macha, the Gaelic name for Navan Fort, translates to  ‘the twins of Macha’ and it comes from just one of the intriguing legends surrounding Navan Fort. The hill was the site for homes and a huge temple during the Iron and Bronze Ages. Close by is a Bronze Age pond now called the King’s stables and remains of bronze casting have been found here. The Interpretative Center tells its story through a three-part exhibition. ‘The dawning’ is a short film about the pre-Christian and Celtic world.  ‘The real world’ explains the archaeological discoveries and ‘the other world’ brings to life the stories and legends of Cuchulain and others heroes of Irish legend.  Your local guides are very knowledgeable and will contribute a lot to your visit.

Next is a visit to St. Patrick's Church of Ireland (Anglican) Cathedral in Armagh. The Cathedral lays claim to the summit of Armagh’s principal hill, Druim Saileach (Sallow Ridge) and is the site where St Patrick founded his first church in 445 AD. He ordained that Armagh should have the pre-eminence over all the churches of Ireland, a position still held to this day. A series of churches occupied the site since 445 and the core of the present building is medieval. As you enter the Church you will see the remnants of an 11th century high cross and a startling statue of Thomas Molyneux. The chapter house has a collection of stone statues including the Tandragee idol and a Sheila-na-gig with ass’ ears.  Brian Boru, Ireland’s first High King and the king responsible for the defeat of the Vikings in 1014 is buried in the Cathedral.

After your morning in Armagh you have free time to enjoy lunch on your own. If your private group is 15 or more people we can arrange a lunch in a typical pub.

This afternoon you drive to Downpatrick where you stop to visit the St Patrick’s Center, a new and exciting interpretative exhibition, which tells the fascinating story of Ireland's Patron Saint. Through Patrick's own words, a light shone on the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and its development through his mission. A series of interactive displays allows visitors to explore how Patrick's legacy developed in early Christian times and reveals the fabulous artwork and metalwork, which was produced during this Golden Age. The exhibition also examines the major impact of Irish missionaries in Dark Age Europe, a legacy that remains to this day.

You return to the pier in Belfast later this afternoon.

Tour Breakdown-
1- Meet Guide and drive to Armagh- 1 Hour
2- Visit Navan Fort- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
3- Visit St. Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral- 45 Minutes
4- Free time for Lunch- 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
5- Drive to Downpatrick- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
6- Visit St. Patrick's Center- 1 Hour
7- Return to pier in Belfast- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes

See More Options in this Port

Private Sightseeing Tours and Shore Excursions from Belfast